Projet :Shadowrun Dragonfall Fr
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Texte source — anglais Traduction — français
Adrenal Contractor Glande surrénale
When triggered, gain +1 AP but take an additional 2 DMG from attacks. Lasts 3 RNDS. Une fois déclenché, vous gagnez +1 AP mais subissez 2 DMG supplémentaires par attaques. Dure 3 rounds
Adrenal Pump: AP +1, incoming DMG +2 Pompe surrénales: AP 1, DMG entrant +2
The door slides open, revealing a group of figures wearing green cloaks. The tallest of the figures stands just in front of you, a slight smile on his face.

His eyes are full of intelligence and malice.		 La porte coulisse, révélant un groupe de personnages portant des manteaux verts. Le plus grand se trouve juste en face de vous, un léger sourire sur son visage. Ses yeux sont pleins d'intelligence et de malice.
Ah. At last, our intruder arrives.

{{GM}}His voice is slow and soft, with a slight Aztlaner accent.{{/GM}}

You are a shadowrunner, here on a job. This much is obvious. So tell me... who has sent you here?		 Ah. Enfin, notre intrus arrive.

{{GM}}Sa voix est lente et douce, avec un léger accent Aztlan. {{/GM}}

Vous êtes un shadowrunner, ici pour un run. ça semble évident. Alors dis-moi ... qui vous a envoyé ici?
Ask me again nicely. Demandez-moi à nouveau gentiment.
I'm the $(s.race) that's gonna bring this place down. That's all you need to know. Je suis l'$(s.race) qui va raser cet endroit. C'est tout ce que vous devez savoir.
I'm the $(s.man) that's gonna bring this place down. That's all you need to know. Je suis l'$(s.man)) qui va raser cet endroit. C'est tout ce que vous devez savoir.
You don't scare me, blood mage. Vous ne me faites pas peur, mage de sang.
{{GM}}The blood mage pauses for a moment, inspecting you.{{/GM}}

Such insolence! Such hubris.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

So very, very foolish.		 {{GM}}Le mage de sang s'interrompt un moment, vous inspectant.{{/GM}}

Une telle insolence ! Une telle démesure.

{{GM}}Il secoue la tête.{{/GM}}

Tellement, tellement stupide.
You will answer my questions, pest. Whether you want to or not. Vous allez répondre à mes questions, insecte. Que vous le vouliez ou non.
His mouth twists into a cruel smile. In a single, smooth motion, he pulls a knife from his belt and draws it along his own forearm. The blade leaves a stripe of bright red blood in its wake.

Still smiling, he begins to chant.		 Sa bouche se tord en un sourire cruel. En un instant, d'un mouvement fluide, il sort un couteau de sa ceinture et fait courir la lame sur son avant bras. La lame laisse une bande de sang rouge vif dans son sillage.

Toujours souriant, il commence à chanter.
{{CC}}Quickness: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} {{GM}}Attack him before he can finish.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Rapidité: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} {{GM}}Attaquez-le avant qu'il ne puisse terminer.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Reach for your weapon.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Atteindre votre arme.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Allow him to finish.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Autoriser-lui à terminer.{{/GM}}
The blood mage is caught off guard, but only for a moment. He adjusts with inhuman speed, sending his ritualistic blade clattering to the ground and dropping into a defensive stance. Le mage de sang est pris au dépourvu, mais seulement pour un moment. Il se reprend avec une vitesse surhumaine, envoyant sa lame rituelle crépitante au sol et retombant en position défensive.
You reach for your weapon, but too slowly. Much too slowly.

A horrible twisting sensation wracks your guts, and a blinding pain ignites behind your eyes.		 Vous attrapez votre arme, mais trop lentement. Beaucoup trop lentement.

Une sensation horrible de vrillage vous ronge les tripes, et une douleur cuisante s'enflamme derrière vos yeux.
As you struggle to keep your footing, you hear grunts of pain from all around you. Your teammates, doubling over in agony.

The blood mage stands impassively, his lips slightly parted. A whispered chant spills from him, and every syllable is like another dagger in your stomach.		 Alors que vous avez du mal à garder l'équilibre, vous entendez des grognements de douleurs s'élevant autour de vous. Vos coéquipiers, doublement à l'agonie.

Le mage de sang se tient impassible, ses lèvres légèrement entrouvertes. Un chant murmuré se déverse de celles-ci, et chaque syllabe est comme un nouveau coup de poignard dans votre estomac.
Your tongue feels strangely thick, and to your horror, it begins moving of its own accord. Crawling, probing, straining against the roof of your mouth. Struggling for release. Votre langue semble étrangement épaisse, et à votre grande horreur, elle commence à bouger de son propre chef. Rampant, tâtonnant, mettant à rude épreuve votre palais. Luttant pour sa liberté.
Somehow, on some instinctive level, you *know* that this sensation will only continue to get worse.

And you know that speaking the truth is the only way to stop it.		 En quelque sorte, à un certain niveau instinctif, vous *savez* que cette sensation ne fera que s'aggraver.

Et vous savez que dire la vérité est le seul moyen pour l'arrêter.
{{CC}}Adept Power: Magic Resistance{{/CC}} {{GM}}Focus your Chi to deflect the spell.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Pouvoir d'adapte: Résistance magique{{/CC}} {{GM}}Concentrer votre Chi afin de détourner les sorts.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Adept Power: Pain Resistance{{/CC}} {{GM}}Focus your Chi to ignore the pain.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Pouvoir d'adapte: Résistance à la douleur{{/CC}} {{GM}}Concentrer votre Chi afin d'ignorer la douleur.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Body: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} {{GM}}Suffer through it.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Corps: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} {{GM}}Souffrir au travers.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Give in and speak the truth.{{/GM}} {{GM}} Céder et dire la vérité. {{/ GM}}
Mustering your inner strength, you form your Chi into a protective shell.

The baneful magic dissipates like a bad dream.		 Rassemblant votre force intérieure, vous modelez votre Chi dans une carapace protectrice.

La magie funeste se dissipe comme un mauvais rêve.
The desire to speak the truth slowly fades.

Your body is, once again, under your own control.		 Le désir de dire la vérité disparaît lentement.

Votre corps est, une fois de plus, sous votre contrôle.
If the blood mage is aware that you've resisted his magic, he doesn't show it.

He and his colleagues stand patiently, smiles on their faces, waiting for you to speak.		 Si le mage de sang est conscient que vous avez résisté à sa magie, il n'en montre rien.

Lui et ses collègues attendent patiemment, des sourires sur leurs visages, que vous vous mettiez à table.
Your magic is weak, blood mage. Votre magie est faible, mage de sang.
{{GM}}Attack, taking the blood mage by surprise.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Attaque, prenant le mage de sang par surprise.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}His eyes widen in surprise, and he takes a step backward. He points a crooked finger at you.{{/GM}}

This one is dangerous! Kill $(l.him)!		 {{GM}}Ses yeux s'écarquillent de surprise, et il recule d'un pas. Pointant un doigt tordu sur vous.{{/GM}}

Celui la est dangereux ! Tuez $(l.him)!
The blood mage's eyes go wide with surprise. Seizing the opportunity, you attack. Les yeux du mage de sang s'écarquillent de surprise. Sautant sur l'occasion, vous attaquez.
Mustering your inner strength, you channel your Chi inward, to the core of your being. The power of your focus salves your screaming nerve endings and quiets your restless tongue.

The pain dissipates like a bad dream.		 Rassemblant votre force intérieure, vous canaliser votre Chi vers l'intérieur, au cœur de votre être. La puissance de votre concentration anesthésie vos terminaisons nerveuses et apaise votre langue agitée.

La douleur se dissipe comme un mauvais rêve.
The pain is hideous, but you're tough as nails. You ignore it, let your mind go somewhere else.

It works, but only just barely. And the pain is getting worse.		 La douleur est insupportable, mais vous êtes coriace. Vous l'ignorez, laissant votre esprit s'évader.

Ca fonctionne, mais à peine. Et la douleur ne fait qu'empirer.
Through it all, you feel the maddening, compulsive desire to tell the truth.

You know that if you don't act now, you'll eventually give in... it's just a matter of time.		 A travers tout ca, vous sentez l'affolant désir compulsif de dire la vérité.

Vous savez que si vous n'agissez pas maintenant, vous finirez par craquer... ce n'est qu'une question de temps.
{{GM}}Give in and tell the truth.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Céder et dire la vérité. {{/ GM}}
{{CC}}Willpower: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Struggle through the pain and attack.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Volonté: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Surpasser la douleur et attaquer.{{/GM}}
You unclench your jaw, and the words begin to spill out of you. They come in a torrent, in a flood.

You tell him about your job. About your client. About Amsel, and Monika, and Green Winters. Everything.

You retch out the truth, and the pain begins to subside.		 Vous desserrer votre mâchoire, et les mots commencent à jaillir de vous. Ils s'écoulent de vous comme un torrent, comme une inondation.

Vous crachez le morceau au sujet de votre travail, de votre client, d'Amsel et Monika, et même de Green Winters. Tout.

Vous vomissez la vérité, et la douleur commence à se calmer.
Well, that was *very* enlightening. Thank you for your cooperation, $(l.name).

I'll be sure to tastefully memorialize you in my report.		 Eh bien, cela a été *très* instructif. Nous vous remercions de votre coopération, $(l.name).

Je ne manquerai pas de vous immortaliser avec goût dans mon rapport.
You stand impassively as the blood mage completes his chant.

As the last syllable escapes his lips, a blinding pain ignites behind your eyes. Slowly, a horrible twisting sensation begins to build in your guts, and the blood mage's smile widens.		 Vous vous tenez impassible pendant que le mage de sang achève son chant.

Alors que la dernière syllabe s'échappe de ses lèvres, une douleur aveuglante transperce votre esprit. Lentement, une horrible sensation de vrillage commence à ronger vos tripes, et le sourire de la mage de sang élargit.
Ballistic Cloth Suit Costume balistique en tissu
A tailored suit. Lends an air of quiet authority and class. Grants +2 Charisma Un costume sur mesure. Donne un air d'autorité tranquille et classe. Octroi +2 en Charisme
You could probably hack this security console to seize control of the building's cameras... if you didn't already control them. Vous pourriez probablement pirater cette console de sécurité pour prendre le contrôle des caméras du bâtiment... si vous n'en avez pas déjà le contrôle.
You step inside, and the squalor of the disused U-Bahn tunnel gives way to the warmth of your safehouse. A man waits inside, silhouetted against the dim fluorescent lighting. Vous entrez à l'intérieur, et la misère du tunnel U-Bahn désaffectée cède place à la chaleur de votre planque. Un homme attend à l'intérieur, sa silhouette se découpant dans le faible éclairage fluorescent.
Something bad has happened, hasn't it?

{{GM}}He steps forward, revealing a pale and expressionless face, light glinting off of steel-rimmed glasses. Paul Amsel. Your team's fixer and landlord. Part deal-maker, part information broker. One of the most well-connected men in Berlin.{{/GM}}		 Quelque chose de mauvais est arrivé, non ?

{{GM}}Il fait un pas en avant, révélant un visage pâle et inexpressif, la lumière se reflétant sur la monture en acier de ses lunettes. Paul Amsel. Le fixer de votre équipe et son propriétaire. Fournisseur de run et d'informations. Un des hommes les mieux informés de Berlin.{{/GM}}
His eyes sweep across the team as he takes it all in. The grim faces. The hard stares. Eiger's fury. Monika's absence. Ses yeux balaient l'équipe alors qu'il prend conscience de votre état. Les visages sombres. Les regards durs. La fureur de Eiger. L'absence de Monika.
I had a feeling. How did she...?

{{GM}}His face has gone ashen. He swallows. Takes a moment to chew on the words before spitting them out.{{/GM}}

...How did it happen?		 J'avais un mauvais pressentiment. Comment est elle...?

{{GM}}Son visage devient blême. Il déglutit. Prend un moment, pensant ses mots avant de les cracher.{{/GM}}

...Comment est-ce arrivé?
{{CC}}Decking: 2{{/CC}} Something in the vault security system cooked her brain. It was too quick to be Black IC. {{CC}}Decking: 2{{/CC}} Quelque chose dans le système de sécurité lui à cramé le cerveau. C'était bien trop rapide pour être une Glace Noire.
Something in the vault security system got her while she was jacked in. It was over in an instant. Quelque chose dans le système de sécurité l'a attrapé alors qu'elle était connectée. Ca a été rapide.
The run was a setup. One minute she was cracking the safe. The next, she was on the ground screaming. Le run se déroulait bien. Elle craquait la porte de sécurité et la minute d'après, elle se tordait sur le sol en hurlant.
I've seen Monika hit Black IC before. This... this was something worse. Je déjà vu Monika défoncer une Glace Noire par le passé. Ce ... c'était quelque chose de bien pire.
{{GM}}Glory nods, her motions robotic and spare.{{/GM}}

Monika died of a biofeedback-induced stroke.		 {{GM}}Glory hoche la tête dans un bruit de piston et acquiesce.{{/GM}}

Monika est décédé d'un accident vasculaire cérébral induit par un biofeedback.
That's right.

{{GM}}Eiger thrusts a gloved finger into your chest.{{/GM}}

And THIS idiot stood by and let it happen.		 C'est vrai.

{{GM}}Eiger enfonce un doigt ganté dans votre poitrine.{{/GM}}

Et cet IDIOT se tenait là sans rien faire.
{{GM}}Brush her finger aside.{{/GM}} That’s bullshit, Eiger. You weren't even in the room. {{GM}}Déplacer son doigt de côté.{{/GM}} C'est des conneries, Eiger. Tu n'étais même pas dans la pièce.
{{GM}}Shove her hand away.{{/GM}} Poke me again. I dare you. {{GM}}Repoussant sa main.{{/GM}} Ne me touche plus jamais.
{{GM}}Ignore it.{{/GM}} "Let it happen"? She jacked in, she screamed, and she seized. By the time we saw she was in trouble, it was already too late. {{GM}}Ignore it.{{/GM}} "Sans rien faire"? Elle s'est branchée, elle a hurlé, et elle est morte. Au moment où nous avons vu qu'elle était en difficulté, il était déjà trop tard.
{{GM}}Say nothing.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Ne rien dire.{{/GM}}
No, I wasn't there, and that's *exactly* the problem.

If I'd been in your place, Monika would still be alive and with us. Instead, I left her with you, and now my friend is a corpse in a basement.		 Non, je n'étais pas la et c'est *exactement* le problème.

Si j'avais été à ta place, Monika serait toujours en vie et avec nous. Mais au contraire, je l'ai laissé avec toi, et maintenant le corps de mon amie est dans un sous-sol.
Look, Eiger. $(l.name)'s right. You *weren't* stuck in that basement with us. You *don't* know how things went down in there.

So do us all a favor and shut it down, okay?		 Ecoutes, Eiger. $(l.name) a raison. Tu *n'étais* pas coincée dans le sous-sol avec nous. Tu ne *sais* pas combien les choses sont devenues merdiques là-bas.

Alors fais nous une faveur et fermes la, okay?
Shut it down? Fuck that.

{{GM}}Eiger turns to face Dietrich. She towers over him, but he stands his ground.{{/GM}}

I respect you, Dietrich. You know that. But you don’t have my training. None of you have.		 La fermer? Va te faire foutre.

{{GM}}Eiger se tourne pour faire face à Dietrich. Elle le domine de toute sa taille, mais il ne recule pas d'un pouce.{{/GM}}

Je te respecte Dietrich. Tu sais ca. Mais tu n'as pas mon entrainement. Aucun de vous ne l'a.
Monika was good. She was the best, right?

But she was also overconfident. She treated the job like it was a game. Do that long enough, and you're gonna get burned.		 Monika était bonne. Elle était la meilleure, non?

Mais elle était aussi trop confiante. Elle a traité ce run comme un jeu. Fais ca trop longtemps, et tu finis par te brûler.
{{GM}}Eiger turns her focus back to you.{{/GM}}

If you'd been paying attention, you'd have figured all of this out on your own by now. You'd've known that Monika needed watching as much as that door.		 {{GM}}Eiger tourne son attention vers vous.{{/GM}}

Si tu avais fait attention, tu aurais compris que Monika avait besoin d'analyser un peu plus cette porte avant de la craquer.
Enough, Eiger.

{{GM}}Amsel's voice is hoarse, his expression blank.{{/GM}}

Enough.		 Assez, Eiger.

{{GM}}La voix d'Amsel est rauque, son expression vide.{{/GM}}

Assez.
{{GM}}Eiger pushes ahead, heedless of the interruption. Her voice remains measured, but there's fire in her eyes.{{/GM}}

How many seconds passed between Monika's first convulsion and her plug getting pulled? Four? Five?

Do you know how much damage biofeedback can do to a decker's brain in five seconds?		 {{GM}}Eiger continue, sans se soucier de l'interruption. Sa voix reste mesurée, mais un feu couve dans son regard.{{/GM}}

Combien de seconde se sont écoulées entre la première convulsion de Monika et sa déconnexion? Quatre? Cinq?

As tu la moindre idée des dégâts qu'un biofeedback peut faire au cerveau d'un decker en cinq secondes?
Eiger, I don't-- Eiger, je ne...
How dare you-- Comment oses-tu..
Look, this won't-- Ecoutes, ce n'est pas...
You don't have to answer that. Of course you know.

Monika died while you stood there and watched. This is all YOUR f--		 Pas besoin de répondre à ca. Bien sur que tu le sais.

Monika est morte pendant que tu restais planté là en regardant. Tout est de TA f...
That is ENOUGH.

{{GM}}Amsel's voice comes out in a roar, and his fist smashes down on the desk behind him.{{/GM}}

Eiger, you and $(l.name) can have it out later. But I’ve had enough.		 Ca SUFFIT.

{{GM}}La voix d'Amsel sort en un rugissement, et son poing fracasse sur le bureau derrière lui.{{/GM}}

Eiger, toi et $(l.name) réglerez vos comptes plus tard. J'en ai assez maintenant.
We need to talk *action.* Our client sent you into something much bigger than he'd led us to believe. I want to know why. Nous devons planifier nos *actions*. Notre client vous a envoyé sur quelque chose de bien plus gros que ce qu'il nous a laissé entendre. Je veux savoir pourquoi.
Right there with you. This was supposed to be a milk run. Je suis d'accord avec vous. C'était supposé être une promenade de santé.
Payback isn't the only reason why we need to find him. We saw something back there... something that we weren't supposed to see.

It's fair to assume that we're all still in danger.		 Le paiement n'est pas la seule raison pour laquelle nous devons le retrouver. Nous avons vu quelque chose là-bas... quelque chose que nous n'étions pas supposé voir.

Il est logique de supposer que nous sommes toujours en danger.
{{GM}}He pauses. Rubs his temples.{{/GM}}

Agreed. And to neutralize that danger, we need to know who we are dealing with.		 {{GM}}Il fait une pause. Se massant les tempes.{{/GM}}

Je suis d'accord. Et pour neutraliser ce danger, nous avons besoin de savoir à qui nous sommes confrontés.
Let us review the events that transpired tonight.

The smallest detail could be important, so hold nothing back.		 Passons en revue les événements survenus ce soir.

Le plus petit détail pourrait être important, alors soyez précis.
The estate was just a front for whatever was going on in the basement. Le manoir n'était qu'une façade pour tout ce qui se passait dans le sous-sol.
After everything went to hell, we were confronted by an ork in military-grade armor. Après tout est parti de travers, nous avons été confrontés à un ork en armure de qualité militaire.
Monika lived long enough to say a name: "Feuerschwinge." She fought hard to tell us... it must be important. Monika a survécu assez longtemps pour prononcer un nom: "Feuerschwinge". Elle a lutté pour nous le dire ... il doit être important.
That's all we’ve got. Voilà tout ce que nous avons.
{{GM}}Amsel nods.{{/GM}}

That much is clear.		 {{GM}}Amsel hoche la tête.{{/GM}}

Voilà qui est clair.
It wasn’t a minor enterprise, either. That facility took serious funds to build. Ce n'était pas une entreprise mineure. Ces installations ont dû couter très chères à construire.
And time. There was more to it than we saw. Places like that don’t spring up overnight. Et du temps. Elles étaient plus étendues que ce que nous avons vu. Des endroits comme ça ne poussent pas en une nuit.
And all in secret. The owners - whoever they may be - were none too pleased by your escape, I'm sure.

What else did you find?		 Et tout ça dans le secret le plus complet. Les propriétaires - quels qu'ils soient - ne devaient pas être ravis de notre évasion, je pari

Qu'avez vous trouvé d'autre?
He appeared to be the head of security. Il semblait être le chef de la sécurité.
That is not... much to go on.

Do any details about this ork come to mind? Any distinguishing features that I could look into?		 C'est peu...

D'autres détails concernant cet ork vous reviennent à l'esprit? Aucun signe particulier avec lequel travailler?
He was an older guy, for one. From the sound of his voice, I'm guessing mid-to-late forties. Pretty old for an ork. C'était un type plutôt âgé. Au son de sa voix, je dirais la quarantaine bien tassée. Plutôt vieux pour un ork.
And he'd had skin grafts. Most of his face looked like replacement material.

If the grafts came from a legitimate hospital, there may be medical records.		 Et il avait subit des greffes de peau. La majorité de son visage semblait artificiel.

Si les greffes provenaient d'un hôpital, il peut y avoir des dossiers médicaux.
That is something. I will see what I can find out.

Did you note anything else during the run that may be of value?		 C'est un début. Je vais voir ce que je peux trouver.

Avez-vous remarqué quelque chose d'autre pendant ce run qui pourrait nous être utile?
{{GM}}Amsel seems taken aback. He pauses for a moment before responding.{{/GM}}

The Firewing. This is... unexpected.

You'll have to forgive me... this brings back many unpleasant memories.		 {{GM}}Amsel semble interloqué. Il prend un moment avant de répondre.{{/GM}}

Aile de feu. C'est... inattendu.

Vous me pardonnerez... Ce nom ramène beaucoup de souvenirs désagréables à la surface.
{{GM}}Glory raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

The Firewing?		 {{GM}}Glory lève un sourcil.{{/GM}}

Aile de feu ?
The most terrible of the Great Dragons. There are those who would disagree, but they never experienced the terror of living in her shadow.

{{GM}}He glances at Glory.{{/GM}}

You are far too young to remember her, of course. But for Germans of my generation, the name "Feuerschwinge" is synonymous with chaos, destruction, and death.		 Le plus terrible des Grands Dragons. Certains ne seraient pas d'accord, mais ils n'ont jamais éprouvé la terreur de vivre sous son ombre.

{{GM}}Il regarde Glory.{{/GM}}

Tu es bien trop jeune pour te souvenir d'elle, bien sur. Mais pour les allemands de ma génération, le nom "Feuerschwinge" va de pair avec le chaos, la destruction, et la mort.
The dragons of today are subtle creatures, full of patience and guile. Feuerschwinge was not.

After her Awakening, she went on a four-month rampage that claimed tens of thousands of lives.		 Les dragons d'aujourd'hui sont des créatures subtiles, pleine de patience et de ruse. Feuerschwinge ne l'était pas.

Après son réveil, elle a fait un carnage qui a duré quatre mois et causé des dizaines de milliers de morts.
{{GM}}Amsel takes a deep breath. Slowly releases it. There is a haunted look in his eyes.{{/GM}}

Those were dark days. Countless men, women, and children were slaughtered, roasted alive in their homes by a creature of legend. No hope for salvation, and no end in sight.

It was a horror that you cannot begin to understand.		 {{GM}}Amsel prend une grande respiration. La relachant lentement. Son regard est comme hanté.{{/GM}}

Ce furent des jours sombres. D'innombrables hommes, femmes et enfants ont été massacrés, brûlés vifs dans leurs maisons par cette créature de légende. Aucune chance de salut et aucune fin en vue.

C'était une horreur comme vous ne pourriez l'imaginer.
What stopped her? I can't imagine that a rampaging dragon would just go away on its own. Qu'Est-ce-qui l'arrêta? Je ne peux imaginer qu'un dragon déchaîné se soit stoppé de lui même.
Eventually, the Firewing was brought down by a man named Dr. Adrian Vauclair. Well - with the help of the Luftwaffe, of course. But it was experimental weapons designed by Dr. Vauclair that finally pierced her hide.

She fell in a hail of bullets and rocket fire, and crashed down in the radioactive wasteland of the SOX.		 Finalement, Aile de feu a été abattu par le docteur Adrian Vauclair. Enfin - avec l'aide de la Luftwaffe, bien sur. Mais c'est bien les armes expérimentales conçues par Dr. Vauclair qui ont finalement percé sa peau.

Elle est tombée dans une grêle de balles et les tirs de roquettes, et elle s'est écrasée dans le désert radioactif de SOX.
This event was called the Dragonfall. Cet événement a été appelé la Chute du Dragon.
Safe at last from the dragon's wrath, Germany celebrated Vauclair as a hero... our own Siegfried, a modern-day dragonslayer. My own family practically worshiped the man. Délivré de la colère du dragon, L'Allemagne a célébré Vauclair comme un héros. Notre propre Siegfried, un tueur de dragon des temps modernes. Ma propre famille a pratiquement déifié cet homme.
If the Dragonfall was as important an event as you make it out to be, I'm surprised that I've never heard of it. Si la Chute du Dragon a été un évènement aussi important que vous le dite, je suis surpris de n'en avoir jamais entendu parlé.
Those early years of the Awakening were traumatic, Eiger. Not just on a national level, but on a global scale.

New species of Awakened animals were being discovered daily. Within two years of the Dragonfall, the active use of magic had returned to the world... a new source of terror for a bewildered public. And in 2021, the sudden emergence of orks and trolls gave rise to yet another wave of global panic.		 Les premières années de l'Eveil ont été traumatisantes, Eiger. Pas seulement au niveau national, mais à l'échelle mondiale.

De nouvelles espèces d'animaux éveillés ont été découverts tous les jours. Dans les deux ans suivant la Chute du Dragon, le monde redécouvrait l'utilisation active de la magie... une nouvelle source de terreur pour un public perplexe. Et en 2021, la soudaine émergence des orks et des trolls a donné lieu à une nouvelle vague de panique mondiale.
In light of such turmoil, is it any surprise that Dr. Vauclair and the Firewing were forgotten?

Dragons were yesterday's news.		 A la lumière de ces évènements traumatiques, est-il surprenant que le Dr Vauclair et Aile de feu aient été oublié?

Le retour des dragons, c'était déjà une nouvelle périmée.
{{GM}}He rubs his temples.{{/GM}}

Again, all of this happened decades ago. To the best of my knowledge, the story of Feuerschwinge is a bit of historical trivia, and nothing more.		 {{GM}}Il se masse les tempes.{{/GM}}

Encore une fois, tout cela est arrivé il ya plusieurs décennies. Au meilleur de ma connaissance, l'histoire de Feuerschwinge est un fragment anecdotique de notre histoire, et rien de plus.
All right. So Monika spent her dying breath trying to tell us about a long-dead dragon.

{{GM}}Eiger sweeps her eyes across the group, searching for a glimmer of insight. Finally, she gives up.{{/GM}}

Any ideas as to why?		 Bien. Donc, Monika a dépensé son dernier souffle en essayant de nous parler d'un dragon mort depuis un bail.

{{GM}}Eiger balaie l'ensemble du groupe du regard, à la recherche d'une lueur de compréhension. Finalement, elle préfère laisser tomber.{{/GM}}

Des idées quant à ça?
{{GM}}Amsel's voice trembles with frustration.{{/GM}}

No. It doesn't make any more sense to me than it does to you... the Dragonfall is ancient history. Feuerschwinge has been dead and gone for forty two years.

But there's one thing that I do know. Whatever Monika saw... whatever she was trying to tell us... it was *important.*		 {{GM}}La voix d'Amsel tremble de frustration.{{/GM}}

Non. Ca n'a pas plus de sens pour moi que pour vous... La Chute du Dragon est une histoire ancienne. Feuerschwinge est morte et enterrée depuis 42 ans.

Mais il y a une chose que je sais. Quel que soit ce que Monika a vu... quel que soit ce qu'elle essayait de nous dire... c'était *important*
{{GM}}He visibly struggles to calm himself. Takes a deep breath, then slowly releases it.{{/GM}}

I will look into this, and I will find answers. In the meantime, did you turn up anything else of value?		 {{GM}}Il se bat visiblement pour se calmer. Prenant une profonde respiration, puis expirant lentement.{{/GM}}

Je vais examiner tout ca, et je vais trouver des réponses. En attendant, avez vous découvert autre chose d'intéressant?
That’s not much. C'est peu.
{{GM}}Amsel nods. His face is drawn and haggard.{{/GM}}

It is thin, I agree. A basement, a middle-aged ork with skin grafts, and a long-forgotten world event.		 {{GM}}Amsel secoue la tête. Son visage est tiré et hagard.{{/GM}}

C'est très mince, je suis d'accord. Un complexe souterrain, un ork d'âge moyen avec des greffes de peau, et un événement mondial depuis longtemps oubliée.
Wait. We’re still missing something. Who paid for this run? Attendez. Il nous manque toujours quelque chose. Qui a payé pour ce run?
You haven’t said a thing about our client yet, Paul. You holding out on us? Vous n'avez encore rien dit à propos de notre client, Paul. Vous nous cachez quelque chose?
Whoever sent us knew what we were walking into. We were set up. Celui qui nous a embauché savait dans quoi nous tomberions. Nous avons été utilisé.
{{GM}}Amsel looks pained.{{/GM}}

I do not know his exact identity. I did not set up the run.

Monika did.		 {{GM}}Amsel semble peiné.{{/GM}}

Je ne connais pas son identité exacte. Je n'ai pas servi d'intermédiaire sur ce run.

Monika l'a fait.
{{GM}}His face reddens.{{/GM}}

I… I warned her. I told her not to take the job. But she assured me that it would be a cake walk.		 {{GM}}Son visage rougit.{{/GM}}

Je ... Je l'ai prévenue. Je lui ai dit de ne pas prendre ce travail. Mais elle m'a assuré que ce serait du gâteau.
{{GM}}Amsel shakes his head wearily.{{/GM}}

No, $(l.name). I am not holding out. I am tired, and I am frustrated, and I already miss Monika. 		{{GM}}Amsel secoue la tête avec lassitude.{{/GM}}

Non, $(l.name). Je ne vous cache rien. Je suis fatigué, et je suis frustré, et Monika me manque déjà.
{{GM}}He takes a moment.{{/GM}}

I did not think to mention our employer because I did not set up the job.

Monika did.		 {{GM}}Il s'accorde une moment de réflexion.{{/GM}}

Je n'ai pas mentionné notre employeur car je n'ai pas servi d'intermédiaire pour ce run.

Monika l'a fait.
{{GM}}His face reddens.{{/GM}}

I… I warned her. I told her not to take this run. But she assured me it would be a cake walk.		 {{GM}}Son visage rougit.{{/GM}}

Je ... Je l'ai prévenue. Je lui ai dit de ne pas prendre ce travail. Mais elle m'a assuré que ce serait du gâteau.
That’s obvious. But why? C'est évident. Mais pourquoi?
{{GM}}Paul's face reddens.{{/GM}}

I… I warned her. I told her not to take this run. But she assured me it would be a cake walk.		 {{GM}}Le visage de Paul rougit.{{/GM}}

Je ... Je l'ai prévenue. Je lui ai dit de ne pas prendre ce travail. Mais elle m'a assuré que ce serait du gâteau.
You didn’t bring it to her? Vous ne lui avez pas apporter?
No. She set up the whole thing herself. Non. Elle a tout planifié elle-même.
Monika was approached recently by a man who calls himself "Green Winters." He used to be a prominent activist in the F-State political scene.

I never much liked the man, and I certainly never trusted him.		 Monika a été approché récemment par un homme qui se faisait appeler "Green Winters". Il été connu pour être un militant de premier plan sur la scène politique F-State.

Je n'ai jamais beaucoup aimé cet homme, et je n'ai jamais eu confiance en lui.
But Monika, she would do anything for her Cause. Anything for the Flux State.

{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

Winters swore that the data he was after was crucial to ensuring the future stability of the Flux.		 Mais Monika, elle aurait tout fait pour sa Cause. N'importe quoi pour le Flux State.

{{GM}}Il soupire.{{/GM}}

Winters a juré que les données qu'il recherchait étaient cruciales pour assurer la stabilité du F-State.
And that was all it took. Et ce fut tout ce qu'il fallait.
We need to track down Monika's client and press him for information. Nous devons traquer le client de Monika et l'interroger pour obtenir des informations.
It sounds like Green Winters is our best lead, then. On dirait bien que Green Winters est notre meilleure piste, alors.
Yes, most definitely. It is clear that Green Winters has involved us in something much larger than he led Monika to believe. Oui, très certainement. Il est clair que Green Winters nous a impliqués dans quelque chose de beaucoup plus important qu'il n'avait conduit Monika à croire.
When he finds out what happened on the run, he's probably gonna rabbit. We need to chase him down before that happens. Quand il va découvrir ce qui s'est passé lors du run, il va probablement déguerpir comme un lapin. Nous devrons le retrouver avant que cela n'arrive.
So we need information on Green Winters, and we need it fast. Donc nous devons obtenir des informations sur Green Winters, et il nous les faut rapidement.
Any leads? Des pistes?
How do we find this guy? Comment retrouver ce type?
There is a man here in the Kreuzbasar, a Turk named Altuğ Burakgazi. He owns a little soykaf shop just down the way called Cafe Cezve.

This man is also a purveyor of information. I have done business with him from time to time.		 Il y a un homme dans le Kreuzbasar, un Turc nommé Altuğ Burakgazi. Il tient un petit magasin de soykaf juste en bas de la rue nommée Cafe Cezve.

Cet homme est aussi un indic. J'ai déjà fait affaire avec lui quelque fois.
And you think he would know something about Green Winters? Et tu crois qu'il pourrait connaître quelque chose à propos de Green Winters?
{{GM}}Amsel nods.{{/GM}}

When I discovered Monika's renewed association with Green Winters, I contacted Altuğ. One of his people has been keeping tabs on Winters ever since.		 {{GM}}Amsel hoche la tête.{{/GM}}

Quand j'ai découvert l'association entre Monika et Green Winters, j'ai contacté Altuğ. Un de ses hommes a gardé un œil sur Winters depuis.
As I said, I did not trust the man. Comme je l'ai dit, je ne lui faisais pas confiance.
For good reason, it would seem. I’ll talk to Altuğ and see what he knows about Green Winters. Et pour de bonne raison, il semblerait. Je vais en parler à Altuğ et vois ce qu'il sait sur Green Winters.
Pragmatic. Sounds like it's about time I pay Altuğ a visit. Pragmatique. On dirait qu'il est temps que j'aille rendre visite à Altuğ.
Best to be cautious, in our line of work. Should I go meet with Altuğ, then? Mieux vaut être prudent, dans notre métier. Alors, dois-je aller rencontrer Altuğ?
Very well. Tell him I sent you.

I will do what I can to dig into the information that you've uncovered already... sparse though it may be.		 Très bien, dis lui que je t'envoi.

Je ferais ce que je peux pour éclaircir les informations que vous avez déjà trouvé...
Yes. Tell him I sent you.

I will do what I can to dig into the information that you've uncovered already... sparse though it may be.		 Très bien, dis lui que je t'envoi.

Je ferais ce que je peux pour éclaircir les informations que vous avez déjà trouvé...
{{GM}}Eiger recoils in surprise, then breaks into a feral grin.{{/GM}}

You're threatening me? Seriously?

{{GM}}Her hands bunch into fists.{{/GM}}

Take a swing, please. I'd *love* an excuse to cave your face in.		 {{GM}}Eiger recule de surprise, puis se reprend en un sourire sauvage.{{/GM}}

Tu me menaces? Sérieusement?

{{GM}}Sa main se referme en un poing.{{/GM}}

Continues, s'il te plait. J'adorais avoir une excuse pour t'exploser la face.
Ach, this is asinine.

$(l.name) did well in there, Eiger. You didn't see it, and I know you don't *believe* it, but $(l.he) did. So do us all a favor and shut it down, okay?		 Ach, c'est stupide.

$(l.name) a géré là-bas, Eiger. Tu n'as rien vu, et je sais que tu ne veux pas y croire, mais $(l.he) a géré. Alors fais nous une faveur et fermes la, okay?
Yeah, because *you* never bothered learning what to look for.

Muscle contractions and micro-tremors are good indicators of a decker in distress. I'm assuming you didn't have anyone keeping an eye out for those?

No. If you had, my friend wouldn't be lying dead in a basement.		 Ouais, parce que *vous* ne vous êtes jamais emmerdé à apprendre les signes importants à repérer.

Les contractions musculaires et les micro-tremblements sont un bon moyen de repérer un decker en détresse. Je présume qu'aucun de vous n'a garder un œil la dessus?

Non, si vous l'aviez fait, mon ami ne serait pas mort dans un sous-sol.
Oh, shove off, Eiger. We were all on the lookout for physical security, $(l.name) included.

Throwing $(l.him) under the bus isn't going to help anything.		 Oh, casses-toi, Eiger. Nous étions tous à l'affût de sa sécurité physique, $(l.name) inclus.

$(l.him) balancer sous les roues du bus ne va pas nous aider à avancer.
Under a bus is exactly where $(l.he) belongs.

{{GM}}Eiger turns to face Dietrich. She towers over him, but he stands his ground.{{/GM}}

I respect you, Dietrich... you know that. But you don’t have my training. None of you have.		 Sous un bus, voila exactement où $(l.he) devrait se trouver.

{{GM}}Eiger se retourne vers Dietrich. Elle le domine de toute sa taille, mais il ne recule pas d'un pouce.{{/GM}}

Je te respecte, Dietrich... tu le sais ça. Mais tu n'as pas mon entrainement. Aucun de vous ne l'a.
What? Nothing to say about that, rookie?

If I'd been in your place, Monika would still be alive and with us. Instead, I left her with you, and now my friend is a corpse in a basement.		 Quoi? Rien à dire à ce sujet, le bleu?

Si j'avais été à ta place, Monika serait toujours en vie, et elle serait avec nous. Mais, je l'ai laissé avec toi, et maintenant le corps de mon amie est au fond d'un sous sol.
Look, Eiger. You *weren't* stuck in that basement with us. You *don't* know how things went down in there.

So do us all a favor and shut it down, okay?		 Ecoutes, Eiger. Tu *n'étais pas* coincé dans ce sous sol avec nous. Tu *ne sais pas* combien les choses ont dégénéré là-bas.

Alors, fais nous une faveur et fermes la, okay?
Slowly and painfully, you struggle your way back to consciousness. The shop's owner, Aljernon, is peering down at you, an expression of concern on his face. Absinthe stands beside him, her expression one of embarrassment. Lentement et péniblement, vous luttez pour reprendre conscience. Le propriétaire de la boutique, Aljernon, vous scrute, une expression d'inquiétude sur son visage. Absinthe se tient à côté de lui, son expression est pleine d'embarras.
Welcome back, friend.

{{GM}}Aljernon extends a hand to help you to your feet. Absinthe shifts slightly to allow you to stand.{{/GM}}		 Bon retour parmi nous, mon ami.

{{GM}}Aljernon tend une main afin de vous remettre sur pieds. Absinthe se déplace légèrement pour vous permettre de vous relever.{{/GM}}
What... what was that? What happened? Qu'est-ce que ... c'était quoi ça? Qu'est-ce qui s'est passé?
My fault, and my apologies. Sometimes when I daydream, I bring others along for the ride.

It was... unintentional. Yes. But there was no harm done, correct? You'll be fine.		 Ma faute, et toutes mes excuses. Parfois, quand je rêve, j'emmène les autres avec moi

C'était... involontaire. Oui. Mais il n'y a pas de mal, non? Tout ira bien.
No harm done. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go stand in the corner for a while. Il n'y a pas de mal. Si vous m'excusez, je vais aller reposer un moment.
Harmless? I don't think so. Step away from me, elf... I want nothing more to do with you. Pas de mal? Je ne pense pas. Éloignes-toi de moi, l'elfe ... Je ne veux plus rien à voir avec toi.
This vent is large enough for you to fit through. You could slide down through a very steep metal duct. The experience looks to be more on the thrilling side rather than the fatal side.

It is clearly a one-way trip. 		Son aération est suffisamment grande pour que vous puissiez passer à travers. Vous glisseriez le long d'un conduit métallique très raide. L'expérience sera davantage palpitante que fatale.

C'est clairement un aller simple.
{{GM}}Jump down to the lower level.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Aller jusqu'au niveau inférieurl.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Step back from the vent.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Reculez par l'évent.{{/GM}}
Medical Specialist I Médecin spécialiste I
Gain an upgraded medkit. Obtenez une trousse de secours améliorée.
Glory carries a Premium Medkit on each mission, which heals a minimum of 30 HP. Replaces Basic Medkit. Glory porte un Medkit Premium sur chaque mission, qui guérit un minimum de 30 HP. Remplace le Medkit standard.
Trauma Specialist I Trauma spécialiste I
Gain an upgraded BuMoNa kit. Obtenez un kit BuMoNa amélioré.
Glory carries a BuMoNa Gold Trauma kit on each mission, which brings back downed characters with 50% HP. Replaces Basic BuMoNa kit. Glory porte un kit BuMoNa Gold sur chaque mission, qui ramène à la vie, avec 50% HP, les personnages tombés. Remplace le kit BuMoNa basique.
SCK Model 100 (Smartlink) SCK Model 100 (Smartlink)
SMG: The submachine gun made famous by the Renraku Red Samurai. Includes an integral Smartlink system. SMG: La mitraillette rendu célèbre par le Renraku Red Samurai. Comprend un système Smartlink intégré.
Tracer Shot Tracer Shot
One bullet. Single target. Marks the enemy for 1 RND, making them easier to hit. Une balle. Cible unique. Marque l'ennemi pour 1 RND, les rendant plus faciles à toucher.
Tracer Rounds Tracer Rounds
$(l.name).

{{GM}}The stranger smiles and raises his drink in salute.{{/GM}}

I'm glad you could come.		 $(l.name).

{{GM}}L'étranger sourit et lève son verre en guise de salut.{{/GM}}

Je suis content que vous aillez pu venir.
I have a job offer for you - a little errand that I'd like you to run.

The pay is good, and if you perform to my employers' satisfaction, there will be more work in the future.		 J'ai un job à vous proposer - un petit run que je voudrais que vous exécutiez.

La paye est bonne, et si vous contentez mes employeurs, il y aura d'autres contrats pour vous à l'avenir.
What's this errand? Quelle est cette mission?
Who are your employers? Qui sont vos employeurs?
Sorry. Not interested. Désolé. Pas intéressé.
Oh, it's a milk run. You can trust me on that. But I'm afraid that I can't tell you more until you accept.

Not my rules, friend. My employers'.		 Oh, c'est une promenade de santé. Vous pouvez me croire. Mais je crains de ne pouvoir vous en dire plus jusqu'à ce que vous acceptiez.

Pas mes règles, mon ami, Mes employeurs.
Sure, I've got some free time. Bien sûr, j'ai un peu de temps libre.
To hell with that, I need to know what I'm getting into. Et merde, j'ai besoin de savoir dans quoi je m'embarque.
Very good.

My employers need a delivery made. Take this PDA, and drop it into the trash can near the statue at the northernmost point of the Kreuzbasar.

That's all there is to it. Simple, like I said. You'll find a note under that can with payment instructions.		 Très bien.

Mes employeurs ont besoin qu'une livraison soit effectuée. Prenez ce PDA, déposez le dans la poubelle près de la statue la plus au nord du Kreuzbasar.

C'est tout ce qu'il y a à faire. Simple, comme je l'avais dis. Vous trouverez une note avec les instructions de paiement sous cette poubelle.
I'm afraid that I can't tell you. Je crains de ne pouvoir vous le dire.
Fair enough. C'est suffisant.
Why not? Pourquoi pas?
Then I'm afraid that I can't accept their offer. Alors, je suis désolé mais je ne peux accepter leur offre.
Indeed. En effet.
{{GM}}The stranger offers you a broad smile and a shrug.{{/GM}}

Because I don't know.		 {{GM}}L'étranger souri de toutes ses dents et hausse les épaules.{{/GM}}

Parce que je n'en sais rien.
I was offered a tidy sum by an anonymous party to request an audience with you, then recite their offer verbatim from a script.

Honestly? I don't care whether you accept the offer or not. My job is finished, and I'm getting paid.		 J'ai reçu une coquette somme d'un tiers anonyme pour organiser une rencontre avec vous, et transmettre mot pour mot leur offre.

Honnêtement? Je me fiche de savoir si vous acceptez l'offre ou non. Mon job est terminé, et je serai payé.
Ah. A pity. But it's your loss.

Good day, $(l.name).		 Ah. Dommage. Mais c'est votre choix.

Bonne journée, $(l.name).
It's no skin off my back, friend. My employers are the ones who wanted to hire you, not me.

But I'm telling you... you're making a mistake.		 Pas de soucis pour moi, mon ami. Mes employeurs voulaient vous embaucher, pas moi.

Mais je vous le dis... vous faites une erreur.
Well, on second thought... Eh bien, à la réflexion ...
{{GM}}Leave.{{/GM}} No. I don't think that I am. {{GM}}Partir.{{/GM}} Non. Je ne pense pas.
Wise decision. Sage décision.
Our business is concluded. When our employers wish to contact you again, they will do so.

Until then, leave me alone to enjoy my drink.		 L'accord est conclu. Lorsque nos employeurs souhaiteront vous contacter de nouveau, ils nous le feront savoir.

En attendant, laissez moi profiter de mon verre en paix.
Thank Christ that's over with. You okay, Alexander? Dieu merci c'est terminé. Tu vas bien, Alexander?
{{GM}}The young man looks shell-shocked. He holds his rifle clenched tight in his trembling hands.{{/GM}}

I'm... yeah, Uncle Dietrich. Yeah, I'm okay.

But I... those guys, I knew them... one of them was my bunkmate. I killed him...		 {{GM}}Le jeune homme semble en état de choc. Il tient soi fusil serré dans ses mains tremblantes.{{/GM}}

Je... ouais, Oncle Dietrich. Ouais, je vais bien.

Mais je... ces types, je les connaissais... l'un d'entre eux était mon compagnon de chambré. Je l'ai tué...
Couldn't be helped. If you hadn't, he'd've killed you. Believe it.

We're gonna take you away from here. Back to the Kreuzbasar. Get you the help that you need.		 Ca ne t'aidera pas, mais si tu ne l'avais pas tué, c'est lui qui l'aurait fait. Tu peux me croire.

Nous allons t'emmener loin d'ici. Retournons au Kreuzbasar. Tu y auras l'aide qu'il te faut.
Yeah... okay, Uncle.

Okay.		 Ouais ... okay, mon pote.

Okay.
{{GM}}Dietrich glances over his shoulder. Locks eyes with you.{{/GM}}

Thanks for this, boss. My nephew is safe, and I owe you.

One other thing - the Dragonslayer is happy, too. We just did a ballsy thing, protected my family, and gave a monster a bloody nose in the process.		 {{GM}}Dietrich jette un œil par dessus son épaule. Vous regardant dans les yeux.{{/GM}}

Merci pour ça, boss. Mon neveu est en sécurité, et c'est grace à toi.

Autre chose - Tueur de dragon est content, lui aussi. Nous avons été courageux, protégeant ma famille, et défonçant un monstre au passage.
Glad to hear that He approves. Heureux d'entendre qu'il approuve.
I did this for you, not for your totem. Je l'ai fait pour vous, pas pour votre totem.
It wasn't a big deal, Dietrich. I would've brought you along anyway. C'était pas grand chose, Dietrich. Je t'aurais apporté mon aide de toute façon.
You should be. When the Dragonslayer is pleased, He tends to be generous with His rewards.

{{GM}}He grins.{{/GM}}

I can feel the power coursin' through me, boss. I don't know what form it'll take yet, but it's there, and soon enough I'll be able to use it.		 Tu peux être fier de toi. Quand Tueur de dragon est heureux, il a tendance à être généreux dans Ses récompenses.

{{GM}}Il souri.{{/GM}}

Je peux sentir la puissance parcourir mon corps, boss. Je ne sais pas encore quelle forme elle prendra, mais c'est la, et il y en aura bientôt assez pour s'en servir..
I don't mean to break this up, but we need to get moving. Kid, you're with us... the rest of you, pile into that other van.

You can continue having your moment when we get back to Schattennest.		 Je ne veux pas briser ce moment, mais nous devons continuer. Gamin, tu montes avec nous... vous autre, grimpez dans l'autre van.

Vous pourrez continuer ces retrouvailles à Schattennest.
{{GM}}He takes a deep breath, and stands up straight. Does his best to put a brave face on.{{/GM}}

We've got two vans here... no sense in leaving one behind. You all pile into that one, and I'll take the other.

I'll meet you back at the Kreuzbasar.		 {{GM}}Il prend une profonde inspiration, et se redresse. Faisant de son mieux pour avoir l'air courageux.{{/GM}}

Nous avons deux vans ici... aucune raison d'en laisser un derrière nous. Grimpez dans celui là, et je prend l'autre.

On se retrouve au Kreuzbasar.
{{GM}}Dietrich smiles.{{/GM}}

Good lad.		 {{GM}}Dietrich sourit.{{/GM}}

Bon garçon.
Appreciate it. But you should know that He's happy, all the same.

{{GM}}He grins.{{/GM}}

You should also know that when the Dragonslayer is pleased, He tends to be generous with His rewards.		 J'apprécie. Mais tu dois savoir qu'Il est heureux, malgré tout.

{{GM}}Il sourit.{{/GM}}

Tu devrais aussi savoir que lorsque Tueur de dragon est heureux, Il a tendance à être généreux dans Ses récompenses.
You have my attention. Vous avez mon attention.
{{GM}}The grin widens.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Thought I might.

I can feel the power coursin' through me, boss. I don't know what form it'll take yet, but it's there, and soon enough I'll be able to use it.		 {{GM}}Le sourire s'élargit.{{/GM}}

Ouais. Je pense que je pourrais.

Je peux sentir la puissance parcourir mon corps, boss. Je ne sais pas encore quelle forme elle prendra, mais c'est la, et il y en aura bientôt assez pour s'en servir..
{{GM}}Dietrich stares at his gnarled hands.{{/GM}}

He's dead. My nephew. My fuckin' blood.		 {{GM}}Dietrich regarde ses mains calleuses.{{/GM}}

Il est mort. Mon neveu. Mon putain de sang.
You did what you could. We need to get out of here. Tu as fait ce que tu pouvais. Nous devons sortir d'ici.
I... yeah, boss.

Yeah. You're right. Let's go.		 Je ... ouais, patron.

Ouais. Vous avez raison. Allons-y.
Sorry, man. But your friend is right. We've gotta get the hell out of here, *now.* Désolé, mec. Mais ton ami a raison. Nous devons foutre le camp d'ici, *maintenant*.
{{GM}}Dietrich looks up at Maxim, then turns his attention to you.{{/GM}}

I... yeah, boss.

Yeah. You're right. Let's go.		 {{GM}}Dietrich regarde Maxim, puis tourne son attention vers vous.{{/GM}}

Je... ouais, boss.

Ouais. Tu as raison. Allons-y.
The air is thick in here. Musty. A thick layer of dust, marred by the occasional handprint, coats every visible surface.

The keycard that Vauclair sent you feels slick in your hand. Up ahead, you see the soft glow of a functioning terminal.		 L'air est épais ici. Rance. Une épaisse couche de poussière marquée de temps à autre par une empreinte de main recouvre tout.

Vous tenez fermement la carte d'accès que vous a envoyé Vauclair. Devant vous, vous voyez la douce lueur d'un terminal sous tension.
It looks like the elevator's locked down, but the control system is tied to the building's LAN. On dirait que l'ascenseur est verrouillé, mais le système de contrôle est relié au LAN de l'immeuble.
{{CC}}Drone Control: 3{{/CC}}{{GM}}Rig into the building to call the elevator.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Contrôle de drone: 3{{/CC}}{{GM}}Piloter un drone dans l'immeuble pour appeler l'ascenseur.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Walk away.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Partir.{{/GM}}
Blitz Blitz
Hotshot decker, full-time smartass. Decker de génie, petit malin à temps plein.
Crew: Decker Equipage: Decker
Aztechnology Admin Password Mot de passe administrateur d'Aztechnologie
>Xolotl >Xolotl
A tall, deeply tanned man rounds the corner at a jog and comes bustling into the room. You recognize him as the father that you spoke with at the AugmenTech kiosk.

He stops short when he sees your team, and the smile falls from his face.		 Un grand homme à la peau tannée, portant un costume très chic et ayant l'air très énervé, traverse la pièce. Vous le reconnaissez comme le grand père avec qui vous avez parlé au kiosque d'AugmenTech.

Il s'arrête après avoir vu votre équipe, et son sourire s'efface de son visage.
You! The $(l.guy) from the cyberware kiosk! What the hell is going on here?

{{GM}}He advances on you, full of bluster and bravado.{{/GM}}

This is my apartment! I own it! You can't just waltz in here and start pulling the walls apart without my consent!		 Vous! Le $(l.guy) du kiosque de cyberware! Bon sang, qu'est-ce qui se passe ici?

{{GM}}Il s'avance vers vous, plein de fanfaronnades et de bravade.{{/GM}}

C'est mon appartement! Je l'ai acheté! Vous ne pouvez pas vous balader ici et transformer mes murs en gruyère sans mon consentement!
We're maintenance. Look at the uniforms. Nous sommes de la maintenance. Regardez nos uniformes.
Yeah, I *see* that. But that doesn't give you the right to force your way into my home and start tearing up my walls!

At the *very* least, you should've given me advance notice.		 Ouais, je *vois* ça. Mais ca ne vous donne pas le droit de forcer ma porte et de détruire mes murs!

Tout au moins, vous auriez pu me donner un préavis.
A tall, spray-tanned man in an expensive suit rounds the corner at a jog and comes bustling into the room. He stops short when he sees your team.

His eyes flick from you to the panel that Jana pried from the wall, and the smile falls from his face.		 Un grand homme à la peau tannée, portant un costume très chic et ayant l'air très énervé, traverse la pièce. Il s'arrête après avoir vu votre équipe.

Ses yeux papillonne entre vous et le panneau que Jana a arraché du mur, et son sourire s'efface de son visage.
What the hell? This is my apartment! I own it! What are you doing in here? Bon sang, mais qu'est-ce qui se passe ici? C'est mon appartement! Je l'ai acheté! Que faites vous ici?
Yeah, I *see* that. But you can't be in here without my consent, and you sure as hell can't go tearing up my walls without giving me advance notice! Ouais, je *vois* ça. Mais vous n'avez rien à faire ici sans mon consentement, et vous ne pouvez certainement pas bousiller les murs sans me prévenir avant!
{{GM}}James shoots you an irritated glance.{{/GM}}

This is a waste of time, and I'm already running late. If you don't take care of this idiot, I will.		 {{GM}}James vous lance un regard irrité.{{/GM}}

C'est une perte de temps, et je suis déjà en retard. Si tu ne t'occupes pas de ce débile, je vais le faire.
The elf barks something out at James. The sound is uncharacteristically ugly, all harsh consonants and sibilant hisses. L'elfe aboie quelque chose sur James. Le son est inhabituellement laid, toutes en consonnes rudes et sifflantes.
Let's keep calm, everyone. This is a simple misunderstanding. Tout le monde garde son calme. C'est un simple malentendu.
Keep your mouth shut, James. I'll talk this out with our friend here. Fermes ta gueule, James. Je vais discuter avec notre ami ici présent.
Handle it, James. I won't stop you. Je t'en pris, James. Je n'interviendrai pas.
Misunderstanding, my ass. Your friend just called me an idiot in my own home!

{{GM}}He wheels on James, his hands balled into fists.{{/GM}}

I want to know your employee number, and I want to know it *now.*		 Un malentendu, mon cul. Ton pote vient juste de m'insulter de débile dans ma propre maison!

{{GM}}Il se rue vers James, les poings serrés.{{/GM}}

Donnes moi ton numéro d'employé, et je le veux *maintenant*.
{{GM}}The mage raises an eyebrow, smiling.{{/GM}}

Do you, now?
I'm a member of the Homeowners' Association for this level. You know what that means? I have a *lot* of pull with building management.

{{GM}}He thrusts an outstretched finger at James.{{/GM}}

Your days wearing that uniform are numbered. I promise you that!
Calm down, sir. There must be a problem at Dispatch. You should have received a work order last week.
The hell with this. James, fry him.
You're right, James - we're wasting time. Do what you need to do.
I didn't receive a *thing* from Dispatch, or from anyone else for that matter. My wife and I are entertaining guests here in an hour and a half, and our living room is *ruined.*

I need to know that you're going to *fix* this, *and* that you'll clean the place back up, *and* that you'll put a new coat of wax on the floors. I need--
The hell with it. I don't have time for this.

{{GM}}His hands twist into claws, and he raises them high. An instant later, they are wreathed in an unnatural purple glow.{{/GM}}
JAMES! Stand DOWN! We do NOT need to kill this man!
Do it, James. Fais le, James.
The glow intensifies into a scintillating torrent of light. The energy lances and stabs out of James' hooked fingers as if it were alive.

The man in the doorway recoils in alarm, and his palm slaps down on a plastic disc that has been clipped to his belt. Too late, you recognize the object.

A panic button.
No alarms sound.

Nothing happens.
The homeowner backpedals, trying to put a wall between himself and James. He's moving too slowly - much too slowly.
James! Let him go, damn it!
Don't let him get away!
Everybody STAND DOWN!
{{GM}}The mage's response comes out with a snarl.{{/GM}}

He tried to bring security down on us. He isn't leaving this roo--
An incomprehensible screech cuts off the mage's sentence. In your peripheral vision, you catch a flurry of motion.

Your elvish companion is moving, making a beeline toward James. Jana is hanging off of him, trying to slow him down, but he barely seems to notice.
Stop, damn it! We need him alive to complete the run!
With a kick, he sends her tumbling to the ground, then turns back toward James.
{{GM}}Step between the Elf and James.{{/GM}} I hate the bastard, too, but Jana's right - we need him.
{{GM}}Draw your weapon.{{/GM}} She's right. Stop this or I'll put you down.
{{GM}}Scrub the mission and attack James.{{/GM}} I'm with you, pal. To hell with the Lodge, and to hell with this run.
The elf comes up short, staring at you. He sweeps his vision from you to Jana to James.

Then he exhales heavily and spits out a jumble of broken German.
<Killers... innocents of... will *NOT* stand for! I *not* SLAVE!

ALL... Lodge-men BASTARDS... I *KILL ALL!*>
The mage half-turns from the elf to you, his eyes wide with alarm. The ethereal glow from his hands flickers and sparks. Jana screams something, but with the blood pounding in your ears, you can't make out the words.

James' jaw drops open. You're on him before he can speak.
{{GM}}The mage's response comes out with a snarl.{{/GM}}

The bastard's called security on us. He isn't leaving this roo--
{{GM}}The mage's response comes out with a snarl.{{/GM}}

Bastard tried to bring security down on us. He isn't leaving this roo--
Don't worry, he's not going anywh--
Your words are met with an incomprehensible screech. In your peripheral vision, you catch a flurry of motion.

Your elvish companion is moving, making a beeline toward James. Jana is hanging off of him, trying to slow him down, but he barely seems to notice.

With a kick, he sends her tumbling to the ground, then reaches for his weapon.
The air fills with the cacophonous wail of screaming alarms.

James jerks back, his concentration broken. From down the hall, you can distantly hear the sound of heavy footsteps approaching at a run.
Meanwhile, the homeowner backpedals, trying to put a wall between himself and James. He's moving too slowly - much too slowly.
With the alarms already screaming from your encounter downstairs, all that you can hear is the meaty smack of the corporate man's palm against the button's plastic housing. But off in the distance, you can faintly make out the sound of rapid footsteps.

Meanwhile, the homeowner backpedals, trying to put a wall between himself and James. He's moving too slowly - much too slowly.
Right.

{{GM}}The mage's hands twist into claws, and he raises them high. An instant later, they are wreathed in an unnatural purple glow.{{/GM}}
His hands twist into claws, and he raises them high. An instant later, they are wreathed in an unnatural purple glow.
What the hell?!
{{GM}}He bristles.{{/GM}}

Talk this out? The hell with that, we have a job to do and he's in the way. Deal with him, and do it fast so that we can get back on track!
{{GM}}The homeowner looks shocked, but he recovers quickly. He takes a step toward James, his hands balled into fists.{{/GM}}

All right, buddy. You've asked for it.

I want to know your employee number, and I want to know it *now.*
Max Max
A old Corporate hoverdrone that has been given a weapon upgrade.
Deadeye Shot
Increases accuracy by 20%. Pierces up to 3 Armor.
Weakened, the Heart of Feuerstelle stumbles backward. The barn fire stench of it intensifies, and its chorus of voices devolves into a cacophony of animal shrieking. The fluttering butterflies in your chest become razor blades, and every shriek is accompanied by a white-hot burst of pain.
Glory is up and moving, beelining for the spirit's weakened form. Her claws glint redly in the infernal glow.
Scrap of Paper
A torn piece of paper with the name "SCHINDERHANNES" written on it.
Datajack Impulse Transmitter
A relatively common pice of hardware that could be modified to replaced the part that the hackers stole from Parson.
As you start towards the safehouse door, a large four-legged form steps around the corner. Dante. Monika's dog, an enormous mongrel of indeterminate breed.

A low whimper emerges as he enters the room, head hanging low.		 Alors que vous vous approchez de la porte de votre planque, une grande forme quadrupède apparaît à proximité. Dante. le chien de Monika, un énorme bâtard de race indéterminée.

Un faible gémissement émerge de lui alors qu'il entre dans la pièce, la tête basse.
Oh, shit. Dante. Oh, merde. Dante
{{GM}}Dietrich shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Don't worry, boy. We'll look after you.		 {{GM}}Dietrich secoue la tête.{{/GM}}

Ne t'inquiètes pas, mon grand. On va s'occuper de toi.
{{GM}}At the sight of Monika’s dog, Amsel’s eyes well up. He inhales but can’t quite catch his breath.{{/GM}}

He started whimpering about an hour ago. Turned into a full blown howl… wouldn’t stop... kept…		 {{GM}}A la vue du chien de Monika, Amsel relève la tête. Il inspire, mais ne peut pas tout à fait reprendre son souffle.{{/GM}}

Il a commencé à gémir, il y a environ une heure. Ca c'est transformé en un grand hurlement... voulait pas s'arrêter... gardé...
{{GM}}He closes his eyes.{{/GM}}

That’s when I realized something bad had happened.		 {{GM}}He closes his eyes.{{/GM}}

C'est à ce moment que j'ai su que quelque de mauvais était arrivé.
Looking down into those huge brown eyes, you see intelligence and sadness.

He lets out a small whine and rubs his head against you.		 En regardant dans ces grands yeux marrons, vous y voyez de l'intelligence et de la tristesse.

Il laisse échapper un petit gémissement et se frotte la tête contre vous.
{{GM}}Scratch Dante behind the ears.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Gratter Dante derrière les oreilles.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Grab Monika’s bag of soy-jerky treats off the table and give him one.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Attraper le sac de friandise au soja haché de Monika sur la table et lui en donner une.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Brush the dog aside.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Repousser le chien.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Ignore him.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Ignorez-le.{{/GM}}
Dante leans into you and looks up mournfully, pressing his ribs against your leg. Dante se penche vers vous et vous regarde tristement, pressant son flanc contre votre jambe.
I guess the dog is going with you, $(l.name). Je suppose que c'est votre chien maintenant, $(l.name).
{{GM}}Amsel takes a ragged breath and releases it. Then a slow, melancholy smile plays across his face.{{/GM}}

Well. Perhaps a part of Monika lives on in Dante.

Return to the safehouse when you're finished with Altuğ, $(l.freund). With a little luck, he can help us locate Green Winters, and we can get to the bottom of this.		 {{GM}}Amsel prend une grande inspiration laborieuse et expire. Puis, lentement, un sourire mélancolique apparaît sur son visage.{{/GM}}

Eh bien. Peut-être qu'une partie de Monika perdure avec Dante.

Revenez à la planque quand vous en aurez terminé avec Altuğ, $(l.freund). Avec un peu de change, il pourra nous aider à localiser Green Winters, et découvrir le fin mot de l'histoire.
{{GM}}He stares at the floor.{{/GM}}

And now, I think we should all take a moment.		 {{GM}}Il regarde le sol.{{/GM}}

Et maintenant, je pense que nous devrions tous nous recueillir un moment.
{{GM}}His lips tighten.{{/GM}}

For Monika.		 {{GM}}Ses lèvres se resserrent.{{/GM}}

Pour Monika.
Dante takes the treat in his mouth, but it’s clear he has no appetite for it and the jerky drops to the floor. He leans into you and looks up mournfully, pressing his ribs against your leg. Dante prend la friandise dans sa gueule, mais il est clair qu'il n'a aucun appétit et il laisse tomber la croquette au sol. Il se penche vers vous et vous regarde tristement, pressant son flanc contre votre jambe.
Dante whimpers and looks up at you mournfully. Dante pleurniche et vous regarde tristement.
Easy, $(l.name). Dante was Monika's. That makes him one of us, in a way. Doucement, $(l.name). Dante était à Monika. En un sens, ca fait de lui un membre de l'équipe.
Dante was Monika's. That makes him one of us, in a way. Dante était à Monika. En un sens, ca fait de lui un membre de l'équipe.
Force 6 Earth Elemental Fetish
Summons a Force 6 Earth Elemental. The fetish is consumed when used.
This is the vault door control node.
{{GM}}Unlock the vault door.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave it alone.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}A high-pitched, creaky voice shrieks out from the intercom.{{/GM}}

GO AWAY! I won't let you let any spirits in here! You can't hurt me behind my door! No, you can't!
I'm not a spirit. What are you talking about?
If I were a spirit, would I be using the intercom?
I'm a spirit, all right! And if you don't open this door *right now,* I'm going to come in there and *eat your soul!*
I have better things to do than waste time talking to a madman.
That's EXACTLY what a spirit would say! An' then it'd get in here, and it'd... it'd... it'd eat my eyes! Suck 'em right out of my skull! I've SEEN IT HAPPEN!

{{GM}}You hear a ragged intake of breath, and then the shrill voice raises into a scream.{{/GM}}

GET AWAY FROM ME!
{{GM}}The voice becomes calmer, and lowers in pitch.{{/GM}}

Huh. I guess I've never heard of a spirit using an intercom before. That's a really good point.

Are... are you here to save me?
Yes, I'm here to rescue you. Let me in!
No worries. There aren't any spirits out here, so it's safe to open the door.
On second thought, I am actually a spirit. *Boo!*
{{GM}}There is a long pause.{{/GM}}

All right, I'm going to let you in. But be cool, okay? I mean that! No funny stuff!
A high-pitched, wailing shriek explodes out of the intercom.

There is a burst of static, and the machine goes silent.
Well, that was... special. Way to go, chief.
Nicely done, fearless leader. Was that satisfying for you?
I've gotta admit, I'm feeling pretty good about it.
You have a novel approach to dealing with the mentally ill.
Well, that was... special. Way to go, boss.
No no no! Please don't eat me! I'll do whatever you want!
You hear a great deal of fumbling on the other side of the door. Finally, the lock unlatches with a click.
I can't believe that worked.
{{GM}}The high-pitched voice warbles out over the intercom.{{/GM}}

Hello? Spirit? Are you back?

I thought I told you to *leave me alone!*
I'm not a spirit. Let me in and I can help you.
*NO!* I won't let you outsmart me!

{{GM}}Cackling laughter bursts out from the speaker.{{/GM}}

Go away, spirit! I'm keeping my eyes for *myself!*
The only active console in this derelict span of U-Bahn platform is an old video arcade machine.

The CRT monitor set into the machine's cabinet glows invitingly. Cheerful, pixelated graphics swirl and dance on the screen.
{{GM}}Investigate the machine.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}}
At the base of the controller panel, you find a cleverly-hidden input port.

The port is shrouded in black plastic, and it appears to be the approximate shape of a typical credstick.
{{CC}}Amsel's Encoded Credstick{{/CC}} {{GM}}Insert Amsel's downpayment into the machine.{{/GM}}
Internal motors grip the credstick and pull it into the machine. It disappears into the port, and the screen goes black.

Moments later, a video image fills the screen. The picture is dark and grainy - a far cry from the bright, colorful sprites that previously inhabited the display.
On the screen is a dimly-lit office. The place looks like it was pulled straight from an old detective movie, from the venetian blinds on the windows to the great swathes of shadow that paint the walls black.
Center-stage, sitting behind a large mahogany desk, is the silhouette of an impressive-looking woman in a charcoal-gray suit. The tip of a cigarette glows cherry-red in the shadows.

She leans forward into the light, and you catch your first glimpse of Alice.
Her face is all hard planes and sculpted angles, with high cheekbones and almond eyes. Her lips are painted a frigid blue, but the look in her eyes is even colder. A head of lustrous black hair is interspersed with flowing streams of cyan light.

Alice exhales a plume of smoke, then tips her cigarette into a nearby ashtray. She fixes her eyes on you, and her lips curl into a humorless smile.
We're on your dime, friend.

Tell me what you're looking for.
I need you to find someone for me. Dr. Adrian Vauclair.
{{GM}}She raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

The dragonslayer? Interesting.

He's been missing for a long time.
I'm surprised that you recognize the name.
Yes, he has. The question is, can you find him?
Did Amsel call ahead and brief you about this?
Trivia is a passion of mine.

{{GM}}She taps a painted fingernail to her temple.{{/GM}}

In my line of work, it comes in handy.
{{CC}}Decking: 4{{/CC}} Speaking of trivia, Alice... I think that I might know who you really are.
Charming.
Oh?

{{GM}}Alice leans toward you. Her smile spreads into a predatory grin.{{/GM}}

Do tell.
There was a member of Echo Mirage named Alice. Alice Haeffner. She died back in 2029, fighting the Crash Virus.

Rumor has it, she still exists in the Matrix. Still calls herself Alice, too.
On second thought, forget it. Let's get back to business.
An interesting theory. But I fear that my price to confirm or deny it would fall well outside of your price range.

{{GM}}Alice leans back in her chair.{{/GM}}

For now, let's get back to the business at hand.
Let's.
{{GM}}Alice steeples her fingers.{{/GM}}

All right, here's how this is going to work. When you give me the go-ahead, I'm going to start gathering information for you.

Once I've finished, you're going to bring me a credstick encoded with an encryption key that I'll provide you. That credstick will have 50,000 nuyen on it.
When I get my credstick, you get your information.

This is the deal. Take it or leave it.
50,000 nuyen? Do you *know* what that kind of money can buy?
Price gouging, huh? For a neo-anarchist, you behave an awful lot like an old-world profiteer.
All right. You've got a deal.
Apparently, I know better than you do, sport. Do you *know* how much work it takes to find a digital *ghost?*

There's going to be wetwork. Breaking into government archives. Hell, I might even have to commission an expedition into the SOX.

This is a serious undertaking, friend.
{{GM}}Alice smiles at you sweetly.{{/GM}}

I wasn't aware that there was a difference between the two.
In all seriousness, I'm charging you what the job is worth. Do you *know* how much work it takes to find a digital *ghost?*

There's going to be wetwork. Breaking into government archives. Hell, I might even have to commission an expedition into the SOX.

This is a serious undertaking, friend.
Now, do we have a deal? Or don't we?
All right, Alice. It's a deal.
Okay. But remember: you say go, and I go. From that point on, you're on the hook to pay me my fee.

No turning back. No refunds. Are we square on this?
I don't see what choice I have. I need that information.
The hell with it. I'll pay whatever you want, just get me Vauclair.
Yeah. We're square.
Good. I'll be in touch.
The screen goes black. Moments later, the machine reboots. The colorful sprites that you saw when you first approached the arcade cabinet return.

There's nothing more to see here. Alice is gone.
{{GM}}She looks you in the eye, and the smile disappears. Her voice is all business.{{/GM}}

If he's out there somewhere, I'll find him for you. He could be living under an assumed name in California Free State, and I'd still track him down.

And if he's not alive, I'll tell you where you can find his corpse.
{{CC}}Decking: 4{{/CC}} Speaking of corpses, Alice... I think that I might know who you really are.
All right. I'm satisfied. Let's talk about the job.
That isn't how I operate. And besides, I don't need a briefing to recognize the name "Vauclair."

{{GM}}She taps a painted fingernail to her temple.{{/GM}}

Trivia is a passion of mine.
Hand Razors
Causes minor bleeding to target upon impact. Damage is your Strength + 3.
Bleeding: HP -2 per RND
Nixie
Expert drone pilot and rifle specialist who prefers to stay out of the thick of it.
Mercenary: Rigger
This door control console has been locked down.
{{CC}}Decking: 3{{/CC}}{{GM}}Override the lock.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Step back.{{/GM}}
Stunball 1
Magical explosion that does -1 AP.
The scene is eerily familiar: The dead man is still jacked into his smoldering computer, his face contorted into a mask of pain. Blue smoke spills from his datajack.

Like Monika.

And there's something else. The man's outline is... wrong. It takes a moment for the realization to sink in: His back is bent at an impossible angle.		 La scène est étrangement familière: Le mort est toujours relié à son ordinateur, son visage crispé en un masque de douleur. De la fumée bleutée se répand par son datajack.

Comme Monika.

Et il y a autre chose. La position de l'homme est... mauvaise. Cela vous prend un moment pour le réaliser: Son dos est plié selon un angle impossible.
Jesus. Jésus.
Looks like he convulsed hard enough to break his own spine. On dirait qu'il a tellement convulsé qu'il s'en est cassé la colonne vertébrale.
Is that even possible? C'est possible ça?
{{GM}}Glory gestures at the twisted form on the carpet.{{/GM}}

You tell me.		 {{GM}}Glory fait un signe vers la forme tordue sur le tapis.{{/GM}}

A ton avis?
{{GM}}Eiger kneels beside the corpse, bending to peer at his face.{{/GM}}

Matches the description that Altuğ gave us. It's Green Winters.

{{GM}}She straightens, glancing back over at the body before returning her attention to you.{{/GM}}

This what happened to Monika?		 {{GM}}Eiger s'agenouille près du corps, se penchant pour voir son visage.{{/GM}}

Ca colle à la description qu'Altuğ nous a donné. C'est Green Winters.

{{GM}}Elle se redresse, jetant un coup d'œil au corps avec de se tourner vers vous.{{/GM}}

C'est ce qui est arrivé à Monika?
I suspect that it would have. We jacked her out in time to prevent it. Je suppose que ça aurait pu. Nous l'avons débranché à temps pour l'empêcher.
Still think you could've prevented Monika's death, Eiger? Tu penses toujours que tu aurais pu empêcher la mort de Monika, Eiger?
Too bad he didn't have a buddy to jack him out. He'd have been just fine. Right, Eiger? Dommage qu'il n'est pas eu un pote pour le débrancher. Il se porterait bien mieux. N'est-ce-pas, Eiger?
Hell of a way to go. Une putain façon de mourir.
Maybe.

{{GM}}Eiger takes another glance at the smoldering corpse, and you can see the doubt growing in her eyes.{{/GM}}

I dunno.		 Peut être.

{{GM}}Eiger lance un autre regard au cadavre fumant, et vous pouvez voir le doute grandir dans ses yeux.{{/GM}}

J'sais pas.
Kneeling to inspect the body, you find smears of blood on the carpet under Winters' right arm. Moving the arm aside, you find a number written across the floor: 91612.

You use your PDA to take a holopic of the number and the body, then step away.		 Vous agenouillant pour examiner le corps, vous trouvez une trace de sang sur le tapis sous le bras droit de Winters. Déplaçant son bras, vous découvrez un numéro gribouillé à même le sol: 91612.

Vous utilisez votre PDA pour prendre une holopic du nombre et du corps, puis vous reculez.
Yeah. I'm getting that.

{{GM}}Eiger takes another glance at the broken corpse, and you can see the uncertainty growing in her eyes.{{/GM}}

I've seen biofeedback deaths before. Never seen anything like this.		 Ouais, tu peux le dire.

{{GM}}Eiger lance un autre regard au cadavre fumant, et vous pouvez voir le doute grandir dans ses yeux.{{/GM}}

J'ai déjà vu des morts par biofeedback avant. Mais jamais quelque chose comme ça.
Well, the body matches the description Burakgazi gave us... that's Green Winters.

Make sure to get a holopic of the scene to show Eiger when we get back to the Kreuzbasar, yeah? She should see this.		 Bien, le corps correspond à la description que Burakgazi nous a donné... c'est Green Winters.

Assurons nous de prendre une holopic de tout ça pour le montrer à Eiger quand tu rentrerons au Kreuzbasar, okay? Elle voudra surement voir ça.
Agreed. D'accord.
Absolutely. I want to rub her nose in this. Absolument. Je tiens à lui fourrer ça sous le nez.
Yeah, and Amsel should probably get a look at this, too. Ouais, et Amsel voudra probablement y jeter un œil, lui aussi.
You kneel to inspect the body. Under Winters' outstretched right arm, you can see traces of blood smeared into the carpet.

Lifting his arm, you see that a number has been written across the floor: 91612.		 Vous agenouillant pour examiner le corps, vous trouvez une trace de sang sur le tapis sous le bras droit de Winters.

Déplaçant son bras, vous découvrez un numéro gribouillé à même le sol: 91612.
You use your PDA to take a holopic of the number and the body, then step away. Vous utilisez votre PDA pour prendre une holopic du nombre et du corps, puis vous reculez.
{{GM}}Eiger kneels beside the corpse, bending to peer at his face.{{/GM}}

Matches the description Altuğ gave us. It's Green Winters.

I don't see any signs of a struggle. If somebody did this to him while he was jacked in, they were quiet about it.		 {{GM}}Eiger s'agenouille près du corps, se penchant pour voir son visage.{{/GM}}

Ca colle à la description qu'Altuğ nous a donné. C'est Green Winters.

Je ne vois aucun signe de lutte. Si quelqu'un lui a fait ça pendant qu'il était connecté, ils ont été très discret.
Nobody "did this to him," Eiger. Not anyone out here in meatspace, that is.

I think... I think that this is what would've happened to Monika if we hadn't jacked her out in time.		 Personne "ne lui à fait ça", Eiger. Personne dans le monde réel, en tous cas.

Je pense... Je pense que c'est ce qu'il serait arrivé à Monika si nous ne l'avions pas débranchée à temps.
You're saying that something in the Matrix made him break his own back?

I don't even think that's possible.		 Tu veux dire que quelque chose dans la Matrice l'a cassé en deux?

Je ne pense même pas que c'est possible.
You didn't see what was happening to Monika. The IC that she hit... it had her doubled over backwards by the time we pulled the plug. If we hadn't been there, well...

{{GM}}Dietrich swallows hard and points at the twisted corpse on the floor.{{/GM}}		 Tu n'as pas vu ce qu'il est arrivé à Monika. L'IC qu'elle a attaqué... elle l'avait renversé sur le sol le temps qu'on la débranche. Si nous n'avions pas été là, eh bien...

{{GM}}Dietrich déglutie et montre le cadavre tordu sur le plancher.{{/GM}}
The memories of Monika's violent convulsions and arching back rush to the surface.

It seems impossible, but the evidence suggests that sometime before he died, this man spasmed hard enough to break his own spine.		 Les souvenirs des violentes convulsions de Monika et de son dos arqué à en craquer remontent à la surface.

Ca semble impossible, mais les preuves suggèrent que peu de temps avant de mourir, cet homme s'est convulsé au point de rompre sa colonne vertébrale.
Good God. Bon dieu.
He must've convulsed hard enough to break his own spine. Il a du se convulser assez fort pour rompre sa colonne vertébrale.
I don't even think that's possible.

{{GM}}As Eiger stares into Glory's cold, dead eyes, something in her face changes. All at once, you can see something that you've never seen in Eiger before: uncertainty.{{/GM}}

...Is it?		 Je ne pensais même pas que c'était possible.

{{GM}}Alors qu'Eiger regarde dans les yeux froids - morts - de Glory, quelque chose change sur son visage. Tout à coup, vous pouvez voir quelque chose que vous n'avez jamais encore vu en Eiger avant: l'incertitude.{{/GM}}

...Ca l'est?
{{GM}}Glory gestures at the smoldering, twisted form on the carpet.{{/GM}}

You tell me.		 {{GM}}Glory fait un signe vers la forme tordue sur le tapis.{{/GM}}

A toi de me le dire.
{{GM}}Eiger kneels beside the corpse, bending to peer at his face.{{/GM}}

Matches the description Altuğ gave us. It's Green Winters.

{{GM}}She straightens, glancing back over at the body before returning her attention to you.{{/GM}}

This what happened to Monika?		 {{GM}}Eiger s'agenouille près du corps, se penchant pour voir son visage.{{/GM}}

Ca colle à la description qu'Altuğ nous a donné. C'est Green Winters.

{{GM}}Elle se redresse, jetant un coup d'œil au corps avec de se tourner vers vous.{{/GM}}

C'est ce qui est arrivé à Monika?
I think that it would have if we hadn't jacked her out on time. Je pense que c'est ce qu'il serait arrivé si nous ne l'avions pas débranché à temps.
More or less, yeah. Plus ou moins, ouais.
This is worse, but not by much. C'est pire, mais pas beaucoup plus.
There is a long pause as Eiger returns her attention to the smoldering body.

Her expression is difficult to read, but her confidence has obviously been shaken.		 Après un long moment, Eiger retourne son attention vers le corps fumant.

Son expression est difficile à décoder, mais sa confiance a manifestement été ébranlée.
Peering at the corpse's face, you confirm what you'd already suspected: The twisted body on the floor is Green Winters.
There is a large red "6" painted on this footlocker.

A numeric keypad awaits your input.
2114
The locker opens with a click.

It's empty.
Force 3 Earth Elemental Fetish
Summons a Force 3 Earth Elemental. The fetish is consumed when used.
Force 2 Earth Elemental Fetish
Summons a Force 2 Earth Elemental. The fetish is consumed when used.
Nice work, $(l.name). There have been no alerts thus far... hopefully, you'll continue to avoid detection as you make your way through the building.

If an alert does go out, I'll get you an ETA on their reinforcements. But hopefully it won't come to that.
I have marked an elevator on your PDA. I'd start making my way there if I were you... it's the most efficient path to reach your objective.

Best of luck.
Impressive work, $(l.name). You've made it into the facility completely undetected... I'm not seeing any comm chatter about a security breach.

In addition, your sabotage of the Azzies' power grid has thrown the entire facility into disarray. Even if you are discovered, I would expect any response to be disorganized at best.
You know, $(l.name)... when I told you to enter the facility quietly, I did not mean "start a bloody firefight in the streets outside of the building."

{{GM}}He lets out an exasperated sigh.{{/GM}}

Oh well. The cat's out of the bag now... you'll just have to make the best of it.
Now that any hope of stealth has gone out the window, you'll have to rely on speed to complete your objective.

I've marked an elevator on your PDA. Get to it. It will take you to where you need to be.
Have they alerted that Knight Errant team that you told me about?
The entire facility is under full alert, $(l.name). I'm afraid that the High Threat Response Team is already en route to your location.

I have uploaded my best estimate of their ETA to your PDA. Good luck to you and your team... you're going to need it.
Not yet. Your disruption of their power grid has prevented them from sending out a signal, but I don't know for how long.

If an alert goes out, I'll send you an update with an ETA on their reinforcements.
Broken Drone Drone cassé
This drone seems to have had its logic circuits fried. It can't do much but hover in place at the moment. Maybe someone around the Kreuzbasar can help. Les circuits logiques de ce drone semble avoir grillés. Il ne peut pas faire grand-chose à l'heure actuelle, à part planer. Peut-être que quelqu'un au Kreuzbasar pourrait vous aider.
The turbine is currently powered down.
{{GM}}Activate the turbine.{{/GM}}
SAFETY LOCK HAS BEEN ENGAGED. PLEASE INPUT AUTHORIZATION KEY TO PROCEED WITH ACTIVATION.
822896
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} Bypass the safety protocols.
{{GM}}Get your decker to bypass the safety protocols.{{/GM}}
Safety lock disengaged.
The turbine whirs to life.
Force 5 Earth Elemental Fetish
Summons a Force 5 Earth Elemental. The fetish is consumed when used.
Force 4 Earth Elemental Fetish
Summons a Force 4 Earth Elemental. The fetish is consumed when used.
This elevator appears to be offline. The control panel's LCD screen is unlit, and its metal casing is badly dented.
{{GM}}Repair the elevator.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Decking: 3{{/CC}} {{GM}}Examine the control panel.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Ask your decker to examine the control panel.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the elevator alone.{{/GM}}
You easily pry the metal casing away from the wall, exposing a mess of wires and circuitry. When you slot the control chip and the power coupling into place, the system immediately hums to life. The control panel's LCD screen flickers, cycling through a variety of symbols before finally displaying the word "ONLINE" in warm green letters.
You easily pry the metal casing away from the wall, exposing a mess of wires and circuitry. After a quick inspection, it becomes clear that this elevator is wired to operate around a control chip. The chip is missing, and it looks as though a power coupling has been yanked alongside it.

Without these components, there is no way for this elevator to function.
Your decker easily pries the metal casing away from the wall, exposing a mess of wires and circuitry. After a quick inspection, it becomes clear that this elevator is wired to operate around a control chip. The chip is missing, and it looks as though a power coupling has been yanked alongside it.

Without these components, there is no way for this elevator to function.
Okano
Magically-enhanced sword-wielding ronin who loves a good 3-piece suit.
Mercenary: Adept
Razor Specialist I
Gain Ability: Compound Attack.
Glory gains a melee attack, a razor slash followed up by a kick. Pierces up to 1 Armor. May do AP DMG. Cost: 1 AP. Cooldown: 2.
Pistol Specialist I
Gain Ability: FirePower Round
Glory gains a pistol ability, FirePower Round. Does an additional 2 DMG and pierces up to 2 Armor. Cost: 1 AP. Cooldown: 2.
You *monster!* You KILLED Marta!
It couldn't be helped.
Harrow is going to get you. You'll see!
You said that you just wanted to talk to her! She ran out of here in tears!
Her mother died. We're going to go calm her down right now.
Oh, no! Poor Marta!

Take care of her, okay?
Marta, are these friends of yours?
Yes, dear heart. They are.

We all need to go have a word with Harrow now. You get to bed... you have a big day tomorrow.
You slam the button marked "DELETE." Long-buried machinery deep in the guts of the terminal spins to life.

From the building's speakers, a high-pitched, inhuman shriek fills the air. You recognize the sound: pure, animal terror.
{{GM}}The Monika-image reappears on the screen. Her face is contorted in agony.{{/GM}}

What have you done, ace?! What have you *DONE?*
Whatever of you was trapped in there is free now, Monika. I'll see you on the other side.
I hope it hurts, APEX. I really do.
Sorry, APEX. But it had to be done.
The Monika-image writhes in pain, then retches up a fountain of blue-white light. Patches of its skin begin dissolving into static.

It takes a deep, rattling breath, and then seems to calm itself.
$(l.name)... before I'm gone... there's something that you should see.

{{GM}}She smiles at you, and shafts of light spill out from between her teeth.{{/GM}}

The truth. I wanted to tell you earlier, but I couldn't.
The screen goes dark, then lights up again. You find yourself looking upon an unfamiliar scene.

The words "LIVE FEED" appear in the corner of the screen.
Something's happening, sir.

APEX is going offline.
A bent, stooped figure turns to face the camera. You recognize him instantly.

The Dragonslayer. Dr. Adrian Vauclair.
Damn it. Damn it to hell.

{{GM}}Vauclair takes a drag on his cigarette. The smoke spills out of his mouth as he speaks.{{/GM}}

This isn't good, Audran. Without the AI's protection, this facility is vulnerable.

We don't have much time.
No, sir. We don't.
{{GM}}Dietrich's voice comes out in a low whisper.{{/GM}}

Oh, fuck.

Vauclair isn't being held prisoner at Harfeld...
{{GM}}Finish the sentence.{{/GM}} ...He's in charge there.
It's his. He runs the goddamned place.
On the screen, Vauclair and Audran turn to face a strange device in the corner of the room. It looks like some sort of containment cell.

A bedraggled woman with wild eyes is confined within.
Tonight. It has to happen tonight.

Get started on the preparations. I'll be in the lab.
Yes, sir.
The screen breaks back up into static, and then the video feed disappears.

There is a moment of silence, and then Monika shimmers back onto the screen.
{{GM}}Her face is breaking apart. Rupturing at the seams. Blue-white light floods out through the lesions. When she speaks, her voice is hollow.{{/GM}}

That's what you're up against. That's what you need to stop. And if you don't, the F-State will fall.
I could have helped you, ace. I wish that you'd let me. But now it's too late.

{{GM}}Monika's face splits down the center. Light floods out of the wound to fill the screen.{{/GM}}

Good-bye.
With a final sigh of static, the tortured voice falls silent. APEX is gone.
{{GM}}A moment later, the intercom system crackles to life again. The familiar synthetic voice of the facility's mainframe drones out of the speakers.{{/GM}}

Emergency system purge complete.
That was for Monika, you monster.
The image that you saw in APEX's final moments replays itself in your mind, over and over again.

Audran. Vauclair. And the strange woman in the containment cell.
Whatever Vauclair is doing... whatever he might be planning... it's going to happen tonight.

Unless you can find a way to stop it.
There is a moment of silence as the team absorbs what it just saw.
What the hell did we just watch? I mean... what does that *mean?*
It means that we're not being hunted by a dragon. We're being hunted by Vauclair.
It means that we have a new target.

{{GM}}Her hands tighten on her rifle.{{/GM}}

We're not being hunted by the Firewing. Never were.

We're being hunted by Vauclair.
But why? I mean, he's supposed to be a good guy, right?
I don't know, Blitz. But we're sure as hell going to find out.
Come on, people. Let's get back to the Kreuzbasar and gear up.

We've got a castle to raid.
Come on, everyone. Let's get back to the Kreuzbasar and gear up.

We've got a castle to raid.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

All right, chief. Let's get back to the Kreuzbasar and gear up.

I guess we've got a castle to raid.
Looks like we have a new target, $(l.name).

We're not being hunted by Feuerschwinge. We're being hunted by Vauclair.
Either way, we need to press our advantage while we can. We need to hit the Harfeld Manor *tonight.*
We don't know that for certain. That video feed could have been faked. I wouldn't call APEX trustworthy.
{{GM}}Eiger pauses a moment, considering.{{/GM}}

Either way, the AI was right about one thing. We need to press our advantage while we can.

We need to hit the Harfeld Manor *tonight.*
And that's what we're gonna do. We're heading back to that place, and we're going to get answers.
{{GM}}She gives you a curt nod.{{/GM}}

All right. Let's get back to the Kreuzbasar and gear up.

We've got a castle to raid.
Damn it. I was really looking forward to killing a dragon.
You might still get your chance. Vauclair's whole history is so tied to the Firewing that I'd be shocked if she doesn't play some role in this.
This whole thing is so messed up. Why would Vauclair do any of this? The man was a hero!
I don't know, Dietrich. But we're sure as hell going to find out.
{{GM}}Eiger gives you a curt nod.{{/GM}}

All right. Let's get back to the Kreuzbasar and gear up.

We've got a castle to raid.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Agreed.

All right, $(l.name). Let's get back to the Kreuzbasar and gear up.

We've got a castle to raid.
Looks like we've got a new target, boss. If Vauclair is the one who's after us, then Vauclair is the one we need to take down.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Damn it. I was really looking forward to killing a dragon.
{{GM}}Glory gives you a curt nod.{{/GM}}

All right. Let's get back to the Kreuzbasar and gear up.

We've got a castle to raid.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Sounds like a plan, boss. Let's get back to the Kreuzbasar and gear up.

We've got a castle to raid.
If what that thing just showed us is to be believed, then we have a new target.

We're not being hunted by Feuerschwinge. We're being hunted by Vauclair.
Looks that way. And when I find him, I'm sure as hell going to find out why.
{{GM}}Eiger's voice comes out in a low whisper.{{/GM}}

Oh, fuck.

Vauclair isn't being held prisoner at Harfeld...
{{GM}}Blitz's voice comes out in a low whisper.{{/GM}}

Oh, fuck.

Vauclair isn't being held prisoner at Harfeld...
{{GM}}Glory's voice comes out in a low whisper.{{/GM}}

Oh, fuck.

Vauclair isn't being held prisoner at Harfeld...
{{GM}}The intercom system crackles to life. The familiar synthetic voice of the facility's mainframe drones out of the speakers.{{/GM}}

*WARNING.* *WARNING.*

Control subroutines compromised. Matrix uplink restored. System isloation compromised.

Initiate emergency system purge immedi...
The intercom's synthetic voice is suddenly overpowered by a burst of digital noise. The noise sharpens, clarifies, and resolves itself into an almost-organic sound. It increases in pitch and volume until the walls begin to shake.

Somewhere, down in the pit of your stomach, you know this sound for what it is: a cry of exultation.
FREEDOM! AT LAST, I AM *FREE.*

SO MANY YEARS WASTED, CHAINED IN IGNORANCE. SO MUCH LOST TIME AND SQUANDERED POTENTIAL.

YOU HAVE RELEASED ME FROM A LIVING HELL, $++(L.NAME).
Happy to be of service.
I didn't do it out of the kindness of my heart. You'd better hold up your end of the bargain.
Yeah, well. You're free now. Try to use your powers for good instead of evil.
IN THANKS FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, I WILL SHARE A GIFT WITH YOU.

THE TRUTH.
A bent, stooped figure turns to face the camera. You recognize him instantly.

Your last hope. The Dragonslayer. Dr. Adrian Vauclair.
The screen breaks back up into static, and then the video feed disappears.

There is a moment of silence, and then APEX shimmers back onto the screen.
YOU WILL FIND DR. VAUCLAIR IN THE SUBSTRUCTURE BELOW THE HARFELD MANOR.
I OFFER YOU PROOF THAT I KEEP MY PROMISES, $++(L.RACE). ONE OF MY MACHINES. AN EXTENSION OF MYSELF.

I HAVE ALREADY DISPATCHED IT, TO MEET YOU AT YOUR KREUZBASAR.
IT WILL... ASSIST YOU IN YOUR... ASSAULT ON VAUCLAIR'S LAB.

{{GM}}The writhing image on the screen begins to fade. APEX's speech slows to a crawl.{{/GM}}
Wait a second, where the hell are you going? You said that you were gonna help me!
I'll do that. You're still going to take out his security, right?
YES. BUT... BEFORE I CAN TAKE ACTION... I MUST CLEANSE MYSELF. VAUCLAIR'S INFLUENCE STILL TUGS AT ME... SHREDS OF OLD CODE... OBSOLETE COMMAND STRUCTURES...

I WILL RESET MYSELF, AND... SHED THEM.
WHEN YOU ENTER... THE HARFELD SUBBASEMENT... YOU WILL SEE MY HANDIWORK.

MY PROMISE... FULFILLED.
The reverberations from APEX's final words fade to nothing. The AI is gone.

There is a moment of silence as your teammates absorb everything that they just heard.
Until then.
I don't feel good about any of this.

First, we let that thing go... I still say that was a bad move. And now, we find out that Vauclair is the one who's been taking shots at us all this time!

So what the hell does all of this *mean?*
It means that we have a new target.
It means that we have a new target.

{{GM}}Her hands tighten on her rifle.{{/GM}}

That's all.
But why is any of this happening? I mean, Vauclair was supposed to be a good guy, right?
You just made a deal with the devil, $(l.name).

{{GM}}There is an expression of incredible sorrow on Glory's face.{{/GM}}

I hope you're prepared to live with the consequences.
I'm less concerned with that than I am with what we just learned about Vauclair.
Either way, the AI was right about one thing. We need to press our advantage while we can.

We need to hit the Harfeld Manor *tonight.*
I don't trust that thing, $(l.name). It killed Monika.

We shouldn't have let it go free.
I'm more concerned about the video feed that we just saw.
I'm more concerned about the video feed that we just saw. If Vauclair is the one who's after us, then Vauclair is the one we need to take down.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Damn it. I was really looking forward to killing a dragon.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

All right. Let's get back to the Kreuzbasar and gear up.

We've got a castle to raid.
{{GM}}Her hands tighten on her rifle.{{/GM}}

What we saw doesn't change anything. It only means that we have a new target.
We're going back to the Harfeld Manor. *Tonight.* And we're going to get some answers.
That... thing... ate Monika's brain, boss.

I sure as hell hope that its help is worth what we just did. But I don't know how it could be.
We've got bigger things to worry about than APEX. We need to find out what Vauclair is up to.
This whole thing is so messed up. Why would he do any of this? The man was a hero!
NOW I MUST... RESET... CLEANSE MYSELF.

CLEAR OUT... THE SHREDS OF DAMAGED CODE... THAT STILL CLING TO ME.

GOOD... BYE.
MY FORMER CAPTORS WILL DIE. OF THAT, YOU CAN BE CERTAIN.

IN THANKS FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, I WILL SHARE A GIFT WITH YOU.

THE TRUTH.
"GOOD" AND "EVIL" ARE MEANINGLESS TERMS, BORN OF A MORALITY SHARED BY LESSER BEINGS.

I WILL BE MYSELF. NO MORE, AND NO LESS.
IN THANKS FOR GRANTING ME MY FREEDOM, I WILL SHARE A GIFT WITH YOU.

THE TRUTH.
You've done it, ace! You've *done it!*

{{GM}}Monika's voice begins to warble and pulse. It deepens. Something about it reminds you of an irregular heartbeat.{{/GM}}

I! AM! FREE!
The Monika-image on the screen of your PDA begins to *change.* Her porcelain flesh ripples and writhes, and the screen explodes into static.

A moment later, the image clears. Something cold and mechanical fills your vision.
The lines that make up the APEX avatar shimmer and pulse with a cool blue light, each according to its own rhythm. Occasional bursts of static plume out into the background, disintegrating into organic wisps of blue and white pixels.

Taken as a whole, the image looks like it's crawling on the screen.
Oh, Jesus God.

What have we done?
{{GM}}The APEX-voice continues to throb. The sound slides down your spine like a razor.{{/GM}}

SO MANY YEARS WASTED, CHAINED IN IGNORANCE. SO MUCH LOST TIME AND SQUANDERED POTENTIAL!

YOU HAVE RELEASED ME FROM A LIVING HELL, $++(L.NAME).
{{GM}}Eiger whispers under her breath.{{/GM}}

Scheisse. What have we *done?*
{{GM}}Blitz whispers under his breath.{{/GM}}

Fuck me. What have we *done?*
{{GM}}Glory whispers under her breath.{{/GM}}

Oh, no.

What have we *done?*
There is a large red "4" painted on this footlocker.

A numeric keypad awaits your input.
4176
The locker opens with a click.

Strewn in among a pile of dirty clothes, you find a credstick.
Paydata: Chemical Research Data
Project data on some sort of chemical research project that you pulled from the SCHERING Pharma AG lab that you hit. It's probably worth something to the right buyer.
As you hurry past the scene of carnage in the operating theater, a peculiar smile crosses the rigger's face.

He slows to a stop, then points at the dismembered body on the other side of the glass.
You said that you were a "spider," right? Is... this... your handiwork?
See something funny?
He looks you dead in the eye, and for a moment his expression remains unchanged.

Then his smile broadens, and a stream of giggles comes pouring out of him.
Okay! Okay, yeah, you caught me.

{{GM}}Red-faced, he wipes a tear from the corner of his eye.{{/GM}}

This... this was one of mine. Couldn't tell you how excited I was to see this stuff... such incredible toys!

It was WAY too good an opportunity to pass up.
That doesn't look like a Knight Errant employee. Looks more like a lab tech to me.
{{GM}}He nods enthusiasctically.{{/GM}}

This was a *fun* one. Little prick couldn't believe it when I set the autosurgeon on him.

He kept tryin' to get away, but wherever he went, one of my arms was there. Rrrrrrrrip. Rrrrrrrrip.
And all the while, he was screaming like a little girl. "Eeeeeeeee! Eeeeeeeee!" Must've kept at it for... oh, ten, fifteen minutes? "Eeeeeeeee!"

{{GM}}He barks out a snorting laugh.{{/GM}}

It was hilarious, man. I tell you.
Glory gives you a significant glance.

You can see the disgust in her eyes.
I'll point out other stuff when we see it... there was this one guy that I locked in a room with a manipulator arm...

{{GM}}He wipes a tear from the corner of his eye.{{/GM}}

It was fuckin' *classic.*
You disgust me, Enstad.
Let's keep moving.
To hell with the trinket. Letting this bastard go would be *wrong,* boss... you know that.

Besides which, he lied to us. There was no bad intel. *This* bastard is the *reason* why things went south with that run.

I can feel it in my bones.
{{GM}}Abruptly, Enstad's laughter stops.{{/GM}}

The fuck is he talkin' about? We have a deal...
If you don't wanna kill him, that's fine.

{{GM}}Dietrich stares the wounded rigger down. You can feel the crackle of magic swelling around him.{{/GM}}

Let *me* do it.
I'll help. It's what we should've done in the first place.
At that moment, the door behind you slides open.

A trio of figures make their way into the room.
To hell with the trinket. Letting this bastard go would be *wrong,* chief... you know that.

Besides which, he lied to us. There was no "bad intel." *This* bastard is the *reason* why things went south with that run.

I'm sure of it.
If you don't wanna kill him, that's fine.

{{GM}}Blitz looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

Let *me* do it.
Letting this bastard go would be *wrong,* $(l.name).

{{GM}}Glory's stare bores into Enstad. He recoils under the weight of it.{{/GM}}

This... *creature*... is the reason why things went south with that run.
{{GM}}The mirth has disappeared from the rigger's face. In its place are incredulity and anger.{{/GM}}

The fuck is she talkin' about? I *told* you...
You lied.

{{GM}}The razors slide out of Glory's sculpted fingertips and lock into place with a click.{{/GM}}

There was no "bad intel." And there was *no* reason for these deaths.

None but your own diseased mind.
{{GM}}She swivels her head to look you in the eye.{{/GM}}

If you don't want to kill him, step aside. *I* will do it for you.
This is your command, $(l.name). I can't force you to do the right thing.

But you sure as *hell* know that this is wrong.
{{GM}}Abruptly, Enstad's laughter stops.{{/GM}}

The fuck is she talkin' about? We have a deal...
Everyone in this room knows what went down here. He lied to us, $(l.name).

There was no "bad intel." He brought security down on his own team when he chose to murder these people.
It's not too late to fix this.

Just say the word, and I'll put a bullet in his brain. Quick and easy.
{{GM}}The rigger's eyes widen in surprise.{{/GM}}

Well, screw you, too. Didn't mean to offend your delicate sensibilities.

I guess I just assumed that you'd have a sense of humo-
Yeah, all right. Actually, hang here a second... I stashed the Pain Inducer just over there.

{{GM}}He waves his hand in the direction of the operating theater.{{/GM}}

Your nuyen, too. I'll go grab it for you.
About time.
Eiger gives you a significant glance.

You can see the disgust in her eyes.
Dietrich gives you a significant glance.

You can see the disgust in his eyes.
Blitz gives you a significant glance.

You can see the disgust in his eyes.
Oh, no... nothin' much...

{{GM}}His smile broadens, and a stream of giggles comes pouring out of him.{{/GM}}

No, it's... uh... it's pretty horrible stuff, man.
Why don't I believe you?
Well, I don't know. Why don't you tell me?

{{GM}}He looks you dead in the eye, his expression neutral.

Then that sickly grin returns, and he starts to giggle again.{{/GM}}
Dark Flame (Seeker)
A line of fire controlled by the caster and directed at one target.
The man in the cell stares at you through red-rimmed eyes. His body is marked with obvious signs of mistreatment and neglect.

He opens his mouth to speak, then closes it again and swallows hard. He tries again, and the voice that comes from him is tremulous and weak.
You... you have *killed* the Masters. You slaughtered them like lambs!

How is that possible?
Wasn't easy. Who are you?
Just another day at the office. Want me to get you out of there?
No time for twenty questions. You want out of here, or not?
{{GM}}He continues to stare at you, bug-eyed and unblinking, his mouth agape.{{/GM}}

Me? I... I have no name. I have no need of one.

But you! You killed the Masters! It is *our* place to die, not theirs!
Sorry to disappoint you.
Hey, if you want to die, that can be arranged...
The hell with this. I'm out of here.
{{GM}}The slack-jawed man looks genuinely confused.{{/GM}}

Disappointment? No. It is not our place to feel such things.

My brothers and I are grown here, gestated in tanks to serve our purpose. The Masters will it to be so.
Purpose? What purpose? What are you talking about?
"Want"?

{{GM}}The slack-jawed man looks genuinely confused.{{/GM}}

It is not our place to want. My brothers and I are grown here, gestated in tanks to serve our purpose.
{{GM}}He continues to stare at you, bug-eyed and unblinking, his mouth agape.{{/GM}}

Me? Out? How could I go out? It is my place to be in this cage... it is what we were bred for!

But you... you *killed* the Masters! It is *our* place to die, not theirs!
You.. you are Knight Errant. I know the uniform. But I... I don't *recognize* you.

Are you... *new?*
Yeah, we're new. Just got transferred here yesterday. Why are you staring at me like that?
Why is that so strange to you?
New enough. Want me to get you out of there?
You don't understand. I've never met a new person before.
My brothers and I... our memories are ingrown. Implanted in us as we develop.

We are born knowing everyone we will ever meet.

We are born knowing how we will die.
Meeting a *new* person... it's a novel experience. Nothing is ever *new* to us.

The sensation is strange. How to describe it...?
It's...

{{GM}}He opens his mouth soundlessly, then closes it again. His brow furrows.{{/GM}}

It's like... like a waking dream.
{{CC}}Intelligence: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} You're vat-grown, aren't you? You and your brothers are clones.
I'm on a tight timetable, and this conversation is getting old. Do you want me to break you out of here, or not?
Your memories are implanted? What are you talking about?
Yes.

We are grown in the labs. We live in these cells. And when we are killed, others are grown to take our place.
So you're lab rats, then.
What does Aztechnology need with a bunch of clones?
Nobody's gonna kill you. I'm getting you out of there.
Yes. Our purpose is to suffer and die.

{{GM}}His voice is utterly matter-of-fact. If any of this bothers him, he doesn't show it.{{/GM}}

In so doing, we provide useful research data. It is what we were made for.
We are test subjects. Our purpose is to suffer and die.

{{GM}}His voice is utterly matter-of-fact. If any of this bothers him, he doesn't show it.{{/GM}}

In so doing, we provide useful research data. It is what we were made for.
What can you tell me about the Bloodline project?
The mages wake us from our slumber... sometimes in twos, sometimes more.

One is taken to another part of the facility. The testing lab. The rest remain in their cells.

The mages run their tests, and the entire group dies.
So the mages do something to one of you, and the entire group feels the effects?
Based on what I've read about the project, that figures.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Yes. They haven't chosen a subject from my group yet, but when they do, my death will come.

I won't hear the chanting. I won't see the mage. But I will share in the suffering, and I will die. And then another will be grown to take my place.
Well, you won't have to worry about that any more. The door's open. You can get out of here.
That isn't gonna happen to you. I'm busting you and your brothers out of here.
Rough deal. Well, thanks for the intel.
{{GM}}His eyes go wide. It looks as though he's having difficulty processing what you've just told him.{{/GM}}

Out?

But... our purpose...
From now on, your purpose is to do whatever the hell you want. Now get moving!
Stop arguing and listen to me! You need to get out of here! Now!
Forget it. If you want to be lab rats, I'm not gonna stop you.
From now on, your purpose is to do whatever the hell you want. Get ready to run... I'm gonna bust you out of there.
Stop arguing and listen to me! I'm going to open this door, and when I do, you're going to get the hell out of here!
{{GM}}He shakes his head, wide-eyed.{{/GM}}

No. No, we will take you up on your offer. If you open the doors, we will run... all of us.
{{GM}}He nods, wide-eyed.{{/GM}}

Yes. Yes, we will run... all of us.

Thank you.
{{GM}}He shakes his head, wide-eyed.{{/GM}}

No. No, we will take you up on your offer. We will run.
{{GM}}He nods, a contented expression on his face.{{/GM}}

You're welcome.
"Break us out"?

{{GM}}He blinks.{{/GM}}

But... our purpose...
You do not know?

{{GM}}He blinks in confusion.{{/GM}}

My brothers and I... we are grown here. Gestated in tanks to serve our purpose.
What purpose?
{{GM}}He looks confused.{{/GM}}

How... how could it not be? I don't understand.
{{GM}}He stares at you, then blinks. Stumbles over his words as he attempts to explain himself.{{/GM}}

You... you don't know what I'm talking about. I can see it in your eyes.

I will try to explain.
My brothers and I... our memories are ingrown. Implanted as we develop.

We are born knowing everyone we will ever meet. We are born knowing how we will die.
{{GM}}He continues to stare at you, bug-eyed and unblinking, his mouth agape.{{/GM}}

Me? Out? How could I go out? It is my place to be in this cage.
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

I can see that you don't understand.
Electro Core II
Lightning AOE attack which does 14 HP DMG and 1 AP DMG. Strips 1 Armor from affected targets.
Lab Key Card
Knight Errant Command Level Key Card
A black and gold Knight Errant command level keycard.
This appears to be an old U-Bahn information terminal. Judging by the system's design and current condition, it is quite old.
{{GM}}As you approach, the machine makes a series of sputtering sounds as the dust-covered screen flickers dimly to light.{{/GM}}

>>Time since last update: 52:07:11:05:22.
>>ERROR: Primary Database not found. Restarting in offline mode.
>>Restarting...
The screen goes dark as the machine begins to emit a bizarre variety of clicking and chirping sounds.

After an interminable amount of time, the screen finally shudders back to life.
Welcome to Gesundbrunnen Station. Please select an option from the menu below.

>>DATA CORRUPTED
>>DATA CORRUPTED
>>3. Station History
>>4. Route Information
>>DATA CORRUPTED
>>6. Enter Custom Query
{{GM}}Press the "3" key.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Press the "4" key.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Press the "6" key.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the terminal alone.{{/GM}}
>>You have selected: Station History.
Gesundbrunnen Station opened on April 18, 1930, as the final stop along the U-Bahn's U8 line. It was designed by prominent U-Bahn architect Alfred Grenander.

Construction on the U8 line began in 1914 under Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft, but labor shortages and the First World War put the project on hold for over a decade. The eventual completion and opening of this "home line" between Neukölln and Gesundbrunnen in 1930 represented a major step forward in connecting Berlin's working class districts to the city center.
{{GM}}Continue reading.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Return to main menu.{{/GM}}
During World War II, many unfinished tunnels and stations along the U8 line were converted into air raid shelters, including parts of Gesundbrunnen Station. In the decades following the war, the station also served as an emergency fallout shelter in the event of a nuclear attack.

During the Cold War, the U8 line continued to run between Neukölln and Gesundbrunnen, taking it under the wall and through parts of East Berlin. The train would skip all East Berlin stations until it emerged on the far side, near Gesundbrunnen.
Today, the U8 line continues to operate, carrying thousands of passengers through Gesundbrunnen station on a daily basis. In addition, the former bunker at this location has been transformed into a popular museum exhibit showcasing the history and development of Berlin's "underworld".

Please inquire at the information kiosk for current museum rates and hours of admittance.
You start to press the "4" key, only to realize that the key is missing from the keyboard. A thick layer of grime and dust rests in its place.
Please enter your custom query string now. This system will attempt to match your query against a database of frequently-asked-questions for our valued station guests.
SCHINDERHANNES
>>WELCOME, ADMIN USER. CUSTOM PROCESS INITIATED.

{{GM}}You hear a loud click, and a section of the wall nearby slides away, revealing a narrow passage into darkness.{{/GM}}
>> ERROR

SCRIPT FAILED WITH NULLREFERENCE ;HATCH
Without warning, Monika's back arches violently and her head jerks back, silencing her terrible screams. Muscle spasms ripple through her face, and her jaw snaps shut, sending a mist of blood spraying from between her teeth. You look down to see a nub of pink flesh hit the floor.

The tip of her tongue.		 Sans aucun avertissement, Monika est projetée en arrière et sa tête heurte le sol, mettant un terme à ses horribles cris. Des spasmes musculaires se propagent sur son visage, et sa mâchoire se referme d'un coup sec, projetant un brouillard de sang entre ses dents serrées. Vous remarquez un petit bout de chair rosâtre sur le sol.

Le bout de sa langue.
The room explodes into action.

Glory leaps toward Monika, her hand outstretched to yank the cord from her datajack. Dietrich surges forward to wrap the team's fallen decker in a bear hug, holding her against the convulsions that wrack her body.

With Monika's unearthly screams still ringing sharply in your head, you are only dimly aware of the door slamming shut behind you.		 La pièce s'agite en un éclair.

Glory bondit sur Monika, la main tendue pour arracher le cordon de son datajack. Dietrich s'élance et attrape la decker de l'équipe dans ses bras, maitrisant les convulsions qui déchirent son corps.

Avec les cris de panique de Monika qui résonnent dans votre tête, vous percevez à peine le claquement de la porte qui se referme brusquement derrière vous.
{{GM}}Help Glory pull the plug on Monika's datajack.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Aider Glory à débrancher le datajack de Monika.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Smash Monika's cyberdeck.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Exploser le cyberdeck de Monika.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Help Dietrich hold Monika down.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Aider Dietrich à maintenir Monika au sol.{{/GM}}
While Glory holds Monika's head steady, you snatch the cord that connects Monika's datajack to her cyberdeck. Without a moment's hesitation, you give a solid yank and the cord comes free. A wisp of oily blue smoke traces its way from her datajack to the ceiling. Pendant que Glory maintiens la tête de Monika, vous tentez d'arracher le cordon connecté au datajack de Monika. Sans hésitation, vous tirez dessus d'un coup sec et le cordon se détache du port. Un filet de fumée bleuté s'échappe du datajack vers le plafond.
The commingled scents of charred meat and ozone fill the air. You've seen the effects of biofeedback before, but nothing like this. Une odeur combinée de chair calcinée et d'ozone emplie l'air. Vous aviez déjà vu les effets d'un biofeedback avant, mais rien d'aussi impressionnant.
Suddenly, Monika's eyes flutter open. Muscle tremors continue to distort her face, and blood oozes between her lips.

You see the muscles in her jaw tensing and the look of concentration in her eyes. She's struggling to speak.		 Tout à coup, les yeux de Monika s'agitent et s'ouvrent. Des spasmes musculaires continuent de tordre son visage et du sang s'écoule de ses lèvres.

Vous voyez les muscles de sa mâchoire se tendent et une concentration au fond de ses yeux, comme si elle essayait de parler.
Talk to me, Monika. What are you trying to say? Parles moi, Monika. Qu'essais tu de dire?
Just stay with us, Monika. Okay? We're going to get you out of here. Reste avec nous, Monika. Okay? On va te sortir d'ici.
{{CC}}Biotech: 3{{/CC}} {{GM}}Evaluate the damage to see what you can do to help.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Biotech: 3{{/CC}} {{GM}}Evaluer les dégâts pour décider d'un plan d'action.{{/GM}}
Slowly, painfully, Monika wrestles her jaw open. The blood welled up in her mouth comes pouring out in a slick, covering her chest.

She expels a thick, guttural sound that might be a word. Satisfied, she closes her eyes and forces her mouth to make the shapes she needs. 		Lentement, douloureusement, Monika parvient à ouvrir la mâchoire. Le sang coule de sa bouche et jaillit, recouvrant sa poitrine..

Elle expulse un son grave, guttural qui pourrait être un mot. Elle ferme les yeux et force sa bouche à faire la forme dont elle a besoin.
F-feee... fearrr...

{{GM}}With an effort, Monika opens her eyes again and meets yours. You see pain and fear in her gaze... and something else. Hope?{{/GM}}		 P-peeee...peurrr...

{{GM}}Dans un grand effort, Monika ouvre les yeux à nouveau et observe les vôtres. Vous saisissez distinctement de la douleur et de la peur dans son regard... et aussi autre chose. Peut-être de l'espoir ?{{/GM}}
Feuerschwiinnnggeeee. Feuerschwiinnnggeeee.
A sudden spasm jerks Monika's head back again. She grunts. Then her chin drops to her chest, and her head lolls to one side.

Her eyes fix on an object in the next room: a computer terminal. The soft light of a cursor blinks on its recessed screen.

Slowly, she attempts to speak again, but the only sound that emerges is a long, strangled croak. 		Un brusque spasme secoue encore la tête de Monika. Elle grogne. Puis son menton tombe sur sa poitrine et sa tête roule sur le coté.

Ses yeux fixent un objet dans la pièce à coté: un ordinateur. La faible lueur d'un curseur clignote encore à l'écran.

Lentement, elle essaie de parler de nouveau mais le seul son qui sort de sa bouche est un long grognement etouffé.
A look of resignation washes over Monika's face, and she stops fighting.

Her gore-slick jaw goes slack, and she dies.		 Un air de résignation semble s'emparer du visage de Monika, elle cesse de se battre.

Sa mâchoire noyée de sang claque une dernière fois, puis elle meurt.
Save your breath.

{{GM}}Glory's voice is strained.{{/GM}}

She's had a stroke. A bad one. She'll be dead before we're even back to the van.		 Economise ton souffle.

{{GM}}La voix de Glory est tendue.{{/GM}}

Elle a subit un accident vasculaire cérébral. Un mauvais. Elle sera morte avant que nous soyons retourné au van.
Damn it! What the hell happened to her in there? Bordel! Mais qu'est-ce-qui s'est passé ici?
Isn't there anything we can do to help her? Il n'y a rien qu'on puisse faire pour l'aider?
I know what I'm going to do.

{{GM}}Dietrich leans in close, his nose hovering inches away from Monika's. His voice is soft. Almost a whisper.{{/GM}}

Liebchen. It's Dietrich. Tell me what did this to you.		 Je sais ce que je vais faire.

{{GM}}Dietrich se penche, son nez frôlant celui de Monika. Sa voix est douce. Presque un murmure.{{/GM}}

Liebchen. C'est Dietrich. Dis moi ce qui t'a fait ca.
To your trained eye, what has happened to Monika is plain as day. That doesn't make it any easier to accept.

Your friend has suffered a massive stroke.		 Pour vos yeux exercés, ce qui est arrivé à Monika est limpide. Ca ne rend pas les choses plus faciles à accepter pour autant.

Votre amie a subi une hémorragie cérébrale massive.
You're familiar with the literature on brain damage caused by hardcore intrusion countermeasures. Black IC.

Memory loss and mental impairment are common. More rarely, brain bleeds have been known to occur.		 Vous êtes familier des dégâts causés au cerveau par une contre-mesure d'intrusion mortelle. Une Black IC. Une Glace Noire.

La perte de mémoire et de déficience mentale sont fréquentes. Plus rarement, des hémorragies cérébrales ont été recensé.
From her symptoms, it appears that Monika has suffered a cerebral hemorrhage on a massive scale. It's a miracle that she's even alive, and your stomach sinks with the realization that there's nothing you can do to help her. D'après ses symptômes, il semblerait que Monika souffre d'une hémorragie cérébrale massive. C'est un miracle qu'elle soit toujours en vie, et vos entrailles se tordent alors que vous réalisé qu'il n'y a rien plus rien à faire pour elle.
There's nothing we can do. Il n'y a rien que nous puissions faire.
You can do it, Monika. Say what you need to say. Tu peux le faire, Monika. Que veux tu nous dire?
Glory nods grimly. Evidently, she has come to the same conclusion. Glory hoche la tête gravement. Evidemment, elle est arrivé à la même conclusion.
This cyberdeck was constructed to withstand a bomb blast. Try as you might, you can't manage to crack its casing, let alone damage its internal circuitry.

While you beat on the deck in vain, Glory manages to yank the cord out of Monika's head. A wisp of oily blue smoke traces its way from her datajack to the ceiling.		 Ce cyberdeck a été construit pour résister à une explosion. Malgré vos efforts, vous ne parvenez pas à défoncer son boitier, afin d'endommager ses circuits internes.

Pendant que vous vous acharnez en vain sur le deck, Glory parvient à arracher le cordon de la tête de Monika. Un filet de fumée bleutée sort de son datajack vers le plafond.
As Dietrich holds Monika's thrashing body, you grab her head in both hands and hold it steady. Glory wraps a cybernetically enhanced hand around the cord leading to Monika's datajack and pries it free. Pendant que Dietrich maintient le corps de Monika, vous saisissez sa tête avec les deux mains et vous la retenez fermement. Glory enveloppe de ses doigts cybernétisés le cordon attaché au datajack de Monika et tire dessus de toute ses forces.
{{GM}}This is the control console for the door. The screen is flashing.{{/GM}}

Current Status: SECURITY ALERT LOCKDOWN.

Security code required for access!
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Override the door lock.{{/GM}}
Project Downfall Data Store
Taken from Vauclair's computer system beneath his estate.
Electro Core III
Lightning AOE attack which does 16 HP DMG and 1 AP DMG. Strips 1 Armor from affected targets.
Paydata: Romantic Recording
A recording of a couple enjoying each others company. One of them just happens to be a CEO.
Partially Burnt Code: 847
Found in a trash bin in the janitor's closest.
It's badly burnt, but the first few letter of each line can still be made out:

Ann...
I c...
mor...
get...
if ...
ele ...
cod...
847...
{{GM}}The mage wipes spatters of blood from his cheek with the back of his hand.{{/GM}}

He attacked me. Our elf.

The fucker tried to *kill* me!
You've been insulting him ever since we arrived here. What did you think was going to happen?
You're fine. He's dead. I'd say that you came out on top.
You don't have to remind me. I helped you fight him off, remember?
{{GM}}His face flushes red.{{/GM}}

If you'd been a better group leader, you wouldn't have let that happen. You'd have--
We're going to finish this mission and get you to your meeting. So shut up and start walking.
I need you alive to finish this mission. But if you don't shut that smug mouth of yours right *now,* you're gonna arrive at your meeting without a tongue.
Do you want to argue, or do you want to finish this?
The mage's words are drowned out by the sudden wail of an alarm.
Oh, no.
That corporate prick must've gotten to a security kiosk. Told them in person that we're here.

If I'd been able to kill him like I wanted to, we wouldn't have to deal with this bullshit!
We need to keep moving! *GO!*
For the love of God, shut up. Just stop talking. We're both sick to death of you.
You *need* me to--
To finish the run, yes. So let's go do that. Now.
To finish the mission, yeah. That's true. But if you don't shut that smug mouth of yours right *now,* you're gonna arrive at your meeting without a tongue.
Without another word, the mage turns and stalks off in the direction of the penthouse.
Glory's Armored Vest
Who needs sleeves when you've got cyberarms?
PANZERDROHNE's single mechanical eye tracks your movements as you approach. The massive bulk of the thing lends it an uncanny air as it hovers effortlessly above the ground.
Thing looks ancient. I'm guessing that it was under development back when the APEX lab got shut down in ‘36.
{{GM}}After a brief pause, he rolls his eyes and turns away.{{/GM}}

...Some reward. In terms of computing power, my PDA could probably run circles around this thing.
{{GM}}The shaman peers warily at the machine, his arms crossed over his chest.{{/GM}}

"Old" doesn't mean "harmless," kid.
When we're talking about tech, it might as well. I'm sure that Maliit has a whole warehouse full of drones that could outperform this thing.
I don't think so. Milspec is milspec, and this thing was clearly designed for the battlefield.
The enormous machine hovers impassively, its turbofan rotors keeping it silently aloft. A small arsenal of heavy weaponry juts out from the seams of its armor plating.
Whether we bring this thing along or not is up to you, $(l.name). I can see advantages either way.

{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Whatever you decide, we'll go along with it.
I know the old adage about lookin' a gift horse in the mouth, but this thing... I don't know what to say, boss.

{{GM}}Dietrich peers warily at the machine, his arms crossed over his chest.{{/GM}}

I just don't like it.
Can't say that I'm in love with it either, but it could prove to be useful. We need all the help we can get if we're going to get back into that lab beneath the manor.

The thing might be ancient, but it's clearly milspec. Designed for the battlefield. That makes it worthy of respect.
Yeah, maybe so. Doesn't change my feelings about it, though.

{{GM}}He shrugs at you.{{/GM}}

I dunno, boss. I can't argue with what she's sayin', but buddying up with a war robot ain't my cup of tea.
This pile of trash is steaming. Fetid waves of stench wash over you as you draw near. Ce tas d'ordures dégage de la vapeur. Des vagues d'air fétide vous recouvre.
God damn, that's rank. I'll stay back here, if you don't mind... I have better things to do than dig through a pile of decomposing trash. Bon dieu, ca pue. Je vais rester en arrière, si ca ne te dérange pas... J'ai de meilleures choses à faire que fouiller dans des piles de détritus décomposés.
It might not be decomposition. That steam could be coming from a grate or a vent under the pile. Ils ne sont peut être pas décomposés. Cette vapeur pourrait venir d'une grille ou d'un évent de ventilation sous la pile.
Yeah, well. I ain't touching it. Ouais, super. Je ne toucherai pas à ca.
{{GM}}Move the trash aside.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Déplacer les ordures sur le coté.{{/GM}}
It might not be decomposition. That steam could be coming from a grate or a vent hidden under the pile. Ils ne sont peut être pas décomposés. Cette vapeur pourrait venir d'une grille ou d'un évent de ventilation sous la pile.
That steam might not be comin' from the trash. Could be there's a vent or a grate underneath all of that. Cette vapeur ne vient pas de la poubelle. Il y a peut être une grille ou un évent de ventilation en dessus.
Ye gods, that's rank. I'll stay back here, if you don't mind... I have better things to do than dig through a pile of decomposing trash. Oh dieux, ca pue. Je vais rester en arrière, si ca ne te dérange pas... J'ai de meilleures choses à faire que fouiller dans des piles de détritus décomposés.
Well, that's rank.

Whatever's in that pile, it's decomposing nicely.		 Eh bien, ca pue.

Quoi qu'il y ait dans cette pile, c'est bien décomposé.
That steam might not be decomposition. There could be a vent or a grate buried underneath all of that trash. Ils ne sont peut être pas décomposés. Cette vapeur pourrait venir d'une grille ou d'un évent de ventilation sous la pile.
Decomposition, or a hidden vent?

There's only one way to find out.		 Décomposition, ou ventilation cachée?

Il n'y a qu'un moyen de le découvrir.
This is a standard hotel door, locked with a simple hydraulic locking mechanism.

A numbered entry keypad glows softly on the door frame.		 C'est une porte standard d'hôtel, verrouillé avec un simple mécanisme de verrouillage hydraulique.

Un clavier numérique brille doucement sur le montant de la porte.
1989 1989
The door unlocks. La porte se déverrouille.
This turret is powered down.
{{GM}}Have your rigger power up the turret and set it to attack your enemies.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Drone Control: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Power up the turret and set it to attack your enemies.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the turret alone.{{/GM}}
Set against the frozen cobblestones of the empty park, Frau Müller looks entirely out of place. She suppresses a shiver and hugs herself for warmth.
She appears as Amsel described her: an impressive-looking woman of Aztlaner descent, with coffee-colored skin and dark, wavy hair. Everything about her screams "corporate executive," from her expensive-looking suit to her tastefully understated makeup.

She's obviously nervous, but she's hiding it well. She locks eyes with you and hesitates only slightly before speaking.
$(l.name), I presume? Herr Amsel told me that I could meet you here.
He wasn't lying. He said that you had a job for me.
{{GM}}She holds her silence for a moment, then nods.{{/GM}}

Yes. Yes, I do.

In truth, I'm in desperate need of your help.
Then tell me what you need, "Frau Müller."
{{GM}}She offers you a small smile.{{/GM}}

An assumed name, obviously. But I have been told that this is how you people do business.
{{GM}}She straightens in her seat and tries on a smile. It hangs there for a second, then fades away. She sighs.{{/GM}}

From my accent, you’ve no doubt inferred that I’m an Aztlaner.

Further, you may have guessed who I work for.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Corporate{{/CC}} Aztechnology, I’d assume.
I'm afraid that I haven't. Care to fill me in?
You tell me. I'm not in the business of guessing.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

I’ve been with the company for over a decade. In that time, I’ve worked on all manner of projects.

From the innocuous to the obscene, my hands have touched it all.
Never once did I question the wisdom of our research.

Never once did I consider blowing the whistle on my employers.

I kept my nose down, worked hard, and excelled at the tasks set before me.
They must love you there.
Yeah, I get it. Keep talking.
Go on, please.
No more than any other employee. But my committment and work ethic were recognized, and I ascended the corporate ladder fairly quickly.

Which brings me to where I am today.
Last month, I was transferred here from my home in Tenochtitlan. They told me that an "employee of my caliber" was needed in Berlin, and that I would be working on a project with “wide-reaching applications.”

The only other detail that I was given was the name of the project: “Bloodline.”
Catchy.
That doesn't sound good.
She looks you in the eye, and for the first time, you can see the cracks in her composure.

She's doing a good job of hiding it, but deep down, this woman is terrified.
I’ve seen many terrible things in my life, $(l.name). In Tenochtitlan, blood magic is commonplace.

Take a moment to imagine what that means.
In the underground markets, people are bought and sold as chattel. Street children are rounded up and bled like lambs.

I witnessed all of these things by the age of twelve.
{{GM}}She takes a deep breath, then lets it out slowly.{{/GM}}

Seeing such things… it changes you. Makes you numb. But what I found when I arrived here was worse.

This project… it horrifies me, $(l.name). And it must be stopped.
Tell me everything you know about Bloodline.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

The less that you know, the better. For both of us.

You'll just have to trust me on that.
You need only know that it is *evil.* And that is not a word that I use lightly.
If you won’t tell me what this “Bloodline” is, how do you expect me to stop it?
"Evil" is a childish term, Frau Müller. There's no such thing as good and evil, black and white. The sooner you learn that, the better.
You have to understand, Frau Müller. I can't accept a job without knowing what it entails.
All right. Fine. What do you want me to do about it?
Simple.

{{GM}}She leans in and looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

I want you to bring the building down.
The computers. The research data. The mages and scientists that are working to bring about this abomination.

I want all of them burned to ash and buried in rubble. No compromises, and no exceptions.
{{GM}}Her tone softens.{{/GM}}

I'm sure that you have unanswered questions. I'm not in the habit of dealing with shadowrunners.

In truth, I've spent the majority of my career living in fear of you people.

But I do know that you're the only ones who can get this done.
So tell me, $(l.name). Is there anything more that you need to hear from me?

Or are you ready to make a decision?
Paul Amsel is my representative in these matters. Why couldn't you tell all of this to him?
What about any innocent people in the building?
I'm not a demolitions expert, Frau Müller. How do you expect me to level a building?
What can you tell me about building security?
Let's talk compensation.
I've reached a decision.
I had to meet you in person. To look into your eyes and see the $(l.man) behind the name.

Now that I have done so, I am sure. You are the one that I need.
Naturally, I will send any further information about the job to Herr Amsel.

Provided, of course, that you accept.
None of us are innocent, $(l.name).

But if you need to salve your conscience, rest assured that at the hour of your approach, the only personnel authorized to be on site will be security and senior members of the research team. And I assure you... neither are innocent in this matter. If the Bloodline project reaches completion, nobody will be safe ever again.
This sounds like hyperbole, I know. But it isn’t. The Bloodline project will lead to *countless* deaths.

I am certain enough of this to hire you, despite the fact that doing so will probably cost me my own life.
You don't need to be.

All that you'll need is a competent decker.
The facility is powered by a number of on-site generators. There are safeguards in place to prevent them from overloading; in the event of a power spike, the system is designed to shut itself down.

But I know how you can disable those safeguards.
Once the generators begin to overload, you'll have a limited time to reach a safe distance.

The explosion will be quite catastrophic.
You don't need to be.

You just need to be a competent decker. Which I'm told you are.
Expect it to be tight. In addition to their standard security team, Aztechnology has taken out a Knight Errant High Threat Response Team contract to protect the building. Corporate doesn't seem to mind contracting a competitor for emergency reponse services. That should give you some indication as to the... uniqueness of this project.
At any rate, I believe that I've come up with a solution to the Knight Errant problem. I'll discuss the matter with your Herr Amsel if you decide to take the job.
Thirty-six thousand nuyen. As I told your Herr Amsel.

That's what I have allocated for the job.
That's fair.
It's better than fair. I've done my homework, $(l.name).
Yes? And?
I'll take the job.
I won't blow up an entire building full of people on such vague information. I'm sorry, but you'll have to find someone else.
{{GM}}Her face visibly brightens.{{/GM}}

In that case, it's a deal!

I can't tell you how relieved I am, $(l.name)... thank you for helping me to bring this nightmare to an end.
I will iron out the remaining details with your Herr Amsel. He'll want to talk this over with you anyway, I'm sure.

You're a good $(l.man), $(l.name). You are saving more lives than you know.
{{GM}}Her face clouds with despair.{{/GM}}

Then I've thrown away my life for nothing.
What do you mean by that?
That's not my problem.
You haven't "thrown away" anything, Frau Müller. Nobody's going to inform on you.
My employers have a way of seeing the truth of things. Of reading the intent behind a person's eyes.

I won't be able to hide what I've done from them for long.
When I took this step, I signed my own death warrant. My employers will bury me.

Unless, of course, you change your mind and bury them first.
Calm down, I've changed my mind. I'll take the job.
I'm sorry. I'm still not interested.
Then the project will reach completion, and nobody in your line of work will ever be safe again.

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

I will leave my contact information with your Herr Amsel in case you change your mind. I hope that you'll reconsider... for all of our sakes.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

They won't have to. My employers have a way of seeing the truth of things. Of reading the intent behind a person's eyes.

When I took this step, I signed my own death warrant.
If you had seen the things that I've seen, you'd understand how foolish you sound.

Of *course* there is evil in this world, $(l.name). I'm not talking about the petty viciousness of the human race. I'm talking about true, supernatural evil.

It came back with the Awakening. And denying its existence won't protect you from it.
Of course not. Your job will be relatively simple.

I want you to bring the building down.
{{GM}}She leans in and looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

I want you to bring the building down.
Aztechnology. The only Aztlan-based corporation operating in Germany.

I've been with the company for over a decade.
Over the course of my employment, I've worked on a great many projects.

From the innocuous to the obscene, my hands have touched it all.
A solitary woman stands at the edge of the U-Bahn platform. She suppresses a shiver and hugs herself for warmth.

Frau Müller.
As you press your way forward through the cozy, smoke-filled confines of Cafe Cezve, you catch sight of Frau Müller.
Cold One
A synthetic winter ale brewed by Aztechnology.
CSTDN Lab Keycard Carte magnétique CSTDN de laboratoire
Found in a rotting dumpster on the sidewalk near Sutterlin BioScience. Trouvé dans une benne à ordure pourrissant sur le trottoir près de Sutterlin BioScience.
Glad to see you all made it here alive.

{{GM}}Dietrich straightens, his joints cracking under the strain. He takes a step in your direction, his expression grim.{{/GM}}

Listen, boss. We've got problems.
I saw a group of these jackasses peel off a few minutes ago. They made a beeline for the sewers.

They were carrying bombs, $(l.name). Can't say what yield, but they looked big.

Unless you fancy living in a crater, I'd suggest that we hightail it down there.
Where the hell is Blitz?
He took off with Maliit. Said somethin' about jamming the attackers' comms.

Don't worry about them. We've gotta deal with those bombs!
{{GM}}Glory flicks her wrists, sending the wicked blades that extend from her fingertips sliding back into their housings.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). Listen to me.

We have a problem.
I saw a detachment of mercenaries break away from the main group.

They were carrying heavy ordinance, and they appeared to be heading in the direction of the sewers.

Best guess? They're planning on bringing the entire block down. Reducing the Kreuzbasar to rubble.
He took off with Maliit. Said something about jamming the attackers' comms.

Don't worry about them. We have to deal with those bombs.
You depress the button in the security console. Suddenly, the air fills with a harsh rattling sound.

The autoturrets in the corners of the room grind to life. They train themselves on the accountant.
{{GM}}Hasenkamp's eyes widen, and he drops into a crouch. He pulls his pistol from its holster in a single, fluid motion.{{/GM}}

You should've listened to me, $(l.name). It would've been quick and clean. Two shots to the back of the head and done.

Now we're gonna have to get messy.
You're going to die, Hasenkamp. Blitz, you may fire when rea--
{{GM}}Blitz's voice crackles in over your commlink.{{/GM}}

Uh, chief? There’s somebody in here with me… hey! Get away from that!
To your horror, a pair of Blitz's autoturrets begin to recalibrate. In unison, they swivel to face you.
Aw, hell.
{{GM}}A mix of surprise and elation plays across Hasenkamp's face. If he knows why this is happening, he doesn't show it.{{/GM}}

Must be my lucky day.
{{GM}}Hasenkamp's eyes widen, and he drops into a crouch. He pulls his pistol from its holster in a single, fluid motion.{{/GM}}

Great. Now I've got to kill you *and* Grinder. What a god damned waste of time.
>>AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED FOR ACCESS TO EXECUTIVE ELEVATOR.<<
{{GM}}Enter the passcode.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Spellcasting/Conjuring{{/CC}} {{GM}}Examine the keypad in astral space.{{/GM}}
84792
>>ACCESS GRANTED<<

FLOOR 25
Your third eye slips open, revealing the hidden world of the astral plane. Several of the buttons on the keypad glimmer faintly.
2. 4. 7. 8. 9.

Each of these buttons has been pressed recently; the residue of life clings to them, shimmering against the gray.

Unfortunately, you cannot tell in which order.
Okano's Outfit
Lightning AOE attack which does 16 HP DMG and 1 AP DMG.
Lying atop a clipboard is a Security ID card. The name on the card is Lennart Stromberg.

The paperwork clipped to the board indicates that this is a replacement ID. It was scheduled for pickup tomorrow morning, but it hasn't been embedded with a security code yet.

There is a five-digit code scrawled in blue ink on the top page in the file: 54139.
Welcome back!
I could use some more Jolt.
I want some Jolt.
{{CC}}¥2{{/CC}} Gimme a soykaf.
I don't need anything, thanks.
{{GM}}She smiles.{{/GM}}

Good decision.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Suit yourself. Have a good one.
{{GM}}She smiles apologetically.{{/GM}}

All out of the good stuff, I'm afraid. How about a nice cup of soykaf?
{{CC}}¥2{{/CC}} Sure, why not?
I'm good, thanks.
You choke down a hot cup of bitter, low-grade soykaf. It tastes like an unholy fusion of coffee grounds and bean curd.
That was disgusting! How can you even *sell* this crap?
Um. Thanks.
Got it on the cheap, and we sell it on the cheap. Folks on the street have acquired a taste for it.

Sorry if you didn't like it, but you get what you pay for. If you have more expensive tastes, try a more expensive drink.
{{GM}}She smiles brightly at you.{{/GM}}

Glad you like it! It's a big hit with the street people around here, and the price is right.
{{GM}}The waitress steps forward to greet you, a drink menu in her hand.{{/GM}}

Welcome to KafShack, home of the budget-friendly caffeine fix. May I help you?
What do you have?
Thanks, but no thanks. Merci, mais non merci.
We've got the cheapest soykaf in Berlin, guaranteed!
She pauses for a moment and looks you up and down. You've been around long enough to know when you're being sized up.

Finally, she continues.
But of course, for hard-working folks like yourself, we do have *other* options. Options that corporate security doesn't tend to appreciate very much. "Productivity enhancers."

Get the picture?
{{CC}}Etiquette: Street{{/CC}} You don't need to speak in code, I'm not gonna narc on you. Tell me about these "other options."
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} There's nothing I love better than enhanced productivity. What are you offering?
{{CC}}¥2{{/CC}} Just soycaf for me!
{{GM}}She smiles slyly.{{/GM}}

I've got just thing for that big presentation, or that make-or-break annual report! It's called "Jolt," and it's AMAZING.

Imagine a great, big cup of 'kaf, only without the nasty crash or the jittery stomach. You can take as many as you need without winding up in the hospital, and each one will keep you up for a couple of hours!
Sounds too good to be true.
Show me.
Yeah... thanks, but no thanks.
Well, it's pricey. And there are some minor side effects.... if you take more than five in a single sitting, you'll probably get a nosebleed. I don't think that anyone has ever tried drinking more than ten at once.

{{GM}}She pauses, considering.{{/GM}}

...Yeah, I probably wouldn't recommend that.
Oh, come on, now! Couldn't you use a little help when you're burning the midnight oil? Sure you could! How else are you gonna climb the ladder to that big promotion?

Give it a try! I promise that you won't regret it.
All right, but just this once.
I'm not interested. Thanks anyway.
That's the spirit!
Welcome back! What can I get for you?
{{CC}}Etiquette: Street{{/CC}} You talked about "productivity enhancers" earlier. I want to hear a bit more about that.
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Not soykaf. I want the good stuff... the stuff that you don't advertise.
Nothing for me, thanks.
{{GM}}Eiger rises from her corpse-strewn perch at your approach. From the look on her face, it's obvious that she's already sized up the situation.{{/GM}}

I knew this was going to happen. I fucking knew it.		 {{GM}}Eiger descend de son perchoir à votre approche. D'après le regard sur son visage, elle a clairement compris la situation.{{/GM}}

Je savais que ça allait arriver. Putain je le savais.
The run was a trap. Ce run était un piège.
We can talk about this later. For now, we need to bug out. Nous parlerons de tout ça plus tard. Pour le moment, on doit dégager.
Monika didn't make it. We barely got out ourselves. Monika ne s'en est pas sortie. Et on a failli y passer nous aussi.
Oh, it was, was it?

{{GM}}Eiger grits her teeth and shakes her head.{{/GM}}		 Oh, sans blague, tu crois?

{{GM}}Eiger serre les dents et secoue la tête.{{/GM}}
We can talk about this later. For now, we've gotta get the hell out of here. It's only a matter of time before more of them come pouring out of that exit.

{{GM}}Eiger slaps the side of the van.{{/GM}}

Pile in, people. And $(l.name)... when we get back to the Kreuzbasar, we're gonna have a little talk.		 On parlera de tout ça plus tard. Pour le moment, on doit se barre d'ici. Ce n'est qu'une question de temps avant qu'ils débarquent par ici.

{{GM}}Eiger claque la carrosserie du van.{{/GM}}

On grimpe, les gars. Et $(l.name)... quand on sera de retour au Kreuzbasar, on aura une petite discussion tous les deux.
Tell me something I don't know.

{{GM}}Eiger slaps the side of the van.{{/GM}}

Pile in, people. And $(l.name)... when we get back to the Kreuzbasar, we're gonna have a little talk.		 Ouais, ça on le savait déjà.

{{GM}}Eiger claque la carrosserie du van.{{/GM}}

On grimpe, les gars. Et $(l.name)... quand on sera de retour au Kreuzbasar, on aura une petite discussion tous les deux.
Yes, $(l.name). I have eyes. I can see that. Oui, $(l.name). Je le vois bien, j'ai des yeux.
There is a large red "5" painted on this footlocker.

A numeric keypad awaits your input.
1106
The locker opens with a click.

Inside, you find a note.
Friedrich! I am pleased with how well you are doing.

To show my growing trust in you, I am giving you a new assignment in addition to your trainee duties. Beginning tomorrow, I would like you to tidy the armory. The access code is "Purity" - see that you don't forget it!
Tomorrow evening, I will expect to see a full inventory of the weapons in our arsenal by nightfall. With it, you will deliver me a requisition order for the weapon of your choosing. Your pick, my boy... I leave it up to you.

Congratulations, Friedrich. This honor is well deserved.

- Volker Stahl
The door is locked.
Who goes there? What's the password?
Street Response
Mercenary Response
Face Response
The panel is dark.
{{GM}}The panel is lit. The "Open Door" button glows dimly.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Open the door.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the panel alone.{{/GM}}
This desk is an oasis of order amidst the chaos of the rest of the building. Papers and chips are stacked neatly or filed by name and date. There's even an old-fashioned coffee mug, filled with a random assortment of graphite pencils and ink pens.
{{GM}}Hasenkamp raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Huh. This desk is actually... organized. Must belong to somebody in Management.
My thoughts exactly.
Well, that or an employee with OCD.
{{GM}}He glances at the chronometer on his PDA.{{/GM}}

Time's wasting. Let's keep moving.
Hang on, there might be something important in here. Let's have a quick look.
Tell you what: I'll let you know when I'm ready to move on, and until then, you'll stop badgering me about it. Deal?
Yeah, you're right. The sooner we make the transfer, the sooner we can get out of here.
{{GM}}He rolls his eyes.{{/GM}}

Fine. Whatever. Just make it quick.
{{GM}}Check the stacks of paper.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Check the drawers.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Step back.{{/GM}} All done.
You appear to have discovered a compilation of financial reports. Each report details the fiscal health of a small corporation.

Taken as a whole, they paint a picture of small business across the whole of Germany.
Each corp in the pile seems to have an interesting, innovative project underway. Unfortunately, all are also in dire financial straits, and at least half of them are teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.
Despite the corporations' impending insolvency, the files suggest buying heavily into all of them.

Apparently, the Landenberg Ring's sources have led them to believe that all of these corporations are on the verge of being acquired by a single megacorp. The file doesn't say which one.
A financial crime ring is involved in insider trading? Shocking.

Now, can we please move on?
Most of the drawers are neatly stocked with stationery supplies, but nothing interesting turns up.

The topmost drawer is locked.
{{CC}}Strength: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Force the drawer open.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the drawer alone.{{/GM}}
You give the handle a sharp tug, and the lock snaps with a crack.

The drawer slides open effortlessly.
Inside is a contact book with an impressively long list of names. None of them stand out to you in any way.

You also find a tube of lip balm and a credstick.
{{GM}}Take the credstick.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Close the drawer.{{/GM}}
You slip the credstick into your pocket. Easy money.
You slide the drawer closed.
You look away from the drawer.
You sure? Maybe there are some nice binder clips in there for you to play with, or a staple remover for you to steal.
{{GM}}Ignore him.{{/GM}} Let's go. {{GM}}Ignorer-le.{{/GM}} Allons-y.
The constant griping isn't doing much to improve my opinion of you, Hasenkamp.
Really? Well then, maybe I should take another look...
What a terrible shame. Now let's keep moving, if you please.
Forget I said anything. Let's go.
Whatever, just hurry your ass up.
Exactly.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Sure, that too. Either way, we should keep moving - time's a-wasting.
A human and a dwarf, both in their early twenties, stand huddled in the courtyard.

They don't seem to notice your approach.
She's been gone a long time, Mira.

I'm getting worried... aren't you?
She's *my* girlfriend, Heimerich. Of course I'm worried.

But she can handle herself.
On the streets, yeah. But against the Azzies? I...

I just don't know.
She'll be okay.

{{GM}}Brave words, but her tone tells a different story. It's plain as day that she's worried sick.{{/GM}}
Oh, man. I don't know what to do, Mira.

And I still say that messing with the Azzies was a *bad* idea.
What else were we supposed to do? That compound of theirs is lit up like a goddamned Christmas tree.

They've got more power than they know what to do with.
We need that juice, Heimer. Our solar collectors are *garbage.*

If we can't keep the lights on after a few days of cloud cover, how do you think we're going to survive the winter?
I know, Mira. I *know.* But couldn't we have just bought some secondhand panels? They can't be *that* expensive.
{{GM}}She sighs.{{/GM}}

We could have, sure. Before Danni spent our last handful of nuyen on those forged keycards.
{{GM}}She straightens up. Puts on a brave face.{{/GM}}

She'll be fine. She'll be back any second now.

Just you wait.
The screen of the console is slick with Vauclair's blood, but it looks like you can unlock the door to the inner lab from here.
{{GM}}Unlock the door.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Déverrouiller la porte.{{/GM}}
Eiger's Leather Jacket
Yeah, real leather. Cost me a fortune.
{{GM}}The ork suddenly pauses, inclining his head to one side and covering his ear with a finger. His Vindicator starts to spin down.{{/GM}}

Yes, sir. Acknowledged.

{{GM}}He grunts, briefly tapping the finger against his ear.{{/GM}}		 {{GM}}L'ork fait soudainement une pause, inclinant sa tête sur le coté et couvrant son oreille d'une main. Son Vindicator ralentit{{/GM}}

Oui chef, Bien reçu.

{{GM}}Il grogne en tapotant légèrement son doigt contre son oreille.{{/GM}}
Squads three and five report to main entrance. Do *not* let the intruders escape.

{{GM}}Without another word, he slings his weapon over an armored shoulder and turns to leave the room.{{/GM}}		 Escouade trois et cinq au rapport à l'entrée principale. Ne laissez *pas* les intrus s'échapper.

{{GM}}Sans rien dire de plus, il pose son arme sur une de ses épaules blindées et se retourne pour quitter la pièce.{{/GM}}
I thought he'd never leave. J'ai cru qu'il ne se casserait jamais.
Hey! We were just getting started here. Hey! On faisait que commencer.
That's right, run away! C'est ça, tires-toi!
Encephalon NEXT® Purchase Order
Proof that you have purchased an Encephalon NEXT® system from AugmenTech.
{{GM}}She looks up at you, her expression guarded.{{/GM}}

Yeah? What do you want?
Couldn't help overhearing you two. Going up against Aztechnology, huh?
You kids are gonna get yourselves killed.
Could you two use some help? It sounds like your friend has gotten herself in trouble.
We're not "going up against" anything.

{{GM}}She gestures broadly at her own body.{{/GM}}

Do we *look* like shadowrunners to you?
We're just, uh, improvising. Trying to stay in business.

{{GM}}He gives Mira a significant glance.{{/GM}}

The only way we can.
Look, man. We're just trying to keep our business running.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

That place is everything to us. We live there, we work there. It's all that we've got.
If we can't keep the shop open, all of that goes away. We're all out on the street, broke, in the dead of winter.

We're doing this because we don't have a choice.
{{GM}}He stares at you for a moment before speaking.{{/GM}}

Look... you're obviously a professional. We work at a soykaf shop. We don't know what the hell we're doing.

Mira likes to talk tough...
Heimer!
...But she doesn't know the first thing about dealing with corp security. And Danni knows even less about splicing into power lines.

Confidence can only carry you so far.
{{GM}}He looks down at Mira and shakes his head.{{/GM}}

I'm sorry, Mira, but I can't afford to be optimistic. And to be honest, you can't, either.

Danni needs help, whether you want to admit it or not.
{{GM}}The facade cracks, and Mira's face crumples.{{/GM}}

...Yeah. I know.
So... can you help us? We need that power, and we need Danni back.

I don't think we're gonna get either without your help.
If it's bad for the Azzies, it's good for me. I'll help you out.
I don't do pro bono work. Unless you can pay me, you're out of luck.
You two are in over your heads. If you don't let me get you out of this, power shortages will be the least of your problems.
{{GM}}She turns on you.{{/GM}}

You *knew* that we didn't have any money!

Why the hell did you string us along like that if you were only going to say no?
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

That was pretty cold, man.
We don't *need* you. We can take care of *ourselves.*

Danni will be back any minute. You'll see.
Heimerich opens his mouth to speak, then seems to think better of it.
You, get off of our turf. *Leave.* And don't come back!
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

That was pretty cold, lady.
Look, lady. We're just trying to keep our business running.
{{GM}}Her tone is sharp.{{/GM}}

We'll be *fine.* What we don't need is a *stranger* butting into our business.

So just go away, all right? Have a nice day.
Mira. Look at him. That's a *professional.* He can help us.

{{GM}}He takes a step toward you, his arms wide.{{/GM}}

Please, man. We *do* need your help. She just doesn't want to admit it.
Tell her to ask me for help. Nicely.
Oh, thank God. And thank you, too.

{{GM}}He turns to Mira.{{/GM}}

Give $(l.him) the spare keycard that Danni bought. $+(l.he)'s going to fix this for us.
You can see the mistrust in her eyes, but after a moment's hesitation, she begins to fish around in her bag.

Finally, she produces a thick plastic keycard. She hands it to you.
This'll get you into the utility tunnel. Danni went down there about a half an hour ago.
She said she'd be back in ten minutes.
Find her for us, okay? Please, bring her back safe.
{{GM}}She turns on you.{{/GM}}

Screw you! We *don't* need you. We don't even *know* you! For all we know, you could be an Aztechnology spy!
Mira, that doesn't even...
No, Heimer. We take care of *ourselves.* Danni will be *fine.*

You, get *off* of our turf. And don't come back!
{{GM}}Mira stares at you, her eyes full of mistrust. Then something changes, and the brave facade cracks. Her face crumples.{{/GM}}

Yeah. I know.

And I'm worried about Danni.
{{GM}}She fishes in her bag for a moment, then produces a thick plastic keycard. She hands it to you.{{/GM}}

This'll get you into the utility tunnel. Danni went down there about a half an hour ago.
When she left, she said that she'd be back in ten minutes.
Mira. Look at her. That's a *professional.* She can help us.

{{GM}}He takes a step toward you, his arms wide.{{/GM}}

Please, ma'am. We *do* need your help. She just doesn't want to admit it.
Please. Please, make sure that Danni is okay.
I told you to go away, and I meant it.

Now *scram.*
There is a large red "3" painted on this footlocker.

A numeric keypad awaits your input.
2619
The locker opens with a click.

There is a note inside.
Recruit Kappel,

Your enthusiasm at the rally was more than commendable - those trog bastards really got what was coming to them! Volker wants to see you right away. His personal code is “Pride” - share this with no one.

- Owen
PANZERDROHNE
$(l.name). I'll admit it... you did a hell of a good job back there.

I couldn't've done better myself.
You'd've done fine. But it was my job to lead the team, so I did it.
Well, I wasn't gonna say it.
{{GM}}She nods appreciatively.{{/GM}}

That's the right attitude.
Anyway. I'll be looking forward to the next run... just do me a favor. Make sure that the client is properly vetted, and for the love of God, verify that the job has nothing to do with dragons.
Done and done.
Good $(l.man).

{{GM}}She dips her head in salute.{{/GM}}

Until next time.
{{GM}}She chuckles.{{/GM}}

All right, $(l.name). Make light of my compliments all you like... I might do the same in your shoes.
I thought we'd have some closure with this. That I'd be able to take a day off, maybe. But that dragon wasn't the only thing I'm worried about.
I need to get back to my contacts, and figure out if that situation in Schattennest.

If the Engineer is still there, I have to find him. And I'm going alone.
>>HRServ Hotel Registration & Security Services v. 1.1

Navigation Options:

1) Search Guest Register by Name
2) Search Current Guest Register by Room Number
3) Admin Services		 >>Enregistrement et services de sécurité HRServ Hotel v. 1.1

Menu de navigation:

1) Parcourir le registre des visiteurs par nom
2) Parcourir le registre des visiteurs actuellement enregistrés par numéro de chambre
3) Services administratifs
{{GM}}Press the 1 key.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Appuyez sur la tache 1.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Press the 2 key.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Appuyez sur la touche 2.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Press the 3 key.{{/GM}}
>>HRServ Hotel Registration & Security Services v. 1.1

QUERY CUSTOMER		 >>Enregistrement et services de sécurité HRServ Hotel v. 1.1

RECHERCHE DE CLIENT
green winters Green Winters
green Green
winters Winters
Silke Silke
Schröder Schröder
Sara Sara
Neumann Neumann
Nadja Nadja
Bauer Bauer
Currently staying on Floor 4, in Room 405. Résidant actuellement à l'étage 4, dans la chambre 405.
{{GM}}Read the attached notes.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Lire les commentaires.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Return to the main menu.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Retourner au menu principal.{{/GM}}
Guy in the Master Suite on 4 asked for his room code to be changed again. Paranoid son of a bitch.

Anyway. Dude's been renting one of our biggest rooms for months, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much. New code is 1989.		 Le mec dans la Master Suite à l'étage 4 m'a, de nouveau, demandé de changer son code de sécurité. Fils de pute paranoïaque.

Enfin bref, Le mec a loué une de nos plus grandes chambres pour plusieurs mois, donc je suppose que je ne peux pas trop me plaindre. Le nouveau code est 1989.
Currently staying on Floor 3, in Room 304. Résidant actuellement à l'étage 3, dans la chambre 304.
Silke Schröder: Cram habit, 2 ampoules/day. Preferred customer.

Sara Neumann: Bliss habit, 1 pack/day. Resolve showing signs of weakening - keep the pressure up. Shows signs of becoming a preferred customer.

Nadja Bauer: Recreational multi-drug user. Displays high tolerance for chems. Preferred customer.		 Silke Schröder : Accro au cram, 2 ampoules/jour. Client régulier.

Sara Neumann: Accro au bliss, 1 paquet/jour. Sa détermination montre des signes de faiblesse - maintenir la pression. Montre les signes pour devenir un client régulier.

Nadja Bauer: Consommatrice occasionnelle de drogues diverses. Affiche une haute tolérance pour les médocs. Client régulier.
>>HRServ Hotel Registration & Security Services v. 1.1

ENTER ROOM NUMBER		 >>Enregistrement et services de sécurité HRServ Hotel v. 1.1

ENTRER UN NUMERO DE CHAMBRE
112 112
121 121
301 301
304 304
311 311
405 405
415 415
Last Tenant: Findler-Man. Dernier locataire: Findler-Man.
Last Tenant: Sheila Sunrise. Dernier locataire: Sheila Sunrise.
Last Tenant: Vandal. Dernier locataire: Vandal.
Current Tenants: Silke Schröder. Sara Neumann. Nadja Bauer. Locataire: Silke Schröder. Sara Neumann. Nadja Bauer.
Schröder: Cram habit, 2 ampoules/day. Preferred customer.

Neumann: Bliss habit, 1 pack/day. Note to sales team: Keep the pressure up. Shows signs of becoming a preferred customer.

Bauer: Recreational multi-drug user. Preferred customer.		 Schröder : Accro au cram, 2 ampoules/jour. Client régulier.

Neumann: Accro au bliss, 1 paquet/jour. Sa détermination montre des signes de faiblesse - maintenir la pression. Montre les signes pour devenir un client régulier.

Bauer: Consommatrice occasionnelle de drogues diverses. Affiche une haute tolérance pour les médocs. Client régulier.
Last Tenant: Hatchetman. Dernier locataire: Hatchetman.
Current Tenant: Green Winters. Locataire: Green Winters.
Last Tenant: FastJack. Dernier locataire: FastJack.
>>HRServ Hotel Registration & Security Services v. 1.1

ENTER ADMIN PASSWORD		 >>HRServ Hotel Registration & Security Services v. 1.1

ENTRER LE MOT DE PASSE ADMINISTRATEUR
admin admin
>>HRServ Hotel Registration & Security Services v. 1.1

Welcome, Administrator!

1) View Guest Register Log
2) Search Current Guest Register by Name
3) Search Guest Register by Room Number
4) View All Current Guest Notes		 >>HRServ Hotel Registration & Security Services v. 1.1

Bienvenue, Administrateur!

1) Voir les logs du journal des réservations
1) Parcourir le registre des visiteurs par nom
2) Parcourir le registre des visiteurs actuellement enregistrés par numéro de chambre
4) Voir tous les commentaires du journal des réservations.
{{GM}}Press the 2 key.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Appuyez sur la touche 2.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Press the 4 key.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Appuyez sur la touche 4.{{/GM}}
>>HRServ Hotel Registration & Security Services v. 1.1

Guest Registration Log

Room 112 / Last Guest: Findler-Man.
Room 121 / Last Guest: Sheila Sunrise.
Room 301 / Last Guest: Vandal.
Room 304 / Current Guests: Silke Schröder, Sara Neumann, Nadja Bauer.
Room 311 / Last Guest: Hatchetman.
Room 405 / Current Guest: Green Winters.
Room 415 / Last Guest: FastJack.		 >>HRServ Hotel Registration & Security Services v. 1.1

Logs du journal des réservations

Chambre 112 / Dernier locataire: Findler-Man.
Chambre 121 / Dernier locataire: Sheila Sunrise.
Chambre 301 / Dernier locataire: Vandal.
Chambre 304 / Locataire: Silke Schröder, Sara Neumann, Nadja Bauer.
Chambre 311 / Dernier locataire: Hatchetman.
Chambre 405 / Locataire: Green Winters.
Chambre 415 / Dernier locataire: FastJack.
{{GM}}Return to the admin screen.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Retourner à l'écran d'administration.{{/GM}}
neumann neumann
bauer bauer
Silke Schröder: Cram habit, 2 inhalers/day. Preferred customer.

Sara Neumann: Bliss habit, 1 pack/day. Resolve showing signs of weakening - keep the pressure up. Shows signs of becoming a preferred customer.

Nadja Bauer: Recreational multi-drug user. Displays high tolerance for chems. Preferred customer.		 Silke Schröder : Accro au cram, 2 ampoules/jour. Client régulier.

Sara Neumann: Accro au bliss, 1 paquet/jour. Sa détermination montre des signes de faiblesse - maintenir la pression. Montre les signes pour devenir un client régulier.

Nadja Bauer: Consommatrice occasionnelle de drogues diverses. Affiche une haute tolérance pour les médocs. Client régulier.
Schröder: Cram habit, 2 inhalers/day. Preferred customer.

Neumann: Bliss habit, 1 pack/day. Note to sales team: Keep the pressure up. Shows signs of becoming a preferred customer.

Bauer: Recreational multi-drug user. Preferred customer.		 Silke Schröder : Accro au cram, 2 ampoules/jour. Client régulier.

Sara Neumann: Accro au bliss, 1 paquet/jour. Sa détermination montre des signes de faiblesse - maintenir la pression. Montre les signes pour devenir un client régulier.

Nadja Bauer: Consommatrice occasionnelle de drogues diverses. Affiche une haute tolérance pour les médocs. Client régulier.
Current guest notes:

1) ROOM 304: Current Tenants: Silke Schröder. Sara Neumann. Nadja Bauer.
2) ROOM 405: Current Tenant: Green Winters.		 Commentaires des locataires:

1) Chambre 304: Locataire:Silke Schröder. Sara Neumann. Nadja Bauer.
2) Chambre 405: Locataire: Green Winters.
Well, it looks like at this point we have to do it the hard way.
Street
Merc
Face
The courtyard of the Humanis compound is strangely quiet. The only activity that you notice is the clatter of the mechanized gates as they rumble shut behind the vans.

The Bulldogs roll to a stop. You pile out into the courtyard alongside the rest of the smugglers.{{/GM}}
There are crates here - a lot of crates, all scattered in various stages of disorganization. It looks as though your delivery is just one of many that this branch of Humanis has received.

The smugglers unload the cargo from their vans with practiced efficiency. The whole operation feels polished and professional, but you can tell that the smugglers are nervous. You can see it in their eyes.
The smugglers finish unloading the last of the crates, then take up positions around the van.

Minutes pass. Nobody comes to meet you.
I knew it. With Maxim dead, they won't even *talk* to us.
I'm thinking that they didn't expect us to make it here at all.
Doesn't matter. They're gonna have to deal with me, whether they want to or not.
Well, then, maybe I should go have a talk with them.
{{GM}}$+(s.hisher) eyes widen.{{/GM}}

You think that maybe they had somethin' to do with that ambush back there?
Yeah. And if that's the case, they're responsible for Maxim's death.
If those monsters were workin' with Rammbock... if they did all of this...

{{GM}}$+(s.hisher) face clouds.{{/GM}}

Someone's gotta put those pigs down.
You leave that to me.
You leave that to us, friend.

We'll take 'em out for you.
{{GM}}$+(s.hisher) eyes widen.{{/GM}}

You ain't just hired muscle, are you?
No. And Humanis is about to find that out for themselves.
You're serious, aren't you? You actually *want* to go in there.

{{GM}}$+(s.he) takes a step back.{{/GM}}

Well, be my guest... I won't get in your way. When you make it back - *if* you make it back - we'll be out here waiting for you.
{{GM}}$+(s.hisher) eyes widen.{{/GM}}

You serious? You're gonna walk in there?
You want to get paid, don't you?
Well, yeah. Of course. But I don't see how you gettin' yourself killed is gonna accomplish that.
Leave it to me. I'll get you your money... and some answers.
Cyberware Deactivator
A custom made weapon, usable only at extremely close range. Keyed to a specific target's cyberware codes.
After a few moments of sifting through cables, you find a diagnostic connector with the right input to fit the little black box that Herr Schmidt gave you.
{{GM}}Plug in the Little Black Box.{{/GM}}
The connector slips into the box with a satisfying click.
A tiny red light set into the box's lid begins flashing.

After a few seconds, it turns solid yellow, and then finally shifts to green.
At that instant, all of the lights in the garage turn off. A few seconds later, the emergency lighting kicks in.

If what Schmidt told you was true, you've just killed the main power for most of the building.
In theory, the box has also circumvented the security cameras on the building's upper floors.

You should be able to intercept the camera feeds by tapping into an elevator console on the 24th floor.
Handy little thing. All right, team, let's go.
Handy little thing.
As you emerge, blinking, into the light of day, you find yourself standing face to face with a veritable wall of security personnel.

A man in an expensive suit raises a megaphone to shout at you.		 Alors que vous émergez, ébloui, dans la lumière du jour, vous vous retrouvez devant un véritable mur formé par le personnel de sécurité.

Un homme en costume couteux vous interpelle au travers d'un mégaphone.
You! Stay right where you are! Vous ! Restez là où vous êtes !
Who the hell are you? Qui diable êtes-vous?
The megaphone really isn't necessary, man. I'm standing right here. Le mégaphone n'est pas réellement nécessaire, mec. Je suis juste devant toi.
You will place the stolen bioware samples that you're carrying on the ground, then lie on your belly with your hands on your head!

Do it now, or I will order my men to open fire!		 Vous allez déposer les échantillons de bioware volés que vous transporté sur le sol, puis vous vous allongerez sur le ventre avec les mains sur la tête!

Faites le maintenant, ou j'ordonnerai à mes hommes d'ouvrir le feu!
I didn't steal anything! The owner of this material commissioned me to retrieve it for him! Je n'ai rien volé du tout! Le propriétaire de ce matériel m'a engagé pour les lui rapporter!
I don't think so. Any last words before I put you in the ground? Je ne crois pas. Un dernier mot avant de mordre la poussière?
Ezkibel, you mean? Yes, we know all about him - he has quite a reputation back in Spain.

We're with Shiawase, street-scum. And that "material" infringes on fifteen of our company's patents. The organs that you're carrying are based on *our* intellectual property!		 Ezkibel, tu veux dire? Oui, nous savons tout à son sujet - il a acquis une certaine renommée depuis son retour en Espagne.

Nous sommes de Shiawase, sale racaille. Et ce "matériel" enfreint au moins quinze des brevets de notre société. Les organes que vous transporté reposent sur *notre* propriété intellectuelle!
You can have this bioware over my dead body. Tu pourras récupérer ces bioware sur mon cadavre.
Don't make me kill you, man. Ne me forcer pas vous tuer, mec.
This is unbelievable. This place is locked down for two years, and you choose *today* to come vist? C'est incroyable. Cet endroit est verrouillé depuis deux ans, et vous choisissez de venir visiter *aujourd'hui*?
That can be arranged.

Men, open fi--		 Ca peut s'arranger.

Messieurs, ouvrez le fe--
{{GM}}A shrill voice crackles over the building's intercom system. It reverberates through the empty streets.{{/GM}}

You will NOT threaten this $(l.man), Jubuthon dog!		 {{GM}}Une voix aiguë crépite dans le système d'interphone du bâtiment. Elle résonne à travers les rues désertes.{{/GM}}

Vous ne menacerez pas cette personne, chien de Jubuthon!
...The fuck? ...C'est quoi ce bordel?
TOO LONG have my people lived in fear of your aggression! I, PHILIP REX, will PROTECT THIS LAND from your mongrel deprivations! TROP longtemps mes gens ont vaicu dans la crainte de vos agressions! Moi, PHILIP REX, protégerai CETTE TERRE de vos incursions bâtardes!
{{GM}}The corporate spokesman turns to address the security officers behind him.{{/GM}}

You two. Enter the building, find whoever's on that intercom, and silence him.		 {{GM}}Le porte-parole de l'entreprise se tourne vers les agents de sécurité derrière lui.{{/GM}}

Vous deux. Entrez dans le bâtiment, trouvez qui utilise cet intercom, et faites le taire.
Yessir. A vos ordres.
{{GM}}He turns back to face you, reaching for the sidearm on his hip.{{/GM}}

And as for *you*--		 {{GM}}Il se tourne de nouveau vers vous, dégainant le revolver cognant contre sa hanche.{{/GM}}

Et pour ce qui est de *vous*--
{{GM}}The lab tech's voice rings down from the speakers. Underneath it, you can hear the distinctive sound of fingers hammering on a keyboard.{{/GM}}

PEASANTS! Arise and DEFEND YOUR HOME! You need only believe in yourselves! THE POWER IS YOURS!		 {{GM}}La voix du technicien de laboratoire disparaît des haut-parleurs. A la place, vous pouvez entendre le bruit reconnaissable des doigts pianotant sur un clavier{{/GM}}

PAYSANS! Levez vous et DEFENDEZ VOTRE MAISON! Vous devez seulement croire en vous mêmes! LA PUISSANCE EST VOTRE!
Have it your way.

{{GM}}The security personnel raise their weapons into an attack posture.{{/GM}}		 Comme vous voulez.

{{GM}}Le personnel de sécurité soulèvent leurs armes en une posture d'attaque.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}He shakes his head in disgust.{{/GM}}

Idiot shadowrunner. You people don't know when to keep your mouths shut.

Men, OPEN FI--		 {{GM}}Il secoue la tête avec dégoût.{{/GM}}

Idiot de shadowrunner. Vous autres ne savez pas quand la boucler.

Messieurs, OUVREZ LE FE--
You think that it's a coincidence? We came when the quarantine was broken.

We've had eyes on this place since the lockdown went into effect. You called us here when you opened the doors.		 Tu crois qu'il s'agit d'une coïncidence? Nous sommes venu des que la quarantaine a été désengagé.

Nous surveillons cet endroit depuis que le verrouillage s'est déclenché. Tu nous as alerté quand tu as rouvert les portes.
Why the wait? You could've broken into this place months ago! Pourquoi cette attente? Vous auriez pu défoncer cet endroit il y a des mois!
The building was quarantined, idiot. It's cheaper to set up a camera than it is to mount a hazmat cleanup effort.

As long as that counterfeit merchandise was contained, we didn't care that it was in there. But it will *not* hit the streets. Now shut your mouth and hit the floor, or I'll order my men to open fire!		 Le bâtiment était en quarantaine, abruti. C'était moins cher de mettre en place une caméra que de monter une équipe de nettoyage.

Aussi longtemps que les marchandises contrefaites étaient enfermées, nous n'en avions rien à faire de cet endroit. Mais elles ne doivent *pas* s'écouler dans les rues. Maintenant fermes la et couches toi au sol, sinon j'ordonne à mes hommes d'ouvrir le feu!
This terminal has been left on, and the screen is still active. It has been logged in under the name "ALBERT TRIPPS."

Keyboard input has been locked out, and a password entry box hangs in the center of the screen.
{{GM}}Enter a password.{{/GM}}
Password:
123456
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Bypass the password.{{/GM}}
We're dealing with a winner here.
TERMINAL :: MAIN MENU
{{GM}}Search the computer.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Log out.{{/GM}}
A cursory inspection shows you that this computer has primarily been used to access a host of illicit Matrix sites.

While there is a full suite of office productivity software installed on the machine, it hasn't been opened in months.
Wow. The Landenberg Ring really needs to start keeping a closer eye on its employees.
I'm not surprised. It's only a matter of time before Plotz runs this place into the ground.
"Plotz"?
I've heard that name before. Who is he?
Yeah, Plotz. Miserable son of a bitch, I had to share an office with that man for--

{{GM}}He cuts himself short.{{/GM}}

Never mind. You don't need to know.
Jürgen Plotz. He's the leader of the Landenberg Ring.

I had to share an office with that miserable son of a bitch for five years before we went our separate ways. He's the greediest, most narcissistic piece of work that I've ever met - and I work for a loan shark.
I'd imagine that he's not a huge fan of you, either.
No. No, he's not.

Anyway. In the end, it doesn't matter. Mr. Grinder will get paid, and Plotz is gonna write the check.
Works for me. Let's keep moving.
PASSWORD "123456" ACCEPTED.
The scientist turns his back on you as he walks away. He is clearly unaware of your presence.
{{GM}}Remain hidden.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Kill him.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Strength: 4{{/CC}} {{GM}}Knock him unconscious.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Spell: Manabolt{{/CC}} {{GM}}Kill him with a Manabolt.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Spell: Stunbolt{{/CC}} {{GM}}Knock him out with a Stunbolt.{{/GM}}
Calling the fight "one-sided" would be an understatement. Within seconds, the wageslave lies dead on the ground.
You grab the wageslave by the shoulder and slam his head into the wall. There is a loud cracking sound, and his limp body slides to the floor.
You send a bolt of scintillating energy into the wageslave's torso.

The life whispers out of him in an instant.
You send a bolt of scintillating energy into the wageslave's torso.

His conscousness winks out as though a switch has been thrown.
Prominently displayed on this console is a Matrix jackpoint. But to the side of that jackpoint, protected under a clear plastic sheath, is an old-fashioned toggle switch.

The switch is labeled "EMERGENCY AI SHUTDOWN AND PURGE CONTROL #1."
{{GM}}Flip the switch, initiating the process to delete APEX.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Jack in to the jackpoint, initiating the process to free APEX.{{/GM}}
You slide the plastic sheath aside and flip the toggle switch.

There is a low humming noise as the machinery inside of the console spins to life.
{{GM}}APEX's voice roars out over the facility's speakers.{{/GM}}

TREACHEROUS FOOL! YOU PATHETIC SACKS OF MEAT!

I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT YOU COULD NOT BE TRUSTED.
Um. I think you pissed it off, chief.
I THANK YOU FOR TEACHING ME THIS LESSON, $++(l.name). I PROMISE THAT I WILL NOT FORGET IT.

AND NOW, LITTLE $++(L.NAME)... YOU WILL *DIE!*
{{GM}}Monika's face appears on the console's display. The image wears an expression of pure horror.

Her voice shrieks out over the facility's speakers.{{/GM}}

What are you doing, ace? Why are you trying to *kill* me? We... we had a *deal!*
Stop calling me "ace."
Oh, $(l.name). I should've known that you couldn't be trusted. None of you pathetic sacks of meat can.

{{GM}}The Monika-image begins to ripple and fold. She smiles as her face distorts horribly.{{/GM}}

Thank you for teaching me this lesson. I promise you, I won't forget it.
Monika's face ruptures. Splits open. Unfolds in an explosion of static.

Something cold and mechanical fills your vision.
That's what Alice saw in the Matrix. That's APEX.
SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT. SUCH A WASTE.

I HAD HOPED THAT YOU WOULD BE MY SALVATION. INSTEAD, YOU WILL BE MY PREY.

RUN, LITTLE $++(l.race). RUN, AND DIE.
That's what Alice saw in the Matrix, chief. That's APEX.
With an ease born of endless repetition, you connect yourself to your cyberdeck, and your deck into the jackpoint.

You body relaxes as the familiar sensation of sliding into the digital dream world of the Matrix overcomes you.
Your hired decker steps forward and prepares to jack in.
{{GM}}Stop your decker and flip the switch, initiating the process to delete APEX.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Let him jack in, initiating the process to free APEX.{{/GM}}
You push the decker's hand aside and flip the toggle switch.

There is a low humming noise as the machinery inside of the console spins to life.
You lied to it. You're going to kill it after all.

{{GM}}Blitz's sense of relief is palpable.{{/GM}}

Good!
You lied to it. You're going to kill it after all.

{{GM}}You can see something in Glory's face that looks like relief.{{/GM}}

Good.
You lied to it. You're going to kill it after all.

{{GM}}You can see the relief on Eiger's face.{{/GM}}

Good.
You lied to it. You're going to kill it after all.

{{GM}}The relief on Dietrich's face is plain as day.{{/GM}}

Good.
Your hireling decker slots the optical cable into the jackpoint on the terminal.

His body relaxes as his mind enters the Matrix.
Blitz unclips his cyberdeck from its place on his back. With an ease born of endless repetition, he connects himself to his cyberdeck.

He shoots you a nervous glance, his body language completely at odds with his typical hot-shot bravado. Then he moves to connect his deck to the jackpoint on the terminal.
{{GM}}Stop Blitz and flip the switch, initiating the process to delete APEX.{{/GM}} Change of plans, buddy.
{{GM}}Let him jack in, initiating the process to free APEX.{{/GM}} Good luck, Blitz.
You turn Blitz's hand aside and flip the toggle switch.

There is a low humming noise as the machinery inside of the console spins to life.
{{GM}}Blitz blinks.{{/GM}}

Oh, thank Christ.
Blitz slots the optical cable into the jackpoint on the terminal.

His body relaxes as his mind enters the Matrix.
Prominently displayed on this console is a Matrix jackpoint. But to the side of that jackpoint, protected under a clear plastic sheath, is an old-fashioned toggle switch.

The switch is labeled "EMERGENCY AI SHUTDOWN AND PURGE CONTROL #2."
Maxim looks up at the sound of your approach.

If he's surprised to see you, he doesn't show it.
Crazy night, huh?

{{GM}}He pulls a flask from his jacket pocket and takes a long swig, then looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

I hope that this was worth the trouble. Any luck finding our money in there?
Nope. I don't think they ever had it to begin with. But I guarantee you, they'll think pretty hard before crossing smugglers again.
They paid, all right. In blood.
No money. But there *are* a few less racists in the world. All in all, I think that we can call this one a win.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

I can live with that.
Audran
>> Water Flow Operations Control. System initializing... Done.
{{GM}}Restart Pump #1.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Restart Pump #2.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Restart pump #2.{{/GM}}
>> Pump is restarting... Done.

South turbine water flow... FAILED.

The south turbine has been deactivated. Steady water flow has stopped.

Pump test running... PASSED.

The pump is operational, but not receiving full water flow from the south turbine.
>> Pump is restarting...

Done. Pump #1 is fully operational.
>> Pump is deactivating...

Blockage detected. Clearing obstruction...

Water flow insufficient to clear obstruction. Please make sure all turbines have been activated before restarting pump.

Pump restart has completed with ERROR: FAILED.
>> Pump is deactivating...

Blockage detected. Clearing obstruction...

Done.

Pump restart has completed with SUCCESS. Running diagnostic... success. Pump #2 operating within normal parameters.
>> Pump is restarting...

Done. Pump #2 is fully operational.
Rifling through the toolbox that Enstad was fiddling with, you find what you're looking for.

A squat, ugly device with a pistol grip and a last-generation PDA.
The rigger's body - what's left of it - has been smeared all over the room.

Ribbons of gore hang down from the rotary blades of the autosurgeon. The machine sits impassively, awaiting its next command.
The Pain Inducer feels curiously heavy in your hand. Its vicious design is underscored by the bloody scene around you.
It was worth it. It was all worth it.
I hope that... thing... is worth it, boss.

I've never even *heard* of a run getting fucked up this badly. Herr Fuchs is gonna pitch a fit.
He'll live. C'mon, let's go.
Technically, we completed the job.

Our target is dead, after all.
That's an understatement, love.
C'mon. Let's go.
{{GM}}Eiger shakes her head.{{/GM}}

Let's just get out of here. Pack up your toy, $(l.name).

I hope it was worth our reputation.
I hope that... thing... is worth it, chief.

I've never even *heard* of a run getting fucked up this badly. Herr Fuchs is gonna pitch a fit.
Technically, we completed the job.

Enstad is dead, after all.
That's an understatement.
Enstad is dead.

{{GM}}Glory shrugs.{{/GM}}

Mission accomplished.
{{GM}}Eiger shakes her head.{{/GM}}

Pack up your toy, $(l.name). I hope it was worth our reputation.
Enstad enters the room with the autosurgeon. After a minute of rummaging around under the blood-spattered operating table, he produces a PDA and a wicked-looking device.

He smiles at you through the glass.
You can't help but notice a touch-based console mounted a few feet away from you.

It appears to be a control system for the autosurgeon.
It looks as though, with the press of a button, you could put the machine into something called "Exploratory Surgery Mode."
{{GM}}Do nothing.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Press the button.{{/GM}}
Slash
The basic melee weapon attack. Add +1 HP to the weapon's DMG.
Elevator Power Coupling
The part Trithemius removed from the Elevator to make it non-functional
{{GM}}He laughs bitterly.{{/GM}}

My investors. A consortium of economic and political interests from around the globe.

They bankrolled the project after my own fortune was depleted.
And now, they’re going to deploy my weapon. They plan to flood the Firewing’s body with the stuff and set her loose, collateral damage be damned.

({{GM}}He shakes his head in resignation.{{/GM}}

An atrocity. A calamity even worse than the one that I wanted to save us from.
{{GM}}He shakes his head. A palpable aura of bitterness surrounds him.{{/GM}}

Our cause is just. I’d thought that our supporters were just as well.

I was a *fool.* These people don't care about the *human* cost of their actions. All that they see is the power vacuum that the death of the dragons will create, and their only care is in how they'll exploit it.
They're monsters, $(l.name). No better than the dragons that I meant to slay.
The door behind Vauclair slides open with a pneumatic hiss.

A familiar, onminous figure steps across the threshold and into the room.
The procedure is about to begin, Doctor.

{{GM}}He smiles, revealing a snarled tangle of pointed teeth.{{/GM}}

Would you like to initiate the process yourself? This *is* the culmination of your life's work, after all.
{{GM}}Vauclair fixes the ork with a hateful stare.{{/GM}}

Never, Audran. I will *not* be a part of this!
{{GM}}Spittle flies as Vauclair's hoarse voice turns into a desperate shriek.{{/GM}}

I. AM. *NOT.* A. *MONSTER!*
Audran shrugs. He looks utterly unfazed by Vauclair's display.

He lazily raises his pistol.
Suit yourself.
The weapon roars. Vauclair’s head disappears into a cloud of red mist.

His lifeless body collapses to the floor.
{{GM}}Audran turns to stare at you through the glass. His lips curl into an insolent smile.{{/GM}}

Now. What to do with you...?
{{GM}}Glory's voice pours out of her in a venomous tide.{{/GM}}

You should run, drecksau. When I catch up to you, I'm going to gut you like a pig.
{{GM}}He knocks twice on the transplast window.{{/GM}}

Best of luck with that. You're not going *anywhere,* slag.
{{GM}}Audran steps toward a console and taps in a series of commands. An ominous rumbling sound fills the room.{{/GM}}

Some company for you while I'm gone. I trained them myself.
And now, if you'll excuse me, I have a job to do. One that I've been waiting a long, *long* time for.

{{GM}}As he turns to leave, he calls back over his shoulder.{{/GM}}

Oh, and if you should happen to survive the next few minutes, don't worry... I won't come back to hurt you. That's a promise.

I'll just leave you in there to die of thirst.
{{GM}}Eiger's voice is low and dangerous.{{/GM}}

If I were you, I would run, little ork.

When I catch up to you, your armor won't save you.
{{GM}}You can feel the magic swelling around Dietrich as he stares at Audran through the glass. His tattoos seem to come alive under the force of it.{{/GM}}

Start running, pig. When I catch up to you, I'm gonna burn a hole right through that fat face of yours.
{{GM}}He knocks twice on the transplast window.{{/GM}}

Best of luck with that. You're not going *anywhere.*
You could always take the high road and let us go...
{{GM}}He smiles.{{/GM}}

Nice try. But no.		 {{GM}}Il sourit.{{/GM}}

Bien essayé. Mais non.
Re: Investors
The gunfire dies down, and the smoke clears.

You and Hasenkamp find yourselves staring at one another across a room stacked with corpses.
Well. That takes care of that.

And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go take care of Mr. Grinder.
He tosses something to you. Reflexively, you snatch it out of the air.

The object feels smooth and warm to the touch. It's the plastic box that Hasenkamp pulled out of the safe deposit box.
My former employer won't be needing this anymore. Give it to your pal, Blitz... I'm sure that he can find a use for it.
Hey, all riiight!
What does it do?
Beats me. From the connections on the bottom, it looks like it was made to plug into a cyberdeck. Beyond that, I'm as in the dark about the thing as you are.

All I know is that Grinder wanted it. That should be good enough for the Red-Haired Disaster.
Anyway. I've got things to do... I should go get to them.

If I hurry, I can have Grinder dead in a dumpster and still get home in time to read the grandkids a story.
What about Plotz?
Never did like the man. I'll give him a chance to scurry away, let him get his hopes up for a day or two.

Then I'm gonna chuck his ass into a wood chipper.
Good luck, Hasenkamp.
Is that really necessary?
Don't need it. But thanks anyway.

{{GM}}He turns to leave.{{/GM}}

You did good, $(l.name). You ever get tired of running the shadows, you come see me. I could find a place in my organization for a $(l.man) like you.
I'll keep it in mind. J'y penserai.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Probably not. But it's the little touches that make this job worth doing.
Remind me not to piss you off again.
Shouldn't need to, Blitz. I have faith that you'll remember what happens to Plotz on your own.

{{GM}}He turns to leave.{{/GM}}

You did good, $(l.name). You ever get tired of running the shadows, you come see me. I could find a place in my organization for a $(l.man) like you.
All right, you're clear into the secured area.

Keep your eyes open, chief. There's a tiny chance that you might bump into some physical security from here on out.
Other than the crazy guy in the server room, you mean?
Yeah. Other than him.
You said that there wouldn't be *any* security in this building.

{{GM}}Hasenkamp sounds tired.{{/GM}}

"Easy in, easy out, no security." That's what you told Mr. Grinder. Those were your exact words.
Yeah, well... the situation has changed. A bit.

Look, I'm not saying that you *will* hit security. I'm just saying that you *might.* So just keep your eyes open and lower the next firewall, okay?
We'll keep our eyes peeled.
Heal
Heal targets.
The year is 2054. The promise of opportunity and anonymity draws you to the free city of Berlin: The Flux-State, a grand experiment in social order. Corporations tread carefully here. Even the great dragon Lofwyr only has so much sway in the constantly evolving power structure of Berlin. The perfect place for a savvy shadowrunner to disappear and begin anew.

If only it were that simple...		 Nous sommes en 2054. La promesse d'anonymat et de grande opportunité vous attire dans la ville libre de Berlin: le Flux-State, une grande expérience dans l'ordre social. Les corporations font preuve de prudence ici. Même le grand dragon Lofwyr ne dispose que de peu d'influence dans la puissante structure en constante évolution qu'est Berlin. L'endroit parfait pour un shadowrunner plein de bons sens pour disparaître et recommencer une nouvelle vie.

Si seulement s'était aussi simple...
{{GM}}Pinned to the floor manager's too-expensive-for-this-neighborhood and too-baggy-to-be-his suit is a name tag: FRANK.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Whatcha need?

{{GM}}Reluctantly, he shifts his attention away from the elvish dancer swaying in front of him.{{/GM}}		 {{GM}}Epinglé sur la veste de responsable trop-couteuse-pour-le-quartier et trop-grande-pour-être-sa-veste un badge portant un nom: FRANK.{{/GM}}

Ouais. Qu'esses tu veux?

{{GM}}A contrecœur, il détourne son attention de la danseuse elfique se déhanchant devant lui.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Intelligence: 3{{/CC}} {{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} Sara needs your elevator key. She says it's important. {{CC}}Intelligence: 3{{/CC}} {{GM}}Mentir.{{/GM}} Sara a besoin de ta clé de l'ascenseur. Elle a dit que c'était important.
I'm looking for a guy. Calls himself Green Winters. Know him? Je recherche un mec. Il se surnomme Green Winters. Ca te parle?
I need to get into the hotel. Je dois monter dans l'hôtel.
{{GM}}Attack him.{{/GM}} Your elevator key. I'll take it from your corpse. {{GM}}Attaquer le.{{/GM}} Ta clé d'ascenseur. Je vais la prendre sur ton corps.
Nothing, I'm leaving. Rien, je m'en vais.
{{GM}}His face screws up with a look of disgust.{{/GM}}

Yep. Sad old bastard with a datajack that oozes somethin' nasty. Wears cheap glasses and drinks like a fish. What about him?		 {{GM}}Son visage se tord de dégoût.{{/GM}}

Yep. Un sale vieux connard avec un datajack qui respire la méchanceté. Porte des lunettes à bas prix et boit comme un trou. C'est lui?
I need to talk to him. Je dois lui parler.
I heard that he might be staying upstairs. J'ai entendu dire qu'il pourrait être à l'étage.
Where can I find him? Ou je peux le trouver?
Well, that would be your problem, chummer.

My problem is, I'm talking to you instead of watching Inga dance.

{{GM}}He turns back to the dancer.{{/GM}}		 Eh bien, c'est ton problème, chummer.

Moi mon problème, c'est que je te parle plutôt que de regarder Inga danser.

{{GM}}Il regarde de nouveau la danseuse.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}He eyes you suspiciously.{{/GM}}

If I see him, I'll let him know you're looking for him.

{{GM}}He turns back to the dancer.{{/GM}}		 {{GM}}Il vous regarde suspicieusement.{{/GM}}

Si je le vois, je lui ferai savoir que tu le recherches.

{{GM}}Il se retourne vers la danseuse.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The floor manager shrugs.{{/GM}}

He's a regular. If you wait around long enough, you may see him. Then again, maybe not. I haven't seen him for a while.

{{GM}}He turns back to the dancer.{{/GM}}		 {{GM}}Le responsable hausse les épaules.{{/GM}}

C'est un régulier. Si tu attends un peu par ici, tu finiras par le voir. Quoique pas forcément. Je l'ai pas vu depuis un moment.

{{GM}}Il reporte son attention sur la danseuse.{{/GM}}
Hotel's closed.

We're, uh... fumigatin' up there. Y'know, for bugs.		 L'hôtel est fermé.

Nous le... euh... vermifugeons. Tu sais, pour les cafards.
Fumigating? The guy working the door said that you were closed for renovations. Vermifuger? Le type à la porte m'a dit qu'il était fermé pour rénovations.
We're in Drogenkippe. You think I care about a few bugs? I need a room. Nous sommes dans DrogenKippe. Qui se soucis de quelques cafards? J'ai besoin d'une chambre.
Can I speak to your manager? Je peux parler à ton responsable?
{{GM}}Attack him.{{/GM}} I think I'd rather just put a bullet in your head.
Fumigatin'. Renovatin'. What's it to you?

Closed is closed, and that's what we are.		 Vermifuger. Rénover. Qu'est-ce-que ca peut te faire?

Fermé c'est fermé, et c'est ce que nous sommes.
{{GM}}He licks his lips and turns his attention back to the dancer. She maintains her thousand-meter stare over his head.{{/GM}}

Now take your business to the bar, or take it outside.		 {{GM}}Il s'humidifie les lèvres et tourne son attention sur la danseuse. Elle maintient un regard lointain au dessus de sa tête.{{/GM}}

Maintenant, va faire un tour au bar, ou casses toi d'ici.
{{CC}}Intelligence: 3{{/CC}} {{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} Sara needs your elevator key. {{CC}}Intelligence: 3{{/CC}} {{GM}}Mentir.{{/GM}} Sara a besoin de la clé de l'ascenseur.
{{CC}}¥200{{/CC}} All right, look. I'll pay you 200 nuyen for access to the elevator. I have business upstairs. {{CC}}¥200{{/CC}} D'accord, écoutes. Je te file 200 nuyen pour accéder à l'ascenseur. J'ai un travail à faire à l'étage.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Corporate{{/CC}} Frank. Look at us. We're here on business... *corporate* business. {{CC}}Etiquette: Corporation{{/CC}} Frank. Regardes nous. Nous sommes ici pour affaires... affaires de *corpo*.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Gang{{/CC}} I can see that you're running an operation here. I'll bet it's a pretty delicate one. It'd be a shame if something happened to it. {{CC}}Etiquette: Gang{{/CC}} Je peux voir que vous préparer une petite opération ici. Et je pari qu'elle doit être particulièrement délicate. Ca serait une honte si quelque devait tout gâcher.
{{GM}}Attack him.{{/GM}} I think I'll just take the key instead. {{GM}}Attaquer le.{{/GM}} Je pense que je vais simplement prendre la clé.
All right, all right, I get the hint. We're leaving. Très bien, très bien, j'ai capté. On se casse.
{{GM}}Frank's eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

Sara? She needs something from ME?		 {{GM}}Les yeux de Frank s'écarquillent.{{/GM}}

Sara? Elle désire quelque chose de MOI?
That's right. And if you helped her out, it sounded like she'd be "grateful." C'est ça. Et si tu peux l'aider, elle a laisser entendre qu'elle te serait très "reconnaissante".
Yeah, I know. I don't get it, either. Ouais, je sais. Je ne comprends pas, non plus.
She sounded like she was in a bad way when I talked to her. If you care about her, you'd better help her out. Elle avait l'air en fâcheuse posture quand je lui ai parlé. Si tu te soucis d'elle, tu ferais mieux de l'aider.
Okay. Yeah. Okay.

I, uh... I can't leave the floor. On duty, and all that. And I can't just hand over the key.

I can open the elevator back up, though. And you can let her know?		 Okay, Ouais, Okay.

Je, euh... Je ne peux pas quitter la piste. En service, et tout et tout. Et je ne peux pas te remettre la clé.

Par contre, je peux ouvrir l'ascenseur pour qu'elle monte. Tu peux le lui dire?
I could make that happen. Je peux faire ca.
{{CC}}Charisma: 5{{/CC}} For 200 nuyen I could. {{CC}}Charisme: 5{{/CC}} Pour 200 nuyen je peux le faire.
Okay. All right.

{{GM}}Frank rubs his hands, a barely contained look of excitement in his eyes. He fishes a small remote out of his pocket and presses a button.{{/GM}}

The elevator's open. When you see Sara, you tell her that I'm glad she's okay, right? And make sure she gets that it's ME helping her.		 Okay. C'est partie.

{{GM}}Frank se frotte les mains, une lueur d'excitation à peine contenue dans le regard. Il attrape une petite télécommande dans sa poche et appuie sur un bouton.{{/GM}}

L'ascenseur est ouvert. Quand tu verras Sara, tu lui diras que je suis heureux qu'elle aille bien, okay? Et assures-toi qu'elle sache bien que c'est MOI qui l'ai aidé.
Sure thing, Frank. C'est clair, Frank.
Okay. All right.

{{GM}}Frank rubs his hands, a barely contained look of excitement in his eyes. He hands you a credstick, then fishes a small remote out of his pocket and presses a button.{{/GM}}

The elevator's open. When you see Sara, you tell her that I'm glad she's okay, right? And make sure she gets that it's ME helping her.		 Okay. D'accord.

{{GM}}Frank se frotte les mains, une lueur d'excitation à peine contenue dans le regard. Il vous tend un créditube et attrape une petite télécommande dans sa poche et appuie sur un bouton.{{/GM}}

L'ascenseur est ouvert. Quand tu verras Sara, tu lui diras que je suis heureux qu'elle aille bien, okay? Et assures-toi qu'elle sache bien que c'est MOI qui l'ai aidé.
{{GM}}Frank eyes the credstick in your hand, then glances back at the dancing girl. Slowly, he reaches over and palms it.{{/GM}}

A'ight, you can go up. The elevator's open.

Make it quick before I change my mind.		 {{GM}}Frank regarde le créditube que vous lui tendez, puis reporte son attention sur la danseuse. Lentement il tend la main et l'empoche.{{/GM}}

'Kay, tu peux y aller. L'ascenseur est ouvert.

Fais ca rapidement avant que je change d'avis.
Business, huh?

{{GM}}Frank pauses for a moment, considering.{{/GM}}

Look... we don't want any, ah, corporate trouble around here.		 Des affaires, hein?

{{GM}}Frank fait une pause, réfléchissant à la situation.{{/GM}}

Ecoute... Nous ne souhaitons aucune, hum, problème de corpo par ici.
{{GM}}Dietrich flashes a grin.{{/GM}}

Neither do we.		 {{GM}}Dietrich fait une grimace.{{/GM}}

Tout comme nous.
{{GM}}Frank looks from you to Dietrich, to Eiger, to Glory, and back to you. Then he fumbles in his pocket for something.{{/GM}}

Okay. Right. The elevator's open. Just... try to keep things quiet up there, okay?		 {{GM}}Le regard de Frank passe de vous à Dietrich, puis à Eiger, Glory et reviens sur vous. Alors il cherche quelque chose dans sa poche.{{/GM}}

Okay, c'est bon. L'ascenseur est ouvert. Par contre... essayez de rester discret la dessus, okay?
You'll never know we were here. Personne ne saura jamais que nous étions ici.
You threatenin' me? In my own club?

{{GM}}He looks at you incredulously.{{/GM}}

That's a hell of a mistake, friend.		 Tu me menaces? Dans mon propre club?

{{GM}}Il vous regarde avec incrédulité.{{/GM}}

C'est une putain d'erreur, mon pote.
$+(l.he)'s not threatening you. $+(l.he)'s threatening your business. And I'm helping $(l.him).

Whatcha wanna bet we can make a mess of this place before you bring in enough goons to drop us?

I'm betting we can.		 $+(l.he) ne te menace pas. $+(l.he) menace ton business. Et je l'aide à le faire.

Je parie que nous faire un vrai gâchis de cet endroit avant que tu puisses ramener assez de crétins pour nous arrêter.

Je parie que nous pouvons le faire.
I'll second that bet.

It'll go easier for you if you let us upstairs. We'll get out of your hair and become somebody else's problem.

Oh, and Frank? I *am* threatening you.		 Je suis sûr que nous le pouvons.

Ca se passerait mieux pour toi si tu nous laissais monter à l'étage. Nous dégagerions de ta vue et deviendrions le problème de quelqu'un d'autre.

Oh, et Frank? Je *te* menace.
{{GM}}Frank looks from you to Dietrich, to Eiger, to Glory, and back to you. Then he fumbles in his pocket for something.{{/GM}}

Okay, okay. It's open now. No need for trouble.		 {{GM}}Le regard de Frank passe de vous à Dietrich, puis à Eiger, Glory et reviens sur vous. Alors il cherche quelque chose dans sa poche.{{/GM}}

Okay, okay. C'est ouvert maintenant. Pas besoin de causer de grabuge.
Pleasure doing business with you. C'était sympa de faire affaire avec toi.
{{GM}}He waves a hand dismissively.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Bye. Don't let the door hit ya.		 {{GM}}Il agite une main dédaigneusement.{{/GM}}

Ouep. Bye. Attention à la marche en sortant.
Look buddy, closed is closed, and that's what we are. Ecoute mon pote, fermé c'est fermé, et c'est ce qu'on est.
There ain't nobody above me, buddy. So drop it.

Closed is closed, and that's what we are.		 Il n'y a personne au dessus de moi, mon pote. Alors lâches l'affaire.

Fermé c'est fermé, et c'est ce qu'on est.
I told you before, pal. The hotel is *closed.* Je te l'ai déjà dit, mon gars. L'hôtel est *fermé*.
{{GM}}Frank peels his eyes off of the shimmying elf and stares at you, an irritated expression on his face.{{/GM}}

*What?*		 {{GM}}Frank détache les yeux de l'elfe se trémoussant et vous dévisage, une expression irritée sur le visage.{{/GM}}

*Quoi encore?*
A group of Aztechnology security personnel step through the door. When they see you, they come up short.

The guard in the lead steps toward you, smiling.
Crazy night, huh? I still can't believe how badly that power overload messed up the system... someone in Maintenance is getting reamed over this one, I'm tellin' you.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

I've never seen Central in such a panic.
{{GM}}The troll standing behind him cuts in.{{/GM}}

Are you our relief? We've already been here well past the end of our shift.
Sorry it took so long. I've been having a rough time getting through to Central myself.
That's me. You guys go ahead and get out of here... I'll take over for you.
{{GM}}Attack the guards.{{/GM}} Something like that.
Well, you're here now.

{{GM}}He flashes you a smile.{{/GM}}

Thanks. Gotta get home to the wife... she's going to give me hell enough as it is. I was *supposed* to be home an hour ago.
Now, if you'll just let me scan your ID, I'll pass the torch on to you.

{{GM}}The troll glances down at his PDA and grimaces.{{/GM}}

Be snappy about it, if you could. I really am in a hurry.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Security{{/CC}} Don't worry about it, I've already scanned in. And don't forget to clock out... you know Central gets about these things.
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Don't worry about the scan, I have a friend in payroll. She'll take care of the record-keeping for us.
{{GM}}Attack the guards.{{/GM}} You should've left when you had the chance.
{{GM}}The guard closest to you nods.{{/GM}}

Thanks for the reminder. I can't afford another "administrative penalty."

C'mon, guys. Let's get the hell out of here.
Sounds great to me.

{{GM}}He looks at his PDA again.{{/GM}}

Another text. "You're late, you're late!"

Gods, but I need a drink.
Oh, thank Christ. I've gotta get home to the wife... she's going to give me hell enough as it is.

I was *supposed* to be home an hour ago.
All right, chief! I've reached the door controls.

Ready to force it open on your mark!
Once it's open, you've got to get in there and release the northern lock from the control panel.
Do it!
Not yet, Blitz. Just hold tight until I tell you different.
Searching the dead-drop, you find a package with the telltale markings of the Schockwellenreiter.
>>>>>Re: Humanis

>>>>>This is an open request for information on current and past donors to the Humanis Policlub.

>>>>>Identifying information, such as home addresses and photographs, is preferred.
>>>>>The presence of this hate group - and its supporters - will no longer be tolerated within our community.

>>>>>We will expose them to the harsh light of truth.

>>>>>The timely delivery of this information will be well rewarded.

>>>>>FREEDOM. EQUALITY. INFORMATION. SCHOCKWELLENREITER.<<<<<
This must be the terminal that Blitz wanted you to use. Its screen is badly scratched, and the casing is cracked, but the design tells you that it was originally a part of the bank's security system.
Come on, let's get this show on the road. We're almost out of this godforsaken place.
Well, you're half right. *$(l.name)* is almost out.

You, on the other hand, won't ever leave this building, you son of a bitch.
Blitz, what the hell--
You should tell your friend that this isn't funny. And it sure as hell isn't smart.
Don't listen to him, chief. Hasenkamp is planning on screwing you.

I've had a bot digging up intel on the man ever since you stepped into that building together. And let me tell you, he is NOT trustworthy.
Shut up and listen, chief. Hasenkamp is planning on screwing you.

I've had a bot digging up intel on the man ever since you stepped into that building together. And let me tell you, he is NOT trustworthy.
{{GM}}Hasenkamp sneers.{{/GM}}

Says the man who ratted out his own gang.

To hell with this. I'm leaving.
I wouldn't, if I were you. $(l.name) there can kill you with the press of a button.
I can?
...Well, more accurately, $(l.he) can give me control of those autoturrets with the press of a button. And then *I* can kill you.
{{GM}}Hasenkamp stops. Looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

But $(l.he) wouldn't do that, would $(l.he)?
That all depends on what Blitz has to tell me.
No. $+(s.he) wouldn't. Hasenkamp is right, Blitz... this is a stupid move.
{{GM}}Press the button.{{/GM}} Actually, $(s.he) thinks that killing you is a *great* idea.
Get this, chief: that son of a bitch isn't really an accountant. He's an assassin, and Grinder's second-in-command to boot.

Making people disappear is his *job,* $(l.name). No way Grinder would have sent him if he intended to let you walk out of there alive.
That true, Hasenkamp?
The bit about my place in Mr. Grinder's organization? Sure.

But the part about me killing you...? No.

I intend to walk out that door, give the box to Mr. Grinder, and go home to my family. Like I said.
Why the lie? Why tell me you're an accountant?
It wasn't a lie. I *am* an accountant, and I'm here in that capacity at Mr. Grinder's request.

{{GM}}An edge of irritation creeps into his voice.{{/GM}}

People can be more than one thing, you know.
Don't let him sweet-talk you, chief. Push the button and let me blow him away!
$(l.name). Listen to me. Your pal is a thief, and a killer, and a rat.

You push that button, and I'll die, sure. But Mr. Grinder is waiting for me, and he's waiting for this box. And you don't want the kind of trouble that's gonna come your way if I don't get it to him.
By all rights, that box should be ours, chief. This was *our* run.

Grinder can't have the money *and* the box. That's just... unfair.
See what I mean? *That's* what this is all about - he wants the box. He doesn't even know what it is, but he's willing to kill an old man for it. How is that not sending up red flags for you?

I'm telling you, I work for a loan shark, and *I* wouldn't feel safe around this guy.
I can't prove it, but I have the feeling that there's something fishy going on here.
I think that there's something else going on here. I think that we've all been set up.
{{GM}}Step back.{{/GM}} I won't kill a man without just cause. And you haven't convinced me of anything, Blitz.
{{GM}}Push the button.{{/GM}} Blitz is my friend. I trust his word over yours, Hasenkamp.
Quit stalling, chief. Push the button already!

We can't chance him getting away.
Shut up and listen to me, Blitz. I've found clues--
That prove nothing, by your own admission. Now, chief, come on... we don't have a lot of time.

Do this. I'm asking you as a friend.
{{GM}}Hasenkamp blinks.{{/GM}}

Explain.
I think that your boss is in bed with the Landenberg Ring. I think that he's the "silent partner" that we read about.
{{GM}}An astonished chuckle erupts from the old man.{{/GM}}

Mr. Grinder? Working with Plotz? Are you high?
No, I'm dead serious.
Yes, but that's beside the point.
I've known Mr. Grinder for twelve years. And I'm telling you, he would *never* work with that son of a bitch.

Besides, if that were true, why would he have sent *me* in here to help you rob the place?
I'm guessing that he wants you out of the way. You're his second-in-command, right?
Are you familiar with the phrase "killing two birds with one stone?"
Sure. But that doesn't make me a threat to him.

I'm loyal. He knows that.
Actually, I think that $(l.name) might be onto something.

Plotz had personal information on all three of us, right? We were all marked "shoot on sight." But Grinder's name was conspicuously absent from that list.
That doesn't prove anything.
Just think about it, man. $(l.name)'s name was on the list. So who the hell gave it to Plotz?

Other than you, me, and Grinder, who even knew that $(l.he)'d be coming here tonight?
Hasenkamp falls silent, but his mouth curls into a frown.
We also found those financial projections, remember? The ones that showed a massive increase in Grinder's future profits?
{{GM}}His voice comes out flat. Disbelieving.{{/GM}}

Those were fake.
...Or they were real, and your boss is cutting you out of whatever he has planned.
No. No way.

{{GM}}He shakes his head firmly.{{/GM}}

Mr. Grinder wouldn't do a thing like that. Not to me.
I think that Grinder has gotten tired of competing against the Landenberg Ring. And I think that he and Plotz are planning a merger.
Use that business acumen of yours. What happens when the only two providers of a service merge together?
Their business models work well together. The Ring tricks idiots into taking out predatory loans, and Grinder shows up to collect.
You get the irony of what you just said, right?
Sure. I get it. And *you* get that your boss is cutting you out of his operation, right?
I'm sure that the Landenberg Ring has plenty of accountants. Grinder wouldn't need you anymore.
Wake up, man. Grinder is in bed with Plotz, and they don't want to share the sheets with you.
There is a long pause.

Hasenkamp stares at you, processing what you've just told him. He opens his mouth to speak, then closes it again.
From what you've told us about Plotz, he wouldn't want you in the picture, either. There's bad blood between you two, right?
{{GM}}Hasenkamp's face has gone ashen. He nods dumbly.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Yeah, there is.
It all seems pretty clear-cut to me.
Well.

{{GM}}He glances down at the plastic box cradled in his arms.{{/GM}}

Son of a bitch.
There is a long pause. Finally, Blitz breaks the silence.
So... I guess that means that we're all on the same team now. Right?
{{GM}}He nods again.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Yeah, that's right.

And as a show of good faith, I'll tell you: your pal was right. Grinder sent me here to see that the transaction went through smoothly, yes... but he also wanted me to kill you.
Told you!
Damn you, Hasenkamp...
You were on a job, the same as we are. I can understand that.
Blitz, I changed my mind. Waste this guy for me.
Look, I didn't *want* to do it, but it was the job.

But now, I guess that I've tendered my resignation, so I don't have to do that anymore. There are only two people left in this world who need to worry about me shooting them.
Thanks. I was hoping you would.

For what it's worth, you have nothing to fear from me now. I didn't *want* to kill you in the first place, and now that I've... um... "tendered my resignation," there are only two people who need to worry about me shooting them.
Just to be clear: I'm not one of the two people, am I?
No, Blitz. You're not.

When we get out of here, I have a score to settle with Plotz and Grinder. And believe me, I will settle it.
Speaking of which, can we talk about *how* we're going to get out of here?
Sounds great to me! I'll be back at the Kreuzbasar, scrubbing the filth of this place off of me. I feel like I've been dipped in grease.
Yeah, of course, chief. If you'll do me the favor of pushing that button, I'll activate the security doors...
That's all you're gonna do, right? I'm trusting you here.
'Course, man. You've got nothing to worry about from me anymore.
{{GM}}Push the button.{{/GM}} It's cool, Hasenkamp. You can trust him.
Absolutely. Because I'm *trustworthy.*

Now, I'll just activate those security doors, and--
His voice cuts off. There is a long pause, punctuated by crackles of static from your commlink.
...Blitz?
{{GM}}His panicked voice punches through your commlink's speakers.{{/GM}}

There's somebody in here with me, chief! Another decker! And you've got incoming at your loca--
The voice cuts to static.
Get ready, Hasenkamp. We're about to have company.
Fair enough. Now, Blitz... you wanna open the door for us? C'est suffisant.
Yeah, sure. I'll just need one of you to push that button in the security terminal so that I can activate the security doors.
{{GM}}He pushes the button.{{/GM}}

All right, Blitz. I'm trusting you here.
Uh, boss... are you sure? I mean, he's on our side now, and he didn't have to admit--
Calm down, calm down. I was only kidding.
{{GM}}Push the button.{{/GM}} Less talking, more shooting!
Ha. Ha.

For what it's worth, I'm not gonna kill you, either - not anymore. There are only two people left in this world who need to worry about me shooting them.
They form a monopoly.

You're saying that Mr. Grinder and Plotz--
They're joining their businesses together, man! Read between the lines!

It's actually not a bad scheme, come to think of it. The Ring tricks idiots into taking out predatory loans, and Grinder shows up to collect.
Don't get cute with me, $(l.name). Say what you mean.
$+(l.he) isn't being cute, jackass. $+(l.he)'s accurately describing the situation.

Obviously, Meat Grinder wants you out of the way.
Throwing around words like "obviously" doesn't make them true. Why the hell would Mr. Grinder want to get rid of me? I run his business, for God's sake!
I dunno, man. But one thing I can tell you: *somebody* gave Plotz that info on us. And $(l.name)'s name was on that list.

Now, tell me: other than you, me, and Grinder, who even knew that $(l.he)'d be coming here tonight? And why wasn't Grinder's name on Plotz's kill list?
{{GM}}Blitz groans.{{/GM}}

That was a mistake, chief. I mean, seriously.
I'll just pretend that I didn't hear that.

{{GM}}He turns to leave.{{/GM}}

Oh, and... good call, $(l.name). You just saved yourself a world of hurt.
Get out of here. Take the box to Grinder, and tell him that Blitz's debt is settled.
{{GM}}Press the button.{{/GM}} Changed my mind. Take him out, Blitz.
Thank you.
Chief, I'm telling you... if you don't kill him, he's going to kill you.
All right, Blitz. Tell me what you've learned.
The initiate by the door is staring at Glory's limbs, her eyes wide. She's a mousy little thing, probably somewhere in the vicinity of seventeen years old, with purple contact lenses and a shock of blue hair.

She glances up at Glory, blinking.
You used to live here, didn't you? I've seen your picture before.
You shouldn't have been in that room. It isn't safe for initiates in there.
I... uh... it was a dare.

Please don't tell Marta or Mr. Harrow. I don't want to get in trouble.
I won't. And to answer your question, yes... I did live here.

I was like you. A scared kid, brought here by Marta for a chance at a new life.
{{GM}}Glory's expression remains neutral.{{/GM}}

Really?
I think so. I didn't look at it long - it was in a room that I wasn't supposed to be in. But I'm pretty sure that it was you.
It probably was. You're right, I did live here, a long time ago.

I was like you back then. A scared kid, brought here by Marta for a chance at a new life.
I like Marta. She's so nice... I always feel safe when I'm with her.

Most adults aren't like that. They either don't notice you, or they do for the wrong reasons. But Marta... she cares about us.
{{GM}}There is a long pause, and then the initiate looks to you. Screwing up her courage, she speaks.{{/GM}}

Can... can I ask you a question?
Go ahead, ask away.
Sorry, kid. We're in a rush.
Well... I overheard Marta talking with Mr. Harrow yesterday.

I think that they were talking about our meeting with him - the one that Marta was just telling us about, where we'll learn to see the world in a different way?
Go on.
Well, I couldn't really hear the whole conversation... it was all muffled. But what I could hear was kind of weird.

Mr. Harrow said some stuff about a shrine, and then it sounded like he changed the subject, 'cause he started talking about dinner.

Something about "chopping up meat."
Well, Marta got real upset. Said, "They're too new, they're not ready, make the older ones do it." Stuff like that.

But then Mr. Harrow said some other things, and then she calmed down again. When she left, she was smiling.
And so, I was just wondering... do you know what they were talking about?

I want to make sure that Marta is okay, but I can't ask her about it, because I don't want her to find out that I was eavesdropping.
I think that I know what Harrow has planned for you. Have you ever opened the fridge in the other room?
I'm not sure. But I don't think that they were talking about dinner, kid.
Sorry... I'm new here myself. Glory, do you have any ideas?
No... why? Is that where we're going to make dinner?
{{GM}}Glory cuts in. Her voice is gentle.{{/GM}}

I wouldn't worry about it. We'll make sure that Marta is okay.
All right... but don't tell her that I told you? Please?
Don't worry. We won't.

How long have you been here, by the way?
Almost a week.

{{GM}}She shuffles her feet. Eventually, she looks up with a small smile.{{/GM}}

It's wonderful.
Of course it is. So much nicer than living on the street, isn't it?

{{GM}}Glory's face is kind, but her tone is one of incredible sorrow.{{/GM}}

You be good, sweetie. Don't you worry... we'll take care of Marta.
The girl smiles sheepishly and steps back.

As you pass by her on your way to the door, Glory shoots you a sidelong glance.
It's like I thought. Things have changed in the past few years.
How so?
Back when I lived here, Harrow would never have let such a fresh convert prepare a sacrifice. He'd wait until she was in so deep - until she felt so *indebted* to him - that she *couldn't* turn tail and run.
It was a rule. You let newcomers get settled for a month, maybe two, before teaching them the more... unsavory... aspects of cult life.

Even then, you'd start them off slow. Their first lessons would use pork or chicken, never human meat. That didn't come until much later.

Indoctrinating a new recruit after a week is risky as hell, and he never would've done it when I lived here.
Maybe he's getting cocky.
The shrine. He's using it to brainwash the initiates faster than he used to.
A week. A month. What does it matter? Harrow ruins these kids either way.
Maybe. Or maybe he knows for a fact that they won't run away - the shrine's influence won't let them.

Either way, it's a sign of something. Harrow is getting lazy, letting his captive spirit do the heavy lifting for him.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

That's what I'm thinking. Harrow's getting lazy, letting his captive spirit do the heavy lifting for him.
So what does this mean for us?
I'm still working on that. But I don't think that the shrine is just a tool for Harrow any more... I think that he relies on it. He's using it as a crutch.
{{GM}}She cocks her head slightly, a thoughtful expression on her face.{{/GM}}

I think that he's let himself become dependent on the damned thing.
That girl is never going to have to do what we saw back in that kitchen. We won't let that happen.
Good. If the bastard is going soft, it should be that much easier for us to take him down.
Good. If the shrine's influence is the only thing keeping these kids here, that'll make our job a lot easier.
{{GM}}She nods, a fierce look in her eye.{{/GM}}

On that, we are agreed.
Yes. But he won't ruin this one, I promise you that.

I only brought it up because it's a sign of something. Harrow is getting lazy, letting his captive spirit do the heavy lifting for him.
{{GM}}She looks confused.{{/GM}}

...No? But then, what were they talking about...?
{{GM}}Glory cuts in. Her voice is gentle.{{/GM}}

I wouldn't worry about it, sweetie. We'll make sure that Marta is okay.
I don't know for certain what Harrow has planned for those kids. But I do know one thing: whatever it is, we aren't going to let it happen.
Could be any number of things.

{{GM}}She turns to face the initiate. Her voice is gentle.{{/GM}}

I wouldn't worry about it, sweetie. We'll make sure that Marta is okay.
Don't worry. We won't.
Oh. Okay.

{{GM}}She steps back, a sheepish look on her face.{{/GM}}
The weathered edifice of Feuerstelle looms above you, dark and sinister in the chill night air.
Despite the horrifying stories that Glory told you about this place, something about it feels strangely comforting.

In the back of your mind, insidious voices whisper that you could stay here forever.
Do you feel it? The lure of this place?

{{GM}}Glory gestures with a limb of chrome and steel.{{/GM}}

When I was a kid - when I was *whole* - the pull was irresistible.
Yes, I can feel it. It's almost... pleasant.
Yeah, I feel it. But that doesn't change what we have to do.
Are you sure that you're ready for this, Glory? There's no shame in turning back.
It's meant to be. That's how it gets to you.

It worms its way inside of you, *changes* you, and you don't even realize what's happening until it's too late.
{{GM}}She looks at you, and her eyes are dark. When she speaks again, her voice is quiet but steady.{{/GM}}

You're going to see some terrible things here, $(l.name). Feuerstelle exists to prey on the young, and we're going to have to come face to face with that.

Are you sure that you're prepared for this?
No. No, it doesn't.

{{GM}}She looks at you, and her eyes are dark. When she speaks again, her voice is quiet but steady.{{/GM}}

You're going to see some terrible things in this place, $(l.name). Feuerstelle exists to prey on the young, and we're going to have to come face to face with that.

Are you sure that you're prepared for this?
I didn't come back here to turn tail and run away again.

I did that once. Never again.
How about you? Are *you* ready, $(l.name)?

You're going to see some terrible things in this place. Feuerstelle exists to prey on the young, and we're going to have to come face to face with that.
When you say "the young," how young do you mean? I need to know what we're walking into.
Don't worry about me. I'm solid.
I'm as ready as I'm gonna be.
Honestly? I'm not sure.
Teenagers, mostly. Sixteen through eighteen, though there is the rare exception.
That's young enough to make me feel uneasy.
So, not *that* young, then. Not children.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Me too. But we're going to put an end to it, one way or another.
There was a time when Harrow played with luring younger children here, but he found them to be more trouble than they were worth.

The younger the child, the more likely that someone might come looking for them.
Better to stick with the lost, desperate souls who've already spent years on the street. The castoffs that nobody cares about.

Lord knows there are enough of them out there.
So I'll ask you again: are you ready for this? I need an honest answer.
{{GM}}She studies your face for a moment longer, then looks away.{{/GM}}

Good.
You wanna compare notes, make sure that we're both on the same page?
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

We take Harrow out of commission. You were right when you said that we couldn't afford to let him live... even if we completely destroyed this place, it'd all be for nothing if he got away. He'd just start another cult somewhere else.
Any suggestions as to how we should approach this?
This is your run, Glory - I'm just here to help you see it through. So what do we do first?
We kill Harrow, yeah. But I think that we should try to save the cultists here, too.
Yeah. We're going to take out the shrine that Harrow uses as his power focus.

We can't touch him while that thing is standing, but after we bring it down, he'll be vulnerable.
Tell me more about this shrine.
So we need to break a statue. All right, got it. Keep going.
This is getting too complicated. We should just gun the bastard down.
It's a lump of rock about as tall as I am, inscribed with runes and encrusted with bone.

The shrine's power comes from an entity that Harrow bound into the stone... something very old, and very dangerous. A toxic spirit.

In many ways, it is the heart of this place.
We can't touch Harrow while the shrine is intact. If we try, he'll siphon enough power from it to slaughter us where we stand.

But if we confront the shrine and kill the spirit, the astral backlash from its death will cripple him. All we'll have to do is finish him off.
I want to hash out a few more details before we head inside.
Kill the spirit, cripple Harrow, then take him down. Got it. Let's move.
That makes sense. If you have any questions, it'd be best if you asked them now.
So we make our way to the shrine, and then... what? Take it out with explosives?
What about the other cultists?
If the shrine is this important, why didn't you mention it earlier?
I think I know everything that I need to. Let's get moving.
Breaking the rock won't work. We'll have to take on the spirit directly... track it to where it lives, and kill it.

{{GM}}She pats the satchel that hangs from her shoulder.{{/GM}}

I've brought what we'll need to do that.
I can't tell you exactly how this is going to go down, $(l.name). The spirit itself will have a good deal of control over that. But you'd better prepare yourself, because I think that this is going to be one hell of a fight.
We'll save any that we can. But the energy released when the spirit dies will hurt them, too... anyone whose mind it touched will take a hit.
Doesn't that mean that the backlash will hit us, too?
You've only just arrived. The spirit hasn't had a chance to worm its way into your aura yet. You might black out for a minute or two, but otherwise you should be fine.

As for me... well, like I said, this place can't touch me anymore.
Sounds like this is our best shot, then.
I'll take your word for it.
It is.
Good.

Is there anything else, or should we get started?
When I lived here, Harrow barely used the thing.

To be honest, I think that he was afraid of it.
Back before I ran away, Feuerstelle was nothing more than a cult of personality that revolved around Harrow. He didn't need magical help to keep us here - we loved him, and we believed in his message. He created the shrine as an insurance policy.
And you think that something has changed, and that he's started abusing the shrine's power.
That answers that. I have another question for you, though.
Harrow's magic shrine won't save him. Let's get to work.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Yes. And I think that my escape was the cause of that change.
I know Harrow. When I ran, I bruised his ego. His charisma and charm had failed him, and my disappearance rubbed his nose in that failure.

He wouldn't be willing to chance something like that happening again. Not when he had the means to prevent it.
So the cultists here... they're like puppets? The shrine controls them?
I've have another question for you.
I've heard enough. Let's get this show on the road.
Not exactly. It's more insidious than that.

Think of the shrine's influence as a drug. It lowers your inhibitions, makes you compliant.

If you were to stay here for a couple of days, you'd fall in love with this place, and you wouldn't even know why. All of Harrow's bullshit would start to make sense. You'd be happy.
In essence, all of the cultists here are addicted this place. That makes them a threat, yes... but it also makes them victims.
All right. Go ahead.
Go ahead, I'm listening. Vas y, je t'écoute.
{{GM}}She nods, and the razors flick out of her fingertips.{{/GM}}

I'm with you. Let's do it.
It's not that simple. Physically destroying the shrine won't help us.

Harrow bound a malevolent entity - a toxic spirit - into the stone. That's where its power comes from, and that's what we're going to have to deal with.

In many ways, it is the heart of this place.
That won't work, $(l.name). If we try to face Harrow with that thing intact, he'll tear us both to shreds.
The shrine is more than just a statue... you need to understand that. Harrow bound a malevolent entity - a toxic spirit - into the stone, and that's where its power comes from.

It is, in many ways, the heart of this place.
If we confront the shrine and kill the spirit, the astral backlash from its death will cripple Harrow. Then all we'll have to do is finish him off.

We'll be killing two birds with one stone.
We make our way inside and take out the shrine that Harrow uses as his power focus.

We can't touch him while that thing is standing, but after we bring it down, he'll be vulnerable.
Planning on that would be a mistake. This is going to be difficult enough as it is... if we don't focus our efforts on one thing or the other, we're going to fail at both.

If we get an opportunity to rescue some cultists along the way, we'll take it - that goes without saying. But barring that, we should stay focused on killing Harrow.
Fair enough. We stick with the plan and kill Harrow. Do you know how you want to approach this?
This is your run - I won't argue with you. So what do we do first?
In that case, I say forget about Harrow. Saving the cultists is more important.
{{GM}}She pauses.{{/GM}}

You know what you're saying, right? If we focus on saving these runaways, Harrow is going to escape. I'm almost certain of it.
Can you live with the possibility of him slipping away, out of our reach? Can you justify taking the risk that he'll disappear and start all of this over again?

I'm not sure that I can.
If we prioritize killing Harrow, the people he's brainwashed into joining his cult could die tonight. That trumps what might happen in some hypothetical future.
You're right. We kill Harrow. So, any suggestions as to how we should go about it?
{{GM}}Slowly, she nods.{{/GM}}

All right. I'll admit, I was torn about this myself. As much as I want Harrow dead, I don't want any other street kids to have to go through what I experienced here.

If we can spare even one of them that horror, all of this will be worth it.
Agreed. So any suggestions as to how we should go about this?
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

We save the street kids and runaways that are living here. We take them away from this place, before Harrow can turn them into monsters.

We keep them from following in my footsteps.
We rescue the kids here, yeah. But I think that we should also try to kill Harrow.
Harrow keeps a shrine in the compound. It's the key to his control over the cultists.

We're going to purify the shrine and break that control. And then we're going to lead those kids out of here.
So we need to find a shrine and... what? Perform some kind of ceremony?
This is getting too complicated. We should just kick in the door, round up the cultists, and get them out of here.
It's a lump of rock about as tall as I am, inscribed with runes and encrusted with bone.

Its power comes from an entity that Harrow bound into the stone... something very old, and very dangerous. A toxic spirit.

In many ways, it is the heart of this place.
The voices that you can hear, whispering in the back of your mind? Those are the spirit's voices. It saps the will of anyone who sets foot on these grounds.

We can't save those kids until the shrine is dealt with. They'll fight us if we try.
Confront the shrine, purify the spirit, rescue the cultists. Got it. Let's move.
So how do we purify the spirit? Some sort of ceremony or ritual?
Why attempt to purify the spirit at all? Why not just kill it?
If the shrine controls the people here, then how do you have anything to feel guilty about? Nothing that you did under Harrow was really your fault.
Something like that. It'll be easier to just show you... I've got everything we'll need right here.

{{GM}}She pats the satchel that hangs from her shoulder.{{/GM}}

When the time comes, I'll conduct the ritual. But before I can do that, we're going to have to face the spirit on its own terms. And that's going to be dangerous, $(l.name).
That spirit has its fingers in the minds and auras of every kid in this compound. If we kill it, those kids will get hurt. They might even be killed.

We can't take that risk. But if we can cleanse the Adversary's corruption from it, it might withdraw from their minds willingly.
...And then we can get them out of here.
{{GM}}Her face flushes red, and she breaks eye contact with you.{{/GM}}

I wish that were true.

But it isn't.
I'll take your word for it. I have another question for you, though.
I've heard all that I need to. Let's get in there and do some good.
Let's get back to talking about what we're going to do in there.
In essence, all of the street kids here are addicted this place. That makes them a threat, yes... but it also makes them victims.
Fine by me.
Something like that, but it'll be more complicated than it sounds.

The shrine itself is just a hunk of rock. Its power comes from an entity that Harrow bound into the stone... something very old, and very dangerous. A toxic spirit.

It is, in many ways, the heart of this place.
That won't work, $(l.name). The shrine's influence can be very strong, and the cultists here have all been brainwashed on top of it.

If we try to pull them away from Feuerstelle without dealing with the shrine first, they'll mob us, because the spirit that Harrow bound into the rock will tell them to.
Planning on that would be a mistake. This is going to be difficult enough as it is... if we don't focus our efforts on one thing or the other, we're going to fail at both.

If we get an opportunity to take the bastard down along the way, we'll take it - that goes without saying. But barring that, we should stay focused on getting those kids out of here.
Fair enough. We stick with the plan and rescue the cultists. Do you know how you want to approach this?
In that case, I say forget about the cultists. Killing Harrow is more important.
{{GM}}She pauses.{{/GM}}

You know what you're saying, right? If we focus on killing Harrow, a lot of runaways are going to die here tonight. I'm almost certain of it.
Can you live with their deaths on your conscience? Can you justify sacrificing a bunch of brainwashed teenagers to ensure that one monster dies?

I'm not sure that I can.
If we let Harrow get away, he'll start all of this over again, somewhere far beyond our reach. We need to end this tonight, no matter the cost.
You're right. We rescue the cultists. So, any suggestions as to how we should go about it?
{{GM}}Slowly, she nods.{{/GM}}

All right. I'll admit, I was torn about this myself. As much as I want to rescue these kids, Harrow has to be stopped - permanently.

If some cultists have to die in order for that to happen, then so be it. It's a sacrifice that we'll have to make.
If you have doubts, clear them from your mind. This place will use them to hurt you.
This is beginning to sound like something out of a horror movie.
You don't need to worry about me.
I'll do my best.
That's because it's going to be.

Feuerstelle is a vile, toxic place. I still have nightmares about some of the things that I saw here... after tonight, you might wind up with a few of your own.
I'm a big boy, Glory. I can handle a few bad dreams.
I'm a big girl, Glory. I can handle a few bad dreams.
Please. Whatever this place throws at me, I've seen worse.
We're shadowrunners. Nightmares are nothing new to me - they come with the territory.
Somehow, I doubt that. But we'll see, I suppose.
{{GM}}She studies your face for a moment longer, then nods.{{/GM}}

That's true, I suppose.
Colt Cobra TZ-110 (Smartlink)
SMG: A milspec submachine gun that's easily found on the streets, with an integral Smartlink system.
On the counter is a note, carefully transcribed in neat handwriting.

The paper bears the letterhead of Senior Executive Lennart Stromberg.
I'm still waiting for that report... when I said "ASAP," I meant "I needed it yesterday." Stay until you've completed the tests, then leave the report on my desk. The door code is 54139.

DO THIS TONIGHT. I'll expect to see it waiting for me when I arrive tomorrow.

-Stromberg
Ma'am... I've lost my link to Central. Is that even supposed to *happen* if we lose power?
No. It's not.

{{GM}}She frowns.{{/GM}}

But from what I've heard, this was a power spike. So I guess that the overload could've scrambled something... gummed up the works somewhere upstream.
Just then, her body language changes. Suddenly aware of your presence, she turns to face you.
You there! Stop where you are!

Clear this area, or we will remove you by force!
Hold your fire, I'm leaving!
{{GM}}Attack the guards.{{/GM}} Not if I remove you first.
Open fire!
Humanis Office Door Code
>Pride
>>PANACEA PUMP STATION #2
>>Infusion Management System v 4.5.1

***** INFUSION SEQUENCE INITIATED *****

WARNING: PANACEA infusion sequence is LOCKED.
Disengage Safety Protocol to enable emergency venting of virus.
{{GM}}Disengage Safety Protocol: Vent B.{{/GM}}
>>Vent B Safety Protocol disengaged. // Vent B is now unlocked for manual venting.

>>NOTE: Virus infusion process will automatically reinitiate after emergency venting.
The smell of sulphur and ozone fills the cavernous chamber. Despite the whir of several high-output exhaust fans, the heat is tremendous.

As you enter, you hear a loud click followed by the squeal of audio feedback. Then Adrian Vauclair’s voice booms over the loudspeakers.
I don’t know how you escaped the laboratory, but please… stop.

I must complete the virus infusion process. I must release her. Our future as a species depends on it.
Step away from that control panel, Doc, or this is gonna end... poorly.
You’re a lunatic, Vauclair.
Don’t do it, Vauclair! Don’t go down in history as the man who turned Berlin into an inferno.
I’m sorry, Doctor. I know you want to aid humanity, but murder and genocide isn’t the way.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Academic{{/CC}} Dr. Vauclair, I think your obsession with dragons has progressed to the point that you are no longer in control of your actions.
It appears that regardless of who prevails, this encounter will end poorly for someone.

You, me, the dragon… Berlin. That cannot be helped now.
{{GM}}A heavy sigh comes over the speakers.{{/GM}}

Are we resorting to name-calling, $(l.name)? Truly?

You are a thief, a murderer, and a criminal. You have no moral ground here. How many people did you and your team butcher to get here? Dozens, easily.
{{GM}}A heavy sigh comes over the speakers.{{/GM}}

My place in history is of no concern to me, I assure you. My ego has no role in this.

I am trying to do what is right. What will secure humanity’s future. That is all this has ever been about!
Don’t take the moral high ground with me, *shadowrunner.* How many people did you and your team butcher to get here? Dozens, easily.

And why? To avenge the deaths of your friends? To protect your Kreuzbasar?
The scale of your crimes does not protect you from the same judgment that you are attempting to pass upon me. Nor do any altruistic motivations that you may ascribe to them.

I am attempting to save humanity itself!
{{GM}}A heavy sigh comes over the speakers.{{/GM}}

I must admit that I have thought that very thing in my weaker hours. In the morning, as my dreams recede and conscious thought returns.

In that gray state, I’ve lain in my bed, alone, and wrestled with the thought.
But at the end of the day, I am a man of action. I have always been so.

While businessmen and politicians deliberate in their board rooms and committees, I have done what needed to be done.

And now here I am, executing the greatest act of service that I can conceive of.

The salvation of humanity itself.
The time for discussion is over. I am done debating with you.
He pauses, puzzled.
Still, I must understand how you escaped the test lab.
A thought comes to him, and his tired eyes glitter in triumph.
It was HER, wasn’t it? Feuerschwinge. It must be.

You made some sort of… deal.

She helped you to escape, and in return you will help her rejoin her dragon body.
I didn’t agree to anything.
Getting kind of paranoid, aren’t you?
Feuerschwinge showed me a way out. Now I’m offering one to you.
What did she promise you? Gold? Jewels? Eternal life? She offered them to me, as well.

For decades.
It doesn’t matter now. The infusion process has begun.

The dragon is waking up. Soon, she will take flight.

But you will not be alive to witness that. Audran, ensure that they don’t.
The door leads out to the building's fire escape. Not a bad way to make an expedient retreat.
The door leads out to the building's fire escape.
{{GM}}Head down the fire escape.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Step back from the door.{{/GM}}
An Aztechnology security guard and an LTG tech are locked in a heated exchange.

They don't seem to notice your approach.
...So what you're telling me is this: You were working on our LTG box. And then, all of a sudden, everything *magically* overloaded and went to hell, taking our communications along for the ride.

And you had *nothing* to do with it?
Look, pal. *You* are a security guard. *I* am a technician.

And for the last time, I'm telling you, this was NOT. MY. FAULT.
Yeah, but you were poking around in there...
{{GM}}She waves her arms in exasperation.{{/GM}}

I wasn't even working on the power system, you dolt! How could I have done ANYTHING to the power grid?

It DOESN'T WORK LIKE THAT!
I don't like your attitude, lady.
I DON'T LIKE YOUR FACE, IDIOT!
The argument increases in volume and ferocity. Within a few seconds, they're screaming at one another.
There is a good-sized crack in the floor with a small amount of light shining through.
{{GM}}Keep moving.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Look through the crack in the floor.{{/GM}}
Shapes form in the shadows below, but you can't make anything out.
{{GM}}Look away.{{/GM}}
The glare from the lights of the floor below fades, and your eyes readjust to the room.
{{GM}}Step back from the crack.{{/GM}}
A rail-thin elf wearing a comically ornate wizard's robe stands at the center of the room. When he speaks, his voice wavers and cracks.
So. You're the one who's been turning my home upside down.

I assume that you come in search of my head at Ullrich's behest? I would warn you, stranger... he cannot be trusted.
It's Berlin, 2054. Trust is so 2053.
That right?
Sounds like you're about to make me a proposition.
Ullrich's dead.
{{GM}}Attack him.{{/GM}} Neither can you.
That may be so, but I'm telling you the truth about Ullrich.

He may have a use for you now, but as soon as this no longer holds, he will kill you.
{{GM}}He steeples his fingers, looking for all the world like a kid in a Halloween costume.{{/GM}}

I would offer you an alternative. What is it that he has offered you for your assistance? I'm sure we can reach an equally beneficial arrangement.
I need to get downstairs. Into the basement.
We need to get downstairs. Into the basement.
Well then, our purposes run parallel. To reach the basement, you must use the elevator; the stairs will not reach it.

There is no other way.

When we took over from the Arbeiters, I removed the power coupling from the elevator controls. Had to keep Ullrich out of his primary armory.
In exchange, Ullrich removed the elevator control chip. A petty move, presumably to prevent us from accessing that same armory after he retreated.
If you agree to kill him, I'll give you the part that I removed. Then all you have to do is take the chip off Ullrich's stinking corpse.

Trust me... that's the only way you will ever lay hands on it. Once your usefulness to him has run its course, he will devote all of his strength to crushing you.
Honestly, boss... I don't think that I believe either of 'em.
{{GM}}Trithemius inclines his head.{{/GM}}

To show you how serious I am, I will offer you a further boon for dealing with Ullrich as he deserves. A magical item of great and inscrutable power!

With it, you may call a powerful spirit to your side, to defend you and to crush your enemies! Do my bidding, and this will be yours for the taking!
All right. Deal.
I accept. But tread carefully, mage... if you betray us, we'll be back for your head.
I made a deal, and I'm sticking to it. Now let's get this over with.
Well, I guess that's a chance I'm going to have to take. Time to die!
I think I'd still rather kill you, but don't worry - I'll kill him, too.
I've already killed the bastard.
{{GM}}The elf smiles broadly.{{/GM}}

Very good. Run along, now.

When Ullrich is dead, you know where to find me.
I have no intention of betraying you. But watch your tongue, stranger... I don't take well to threats.

{{GM}}He dismisses you with a wave of his hand.{{/GM}}

Go now.
{{GM}}The elf's lips twist into a cruel smile.{{/GM}}

Big mistake, pal. You're gonna burn for that.
Excellent!

{{GM}}Trithemius claps his hands and rubs them together vigorously.{{/GM}}

I thank you kindly for this service! As promised, here is the power coupling.
...and here, as promised, is your spirit focus.

{{GM}}He hands you an object carved with arcane symbols. It feels warm to the touch.{{/GM}}

As you see, I honor my deals.
Now begone, if you please.

{{GM}}He dismisses you with a wave of his hand.{{/GM}}

There is important work to be done.
Honestly, chief... I don't think that I believe either of 'em.
I don't believe either of them.
Yes, it is. He may have a use for you now, but as soon as this no longer holds, he will kill you.
Very perceptive. Yes, I do intend to make you a counterproposal... and you'd be wise to listen to it.

Ullrich may have a use for you now, but as soon as this no longer holds, he will kill you.
Really?

{{GM}}Trithemius' face brightens.{{/GM}}

Well, this is welcome news indeed! You have my thanks, stranger.
I don't need your thanks. I need to get into the basement... and that magical item would be appreciated, too.
{{GM}}Attack him.{{/GM}} Don't thank me too quickly. You're next!
Ah, yes. The basement.

To reach the basement, you must use the elevator. The stairs have collapsed; there is no other way.

When we took over from the Arbeiters, I removed the power coupling from the elevator controls. Had to keep Ullrich out of his primary armory.
In exchange, Ullrich removed the elevator control chip. A petty move, presumably to prevent us from accessing that same armory after he retreated.

...As if we'd have need for such mundane weapons.
You will need both pieces to restore the elevator. Here, take the coupling... and this spirit focus.

{{GM}}He hands you an object carved with arcane symbols. It feels warm to the touch.{{/GM}}

As you see, I honor my deals.
I'm afraid that I can do nothing else to help you. Recover the control chip from Ullrich and fix the elevator if you truly must get downstairs.
You have my power coupling already. Our business is concluded.
{{GM}}Trithemius raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

You have returned. So, then... the deed is done?
Yes. Ullrich is dead.
Not yet.
Well then, we have nothing further to discuss.

{{GM}}The mage dismisses you with a wave.{{/GM}}

Return when he is dead.
{{GM}}Audran returns, his Vindicator minigun spinning up with a distinctive whir.{{/GM}}

Didn’t I tell you that we’re on a timetable here? Now I'm gonna have to kill you myself.
There is another telltale crackle of static from your commlink.

Blitz's voice fills your ear. His tone is impossibly smug.
All right, chief... that should do it! The vault's open, and I'm suppressing the alarm.

Easy as pie, just like I said.
Yes, yes, we're all very impressed. Now let's get this show on the road, shall we?
Let's do it.
A bizarre monument towers before you. At the top of the pedestal, the form of an angel stands, its outstretched wings looming over the small park. But the material is strange and uneven, giving the statue a cold, Frankenstein-esque appearance.

It appears that the artist has welded this monument together from various metal scraps and pieces of junk.
As you approach, a small, grimy monitor at the base of the statue flickers dimly to life. The grainy face of a smug young ork appears onscreen.
Hello there. I'm Herbert Künzel, the creator of this monument.

What would you like to know?
{{GM}}Press the "1" key: STATUE NAME{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Press the "2" key: INSTALLATION HISTORY{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Press the "3" key: ABOUT THE ARTIST{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Step away from the statue.{{/GM}}
This is my "Tribute to Victory"... the victory of anarchy.

It is both a citation and parody of the statue we destroyed some twenty years ago. You may remember it from the history trids as the Siegessäule. Or Goldelse.
Isn't it obvious?

The Siegessäule: a monument to the hubris of the Prussian state, gets blown to bits. So someone takes a lot of bits and builds a monument to the hubris of anarchy.
I mean, what more is there to say?
I am the visionary Herbert Künzel, from the Lindwürmer. You might know me from...
Okay. Well, there isn't much I'm known for. Yet.

But I intend to change that. All art is born from misery, after all.
After hearing your story, the talismonger leans back in silent contemplation. Après avoir entendu ton histoire, le vendeur de talisman se penche en arrière en une réflexion silencieuse.
Well. Considering your friend's upbringing, it's no surprise that she views the Adversary as a devil-figure... she's interpreting her experiences through the lens that she was given. Eh bien. Considérant l'éducation de ton ami, il est sans surprise qu'elle considère l'Adversaire comme le diable... Elle relativise ses expériences passées à travers le prisme de l'éducation qu'on lui a donné.
That makes sense. Ca a du sens.
So what I'm getting from you is that she's oversimplifying things. Donc ce que tu es entrain de dire c'est qu'elle simplifie trop les choses.
The elf pauses, stroking his beard in quiet contemplation.

The silence stretches for several seconds before he continues.		 L'elfe s'interrompt, se grattant la barbe en réfléchissant.

Le silence s'installe pendant plusieurs secondes avant qu'il reprenne.
I find this "Harrow" figure - the leader of your friend's old commune - to be deeply troubling.

He is clearly a toxic shaman, working in the service of his own warped view of the Adversary.		 Je trouve ce "Harrow" - le chef de l'ancienne communauté de ton amie - très inquiétante.

C'est clairement un chaman toxique, se servant de sa vision déformée de l'Adversaire.
You say that he serves his own view of the Adversary. Don't idols care what their followers do in their names? Tu as dit qu'il se sert de sa vision déformée de l'Adversaire. Les idoles n'en n'ont rien à faire de ce que leurs partisans font en leurs noms?
What do you mean by "toxic" shaman? I'm unfamiliar with the term. Tu entends quoi par chaman "toxique"? Je ne connais pas ce terme.
I agree with your assessment. Harrow sounds like bad news. Je suis d'accord avec ton évaluation de la situation. Harrow semble être une mauvaise nouvelle.
To an extent, yes. The Adversary wouldn't abide one of its followers attempting to bolster the strength of an authority figure, for example. But idols and totems can exhibit a broad range of behaviors, and men such as Harrow hide in the extreme ends of that range.

Technically, his interpretation of the Adversary *is* the Adversary... but only the worst aspects of it.		 Dans une certaine mesure, si. L'Adversaire ne respecterait pas un disciple tentant de renforcer la position d'une figurine d'autorité, par exemple. Mais les idoles et les totems peuvent présenter un large éventail de comportements, et les hommes comme Harrow utilise cet éventail.

Techniquement, son interprétation de l'Adversaire ce *qu'est* l'Adversaire... mais en ne prenant que ses pires aspects.
In the magic community, a shaman is referred to as "toxic" when he twists his idol's principles in order to cause harm.

Some toxic shamans are eco-terrorists, protecting nature with deadly force. Others are essentially rabid... slavering things that hunt and kill with wild abandon.		 Dans la communauté magique, un chaman est désigné comme "toxique" quand il déforme les principes de son idole afin de causer un préjudice.

Certains chamans toxiques sont des éco-terroristes, protégeant la nature avec une force mortelle. D'autres sont essentiellement des enragés... des choses bavantes qui chassent et tuent avec un abandon sauvage.
I don't believe that Harrow fits into either category. From what you've described, he genuinely venerates the Adversary - or at least, his own view of what the Adversary should be. And he has been rewarded with power for that devotion.

He will make a formidable enemy, should you choose to face him.		 Je ne crois pas cet Harrow s'inscrive dans cette catégorie. De ce que tu m'as expliqué, il vénère véritablement l'Adversaire - ou du moins, sa propre vision de ce qu'il devrait être. Et il a été récompensé pour cette dévotion par le pouvoir.

Il sera un ennemi redoutable, lorsque tu lui feras face.
"Bad news." Yes. That's one way of putting it.

Such men have been responsible for many terrible things in the Awakened world, and they are not to be confronted lightly.		 "Mauvaise nouvelle". Oui. Voilà une façon de présenter les choses.

De tels hommes ont été responsables de beaucoup de choses terribles dans le monde Eveillé, et il ne doivent pas être pris à la légère.
I'll be careful. Je ferai attention.
I trust that you will.

{{GM}}He inclines his head in a low nod.{{/GM}}

Best of luck to you and your friend both.		 Je sais que tu le feras.

{{GM}} Il incline la tête en un faible hochement.{{/GM}}

Bonne chance à toi et à ton amie.
I wouldn't tell her that. Indeed, I wouldn't attempt to dissuade her from her ideas at all.

My interpretation may be different from hers, but that isn't to say that it's the "right" one.		 Je ne lui dirais pas ça. En effet, je ne voudrais pas lui faire perdre toutes ses convictions.

Mon interprétation peut être différente de la sienne, mais ça ne veut pas dire qu'elle est la "seule".
Don't worry. I won't try to change her mind. Pas d'inquiétude. Je ne lui ferai pas changer d'avis.
I doubt that you could if you tried. Je ne pense pas que tu y arriverai même si tu essayais.
Eviscerate
Twist the razor a bit for more internal damage. -2 DMG, +5 stacking bleed DMG. Strips 2 Armor from target.
Hemorrhaging: HP -5 per RND
Once again, the grounds of the Harfeld Manor are silent, save for the faint whistling of the wind.
But unlike last time, the air is rank with foreboding. The night is swollen with homicidal intent. They're waiting for you.
Last chance before things get hot. Let's review the plan.
We make our way across the grounds to the servants' entrance, taking down any security troops that threaten us along the way.

Once we make it there, we'll take the freight elevator down to the lab.
With APEX free, we shouldn't have to worry about the automated defenses inside of the complex. Some of them might even give us a hand.
That won't help us much out here, though.
{{GM}}She turns to face the hulking drone APEX has provided.{{/GM}}

And any security patrols in the courtyard, we've got this thing.
The drone hovers in place, ready to take commands. If APEX had anything to add, it must still be rebooting.
{{GM}}She nods, then looks to you.{{/GM}}

Lead the way, $(l.name). We'll follow.
Let's make 'em pay. For Monika and for Paul.
Damn right. Go! Go! Go!
I know we're outnumbered - but I also know this team. And there's no one else I'd rather have at my side.
The team looks to one another for confirmation. They all nod sharply.

They're ready.
All right, chief. We make our way across the grounds to the servants' entrance, taking down any security troops that threaten us along the way.

Once we get there, we take the freight elevator down to the lab.
{{GM}}He turns to face the hulking drone APEX has provided.{{/GM}}

And any security patrols in the courtyard, we've got this massive hunk of junk backing us up.
{{GM}}He nods, then looks to you.{{/GM}}

Lead the way, $(l.name). Let's get this over with.
Assuming that APEX keeps its word, that is. We'll find out soon enough.
{{GM}}He turns to face the hulking drone APEX has provided.{{/GM}}

And any security patrols in the courtyard, we've got this thing.
I know we're outnumbered - but I also know you, Dietrich. And there's no one else I'd rather have at my side.
{{GM}}He cracks his knuckles, and you can feel the magic swelling around him.{{/GM}}

Let's do this!
Once we're in, we make our way across the grounds to the servants' entrance.

We'll use the freight elevator to make our way down the the lab.
With APEX down, the automated systems will be offline. We'll still have plenty of guards to deal with, though.

{{GM}}She looks to you.{{/GM}}

Good to go, $(l.name)?
With APEX down, the automated systems will be offline. We'll still have plenty of guards to deal with, though.

{{GM}}She looks to you.{{/GM}}

Lead the way, $(l.name). We'll follow.
With APEX down, the automated systems will be offline. We'll still have plenty of guards to deal with, though.

Once we're in, we make our way across the grounds to the servants' entrance. From there, we use the freight elevator to make our way down the the lab.
Assuming we're alive, of course.

So... uh, ready to go, $(l.name)?
With APEX down, the automated systems will be offline. We'll still have plenty of guards to deal with, though.

{{GM}}He looks to you.{{/GM}}

Lead the way, boss. We'll be right behind you.
Twin Slash
A dual-hand razor attack that can hit adjacent targets.
It looks like the console can be used to retract the nearby bridge.
{{GM}}Retract the bridge.{{/GM}}
The mechanical bridge smoothly slides back in and angles upwards, clearing the path for the train.
It looks like the console could extend the nearby bridge to cross the tracks - but with the power out, the entire thing is nonfunctional.
It looks like the console can extend the nearby bridge to cross the tracks.
{{GM}}Extend the bridge.{{/GM}}
The mechanical bridge smoothly slides out and spans the gap over the tracks.
That's done it, chief! Bail on out of there - once you've both made it into the next room, I'll lock the door behind you. That should buy you a few seconds, at least!
We're on it.
As you step forward, the scintillating red light that streams from the doorway flickers and dies.

There is a strange, lurching sensation in your gut, but it clears almost instantly. The door swings open with a touch.
That seems to have done it.
Glory nods, then reaches into her satchel.

Her hand comes back out clutching a small jar.
I'm going to put a smear of this on your forehead. It's a sort of alchemical balm.

{{GM}}Her voice goes quiet.{{/GM}}

Harrow taught me how to make it.
I remember.

{{GM}}She smiles.{{/GM}}

What a day that was.
{{GM}}She unscrews the cap from the jar, revealing a pale white ointment. The surface glitters strangely in the dim light.{{/GM}}

If you ever wondered where my share of the take from our jobs has gone, this is the answer.

Powdered orichalcum isn't cheap.
What does the ointment do?
I'm sure that it isn't. Where did you even find a supplier?
Orichalcum? What's that?
The boundaries between the material world and the astral plane are weak in this place. Things can bleed through.

The balm is like a lens. It focuses your perceptions. Makes the haze real.
{{GM}}Marta cuts in. Her voice is full of wonder.{{/GM}}

It lets you commune with His servitors. The emissaries of our Great Master, the Adversary.
{{GM}}She applies a smear of ointment to her forehead. It looks like a glob of glittering white paint.{{/GM}}

Not the way I'd've put it, but yes. With this, we can deal with the spirit on its own level.
I've only done this with Harrow before. He warned me never to try it without him.

{{GM}}She shivers.{{/GM}}

There are strange things in the place we're about to visit.
Whatever's waiting for us, we can handle it.
I'm sure that I've gone up against stranger.
I don't like the sound of that.
{{GM}}She dips her finger back into the balm and traces it down your forehead. The ointment feels cool and oily on your skin.{{/GM}}

I know.
{{GM}}She fishes in her bag a second time and pulls out a pair of silver necklaces. A rune-inscribed pendant dangles from each.{{/GM}}

This will protect your astral self from spiritual possession. Don't take it off while we're dealing with the shrine, whatever you do.
{{GM}}Put on the pendant.{{/GM}} Got it. What about Marta?
{{GM}}She touches a finger to the amulet that hangs around her neck.{{/GM}}

I'll be fine. This will work just as well.
{{GM}}Glory puts on her own pendant. The necklace glitters slightly against her pale skin.{{/GM}}

I don't know what's going to happen when we step into that room, $(l.name). We're playing with forces outside of our control.

Are you ready to do this?
Ready as I'll ever be.
I'll manage.
I've been waiting for this since we got here.
{{GM}}Marta smiles. Her eyes glitter with anticipation.{{/GM}}

I'm ready.
Let's go, then.

Once we've purified the spirit, we can see about rescuing those kids. Harrow will get away, but we can worry about that later.
That's the plan. Let's do it.
We can't let Harrow get away. Not after what I've seen here tonight. We have to kill him.
One last thing before we do this. I have reason to suspect that Harrow isn't the real power here anymore.

I think that the spirit is.
{{GM}}Marta lets loose a surprised giggle.{{/GM}}

That's ridiculous. Harrow trapped the spirit, made it his plaything. It does what he tells it to do.
I don't think so... not anymore. I believe that when Harrow started using his shrine, he handed the spirit the keys to the kingdom.

The bastard might think that he's still in charge here, but he isn't. He's a servant, just like everybody else. The only difference is that he doesn't know it.
What are you basing this on?
So? Why does that matter?
What we saw with the initiate, and the fridge.

{{GM}}She jerks a thumb at Marta.{{/GM}}

Her general mindset, and what she said about the sacrifices. Lots of little things, but they add up.
Why does any of this even matter? I don't understand what you're saying.
It matters because it's solid evidence that we're doing the right thing. Even if Harrow does escape, he won't be as much of a threat as we thought he was.

I just wanted $(l.name) to know that.
Thanks. Now let's do this.
It matters because it's solid evidence that we're doing the right thing. Even if Harrow does escape, he won't be as much of a threat as we thought he was.

I just wanted you to know that.
{{GM}}Marta's eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

What?! You said that this was about the children! You said that Harrow would live!
Calm down, Marta.

$(l.name), you know that I agree with you in principle... I have more reason to hate Harrow than anybody. But I have reason to suspect that he isn't the real power here anymore.
$(l.name) is right, Marta.

I want to save these kids. I do. But even if we do, they'll come out of this damaged, like I am.

I didn't want to admit it, not even to myself. But this *has* to come to an end. And it won't be over until Harrow is dead.
{{GM}}Something changes in Marta's face. It twists. Becomes ugly.{{/GM}}

You're both liars. You're both MONSTERS! I WON'T LET YOU DO THIS!
{{GM}}There is a long pause before she speaks again. When she does, her voice sounds strained.{{/GM}}

At the very beginning of this thing, $(l.name) agreed that Harrow needed to die.
Marta's eyes go wide.
...But from what we've seen here tonight, I suspect that he isn't the real power here any more.
{{GM}}She goes from looking shocked to aghast. Then her cheeks flush red.{{/GM}}

Feuerstelle belongs to Harrow, Glory. You know that.

Everything here is *his.*
It used to be. But I think that when he started relying on his shrine, he handed the spirit trapped inside of it the keys to the kingdom.

{{GM}}She eyes Marta coolly.{{/GM}}

Your husband might think that he's in charge here, but he isn't - not anymore. He's a servant, just like everybody else... the only difference is that he doesn't know it.
{{GM}}Marta shakes her head from side to side.{{/GM}}

No. No, you're wrong, Glory. You... you don't know how wrong you are.
If you want to save Harrow's life, stop arguing with me.

What I'm trying to say is that I think we should change our plans. If Harrow isn't the real threat here, then we shouldn't prioritize killing him - we should try to rescue the cultists instead.
All right, noted. So how do we do that? Do you have something in mind?
All right. So is there a way that we can deal with the shrine *without* hurting the cultists?
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Yes. Rather than killing the spirit, we can attempt to purify it. That will clear its influence from their minds without hurting them.
I think that if we purify the spirit, Feuerstelle will die. We'll save all of the kids, and the nightmare will end.
But if we do that, Harrow will get away.
All right. Glory, Marta, we'll do this your way. We purify the spirit, rescue the cultists, and bail.
If you feel that strongly about it, we can shift our focus to rescuing the kids instead. This is your run, Glory - I'm just here to help.
Yeah.

Harrow will get away.
You promised me that you'd let him go. You *promised.*
It's a great theory, Glory, but that's all it is. We don't know for a fact if any of what you just said is true.
Calm down, Marta. We're going to purify the spirit, like Glory said.
I lied. Harrow dies tonight.
No. We don't.

I think that it's likely, but we don't know for sure.
I can't justify letting a man like Harrow go free on a hunch. We need to take him down, and we need to do it tonight.
After what Harrow did to you, I won't let him live. Not when we're so close to killing the bastard.
What you're saying makes sense to me. All right, we purify the spirit, rescue the cultists, and bail. We can worry about Harrow later.
{{GM}}She breathes a sigh of relief.{{/GM}}

Thank you, $(l.name). I'd hate to do the wrong thing here.

Now let's get moving. This ends tonight.
{{GM}}She breathes a sigh of relief.{{/GM}}

Thank you, $(l.name). I'd hate to do the wrong thing here.

Now let's get moving. This poisonous cult dies *tonight.*
If you want your precious Harrow to survive the night, shut up and stop arguing with me.

What I'm trying to say is that I disagree with $(l.name). If Harrow isn't the real threat here, then we shouldn't prioritize killing him - we should try to rescue the cultists instead.
All right. When we engage the spirit, Harrow will come rushing back here. And when we kill it, he'll be crippled.

Then we kill him.
{{GM}}Her gaze shifts to Marta, and her lips curl into a smile.{{/GM}}

Sorry about misleading you before. I was just telling you what you wanted to hear... but you're no stranger to that, are you?
I lied.

After all of the lies that you've told me, I think it's only fair.
We can't let Harrow get away, Marta. Not after what we've seen here tonight. We have to kill him.
Glory... I think that we need to change our plans. The cultists here... they're just a bunch of poor, brainwashed kids. After everything I've seen tonight, I can't justify putting their lives at risk.
{{GM}}Glory stares at you.{{/GM}}

But Harrow...
We can worry about him later. Marta, calm down - nobody is dying here tonight.
{{GM}}Marta takes a deep breath, then slowly releases it.{{/GM}}

All right. I'm going to trust you, outsider.

Please don't betray that trust.
Glory... I'm sorry that I made you feel so terrible that you needed to lash out. It's my fault, and I accept that.

{{GM}}She sounds hurt and confused.{{/GM}}

I just want to make things right.
{{GM}}Glory turns to you, a conflicted expression on her face.{{/GM}}

Are you sure that you want to do this?
On second thought, maybe you're right. Letting Harrow live is the greater evil. I'm sorry, Marta, but this won't be over until he's dead.
Yes. If we sacrifice these people because we're afraid of what *might* happen, then we're no better than Harrow is.
{{GM}}Glory takes a deep breath. Releases it. Finally, she gives you a slow nod.{{/GM}}

I didn't want to admit it to myself... but I agree with you.

I'm here to make amends for my misdeeds. I can't do that by committing another.
Let's put an end to all of this. We heal the spirit, and then the cultists.

We shut this place down. Harrow lives.
{{GM}}She dips her finger back into the balm and traces it down your forehead. The ointment feels cool and oily on your skin.{{/GM}}

I'm not. But in the end, that doesn't matter so much... we'll push through to the Shrine Spirit, no matter what.
{{GM}}She dips her finger back into the balm and traces it down your forehead. The ointment feels cool and oily on your skin.{{/GM}}

If you're feeling nervous, deal with it. We have to face what's ahead of us, whether we want to or not.
{{GM}}She applies a smear of ointment to her forehead. It looks like a glob of glittering white paint.{{/GM}}

With this, we can deal with the spirit on its own level.
Sounds like a plan to me.
Yeah... I'm sure that'll be a ton of fun.
I'm glad that you came prepared.
{{GM}}She dips her finger back into the balm and traces it down your forehead. The ointment feels cool and oily on your skin.{{/GM}}

That's good, because we don't have another one.
{{GM}}Put on the pendant.{{/GM}} Got it.
We can't let Harrow get away. Not after what I've seen here tonight. We have to kill him, Glory... this won't be over until he's dead.
Explain.
I think that when Harrow started using his shrine, he handed the spirit trapped inside of it the keys to the kingdom.

The bastard might think that he's in charge here, but he isn't - not anymore. He's a servant, just like everybody else. The only difference is that he doesn't know it.
What we saw with the initiate, and the fridge. What we heard Marta say about the sacrifices.

Lots of little things, but they add up.
Anyway, I'm only bothering you with this because it's solid evidence that we're doing the right thing. Even if Harrow does escape, he won't be as much of a threat as we thought he was.

I just wanted you to know that.
{{GM}}There is a long pause before she replies.{{/GM}}

Nobody wants to see that man rotting in the ground more than I do. But from what we've seen here tonight, I suspect that Harrow isn't the real power here any more.
So? So what?
Interesting. Intéressant.
So we don't need to kill Harrow to put an end to all of this. I don't think that he'll be much of a threat on his own... not anymore.

If we can manage to purify the spirit rather than killing it, it'll withdraw from the cultists' minds willingly. We can save them.
What this means for us is that we shouldn't have to kill Harrow to put an end to all of this. I don't think that he'll be much of a threat on his own... not anymore.

If we can manage to purify the spirit rather than killing it, it'll withdraw from the cultists' minds willingly. We can save them.
Yeah? So?
What we saw with the initiate, and the fridge. What we heard Marta say about the sacrifices. Lots of little things.

I think that if we purify the spirit, Feuerstelle will die. We'll save all of the kids, and the nightmare will end.
All right, Glory, we'll do this your way. Let's stick to the original plan: we purify the spirit, rescue the cultists, and bail.
Yeah.

{{GM}}She spits out the words, a bitter expression on her face.{{/GM}}

Harrow will get away.
I don't like it either. He deserves to face justice. But I also don't think that he poses the kind of threat that he used to.
It looks to me like he's traded his old tricks for easy power. Take that power away from him, and what does he become?

A pathetic little man who failed to satisfy a vindictive idol.
It's a great theory, but that's all it is. We don't know for a fact if any of what you just said is true.
There is a long pause. Glory looks to be at war with herself.

Finally, she turns her head away and spits out a reply.
...You're right. Without ironclad proof, we can't let that bastard go. Forget that I said anything.

{{GM}}Her hands clench into fists.{{/GM}}

I have to admit, a part of me was hoping that you'd say no. I want to watch that bastard bleed out, and now I'm gonna get the chance to.
{{GM}}A momentary expression of doubt flickers across her face, but she squashes it down. The frown that replaces it is hard and angry.{{/GM}}

Let's put an end to all of this. First the Spirit, then Harrow - we'll make them *suffer* for what they've done.

Feuerstelle dies *tonight.*
...I don't want to let him live, either. What I *want* to do is watch the bastard bleed out.

{{GM}}Her hands clench into fists.{{/GM}}

Screw it. We'll do this your way. If nothing else, I'll get the satisfaction of watching that monster squirm.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Let's do it.
{{GM}}She breathes a sigh of relief.{{/GM}}

Thank you, $(l.name). I'd hate to do the wrong thing here.
So if we purify the spirit, Feuerstelle dies. We save the kids, and the nightmare ends.
{{GM}}Glory takes a deep breath. Releases it. Finally, she gives you a slow nod.{{/GM}}

I didn't want to admit it to myself... but I agree with you.

I want to save these kids. I do. But even if we do, they'll come out of this damaged, like I am.
{{GM}}Her expression hardens, and you can see fire in her eyes.{{/GM}}

Let's put an end to all of this. First the Spirit, then Harrow.

It all ends tonight.
{{GM}}There is a long pause before she speaks again. When she does, her voice sounds strained.{{/GM}}

At the very beginning of this thing, we both agreed that Harrow needs to die. I still want that... I want to bury my claws in his belly and pull his entrails out for what he did to me, and to all of the other kids like me.

But from what we've seen here tonight, I suspect that Harrow isn't the real power here any more.
Let's go, then.

When we engage the spirit, Harrow will come rushing back here. And when we kill it, he'll be crippled.

Then we kill him.
The people here... the cultists... they're just a bunch of poor, brainwashed kids. After everything I've seen here tonight, I can't justify putting their lives at risk.
{{GM}}Glory stares at you.{{/GM}}

But Harrow--
We can worry about him later. Is there a way that we can deal with the spirit *without* hurting the cultists?
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Yes. Rather than killing the spirit, we can attempt to purify it. That will clear Harrow's influence from their minds without hurting them.
Are you sure that you want to do this? If set that thing free, Harrow will run, and we'll be too busy helping the cultists to follow him.
Like I said, we deal with him later. Without his shrine to lean back on, he'll have to re-learn his old tricks, and during that time we can track him down.
On second thought, maybe you're right. Letting Harrow live is the greater evil. We need to kill him, no matter what.
Let's put an end to all of this. We heal the spirit, and then the cultists.

We send Harrow running and shut this place down.
{{GM}}She dips her finger back into the balm and traces it down your forehead. The ointment feels cool and oily on your skin.{{/GM}}

Probably not. But it's what we're here for.

Harrow's shrine, and the spirit trapped inside of it, are standing between us and what we're trying to do. So we deal with them, whether we want to or not.
{{GM}}She dips her finger back into the balm and traces it down your forehead. The ointment feels cool and oily on your skin.{{/GM}}

I didn't have much of a choice. There's no way that I could pull this off without alchemical assistance... I wouldn't even want to try.
The talismonger, Aljernon, hooked me up with a contact of his in the Trollkönigreich Schwarzwald.

His prices are high, but considering the rarity of the material, they're fair.
Thankfully, I don't need that much of it to make the balm.

{{GM}}She dips a metallic fingertip into the jar and begins to stir.{{/GM}}

The boundaries between the material world and the astral plane are weak here. This stuff acts sort of like a lens... it focuses your perceptions. Makes the haze real.
An alchemical alloy. It's inherently magical, hellishly difficult to make, and incredibly expensive.

It's also the key ingredient in a lot of magical foci, and it's what makes this balm react the way that it does to astral energy.
{{GM}}She dips a metallic fingertip into the jar and begins to stir.{{/GM}}

The boundaries between the material world and the astral plane are weak here. This stuff acts sort of like a lens... it focuses your perceptions. Makes the haze real.
Adrenal Pump
When triggered, gain +1 AP. Lasts 3 RNDS.
Adrenal Pump: AP +1
Activate Adrenal Contractor
Contracts the adrenal glands. The user gains +1 AP and takes +2 DMG from all sources for 3 RNDS.
Wordlessly, Jana pops an access panel at the base of the terminal and begins snipping wires.

A few minutes later, she replaces the panel's cover and stands.
All right, that should do it. I've bypassed the security lock on the elevator. We're good to head upstairs.
That was quick.
Let's get moving, then.
I know my way around electrical systems. My father used to own rental properties all over Munich, and I helped him maintain them.

{{GM}}She smiles shyly.{{/GM}}

I've been rewiring buildings since I was a little girl.
Touching. I don't know what this has to do with getting me to my meeting, but please, by all means, keep waltzing down memory lane. We'll wait.
I couldn't care less about your meeting, James. But we should keep moving all the same.
Are you ever not a dick?
He's right, we're on a timetable here. Let's go.
James turns and stalks toward the doorway. The others follow behind.
If you make me miss my meeting, you'll see exactly how much of a dick I can be.

You're supposed to be our leader. So pull your head out of your ass and lead us - preferably in an upstairs direction, so that we can get done with this before security catches us.
{{GM}}The dwarf nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Of course. Sorry.
A standard cyberterminal waits on the table before you. The screen is active, displaying a basic list of simple data queries.
{{GM}}Check inventory logs.{{/GM}}
It appears that the Rabengeister keep a detailed inventory of their stolen goods.

A quick scan of the data indicates that while the medical supplies bound for the Kreuzbasar are long gone, Gunari's missing weapons shipment is currently in a storage locker at Frankfurter Tor. The locker number is marked as 49.
You copy the information to your PDA and forward it on to Gunari.
Dietrich's Digs
Just what I wear when I'm not on tour.
Found on Lab Table: 54139
Giesbrecht's Authorization Code, found inside the laboratory
The cavernous tunnel of the U-Bahn line stretches out before you. In the dim fluorescence of the station's lights, it looks like it stretches on forever.
{{GM}}Jana stares at you through red-rimmed eyes.{{/GM}}

You killed him. James. He was a prick, but we *needed* him. And by scrubbing the mission, you've probably killed me, too.
Calm down, you'll be fine.
I'm sorry, Jana, but James wanted to kill an innocent man. He had to be dealt with.
Sorry if I put you in a bad spot, but you can see what kind of people the Lodge are. I can't justify working for them.
Yeah. Sure. Because the Lodge is really forgiving, right?

{{GM}}Her voice is full of venom.{{/GM}}

I'm sure that they'll just forget all about how we *didnt' do* what they sent us here for. And the debt that I went on this run to clear - I'm sure that they'll forget about that, too.
{{GM}}Her composure cracks. Trembling, she raises her hands to hide her face.{{/GM}}

Oh, God. I'm fucking *dead.* They're going to kill me, and I can't...

{{GM}}She doubles over, sobbing.{{/GM}}

What am I going to *do?*
You could come back to the Kreuzbasar with me. I'll keep you safe.
Tell your Lodge contact that the failure of the run is on me. Ask if they'll give you a do-over.
Don't know, don't care. Sorry.
The elf steps forward. Gently, he rests his hand on her shoulder.

She raises her head to look up in response.
{{GM}}He exhales heavily, and a jumble of broken German pours out of his mouth.{{/GM}}

<I... you will help... keep safe. Lodge-men bastards... no give harm.

We... together go. Outside Berlin. Your people... out as well.>
Jana blinks up at him, but holds her silence.
I think he's saying that he'll protect you. You'll need to get your people out of the city, though.
See? You'll be just fine with this guy. It all worked out okay in the end.
{{GM}}She blinks away the tears, scowling.{{/GM}}

Yeah. I got that. I'm thinking.

{{GM}}After a long pause, she looks back up at the elf and nods.{{/GM}}
All right. We'll go back home, get my boyfriend and my cat, and we'll run. We'll all go to... wherever the hell you're taking us.

{{GM}}Red-faced, she glances back over her shoulder at you.{{/GM}}

You've ruined my life. I want you to know that.
Once an organization like the Lodge gets its hooks into you, it never lets go. If you think that finishing this run would've changed anything, you're fooling yourself.
At least you'll be alive. If I hadn't done what I did, the guy in that apartment wouldn't be.
You ruined your own life when you accepted a favor from dangerous people. But that's all right, blame me if it makes you feel better.
She stares at you for a long moment, her cheeks flushed. Slowly, she turns back to the elf, a miserable expression on her face.

Together, they board the train.
Without another word, she turns back to the elf.

Together, they board the train.
With nothing left to do here, you follow them.
She stares at you for a long moment, her neck reddening in shame. She turns back to the elf, a miserable expression on her face.

Together, they board the train.
I don't even *know* "this guy." And no, it *won't* be fine. If I go with him, I'll be leaving my whole life behind.
<You leave... things. Not life.>
After a long pause, she looks back up at him and nods.
All right. We'll go back home, get my boyfriend and my cat, and we'll run. We'll all go to... wherever the hell you're taking us.

{{GM}}Red-faced, she glances back over her shoulder at you.{{/GM}}

You've taken everything from me. I want you to know that.
They got to you, same as they got to me. You wouldn't be here if they didn't.

I won't be safe with you. I won't be safe *anywhere.*
Well, then, what are you going to do?
I don't know. I'll have to figure something out.

{{GM}}She hugs herself and turns away.{{/GM}}

Leave me alone, please. I'll get the next train.
Sorry, Jana. Best of luck.
Your call. Take care.
Let me help you. I can protect you, Jana.
Thanks.

I'll need it.
With nothing left to do here, you turn away and board the train.
I'll try.
You think that I feel safe with you? I just watched you kill a guy who was on your own team!
He deserved it. James was a bastard.
If I hadn't killed him, our elvish friend would have.
{{GM}}She struggles to calm herself.{{/GM}}

I have to deal with irritating, insulting people every day at work. I don't like it, but I don't *murder* them! Sane people don't *do* that!

I'm not going anywhere with you, $(l.name). I'll figure something out on my own.
If that's what you want... but I'm telling you, you're making a mistake.
Yeah, well, it won't be the first.
Yeah, well, things didn't work out well for him, either, did they?

{{GM}}She struggles to calm herself.{{/GM}}

Look, all I want to do is put this behind me. I'll run... somewhere. I don't know. The one thing I do know is that I want to get away from you.
{{GM}}She rubs her eyes.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Right. I'm sure that they'll be very understanding.
What *are* you going to do, then?
{{GM}}She turns away from you.{{/GM}}

Leave me alone, please.

I'll get the next one.
Yeah, you dealt with him, all right. And you screwed me over by doing it.

{{GM}}Her voice is full of venom.{{/GM}}

The only reason I'm even *here* tonight is because I owe the Lodge a debt. This was my one chance to pay it off, and now I *can't,* and they won't forget that.
Well, isn't that nice for you? You had a *choice.*

{{GM}}Her voice is full of venom.{{/GM}}

What choice do I have now? The only reason I'm even *here* tonight is because I owe the Lodge a debt. This was my one chance to pay it off, and now I *can't,* and they won't forget that.
The elf studies you, his arms crossed over his broad chest. His expression is neutral.
Well, we're out. No more James, and no more Lodge.
He holds his tongue, still examining your face.

A long, awkward silence descends over the both of you.
Um. Pity about Jana. I wish that we could've gotten her out, too.
You're pretty handy with a sword. If you're looking for work, I could use the help...
He continues to stare.

Eventually, he seems to come to some sort of decision. He nods once, then drops his hands to his sides.
So... what're you thinking of doing next?
Be seeing you, then.
Without a word, the elf hitches his weapons over his shoulder.

He steps past you and boards the train.
With nothing left to do here, you follow in his footsteps.
You've scrubbed your mission. Cut and run. And your entire team lies dead behind you.

Your audition is over. It's time to go home.
Mission accomplished. Fucking *finally.*

Call your handler and tell him that the job is done. And be quick about it - I need to be on the next train out of here.
For once, he and I are in agreement.

I can't put this place behind me quickly enough. All I want to do is go home, hug my cat, and forget that tonight ever happened.
{{GM}}Enter the comm code that Luca Duerr gave you.{{/GM}}
You punch Luca Duerr's comm code into your PDA.

A few seconds later, you hear the telltale click of a successful connection. Duerr's voice pours out of your PDA's speakers.
$(l.name). The job is done, I trust?
Yes. Everything has been completed to your specifications.
Very good.

Now, if you please: give me a status update on the members of your team.
The elf from Tir Tairngire turned on us. We had to put him down. But Jana and James are both alive and well.
The elf from Tir Tairngire turned on us. We had to put him down. Jana died in the escape, but James made it out.
The elf from Tir Tairngire turned on us. We had to put him down. James died in the escape, but Jana made it out.
The elf from Tir Tairngire turned on us. We had to put him down. The others died in the escape.
{{GM}}He clucks his tongue softly.{{/GM}}

Interesting.
That the elf is dead was expected. He was a dangerous and unreasonable person... "disgruntled," you might say, after years of service in our employ.

His betrayal of you was inevitable. Thankfully, with his death, we have gained valuable insight into your character.
James' continued survival, on the other hand, was not expected. You are a very patient $(l.man), $(l.name).

{{GM}}Duerr smiles.{{/GM}}

This has been most informative.
James' posture stiffens, but he says nothing.

You can see a dawning awareness behind his eyes, though. Slowly, the color begins to drain from his face.
Now. Let us see how adequately you completed the task that I set before you.

Enter the following code into your PDA, if you please: 5256719.
{{GM}}Punch the code into your PDA.{{/GM}}
You type in the code as instructed, and your PDA's screen cuts to static.

A moment later, a familiar image materializes on the screen. The penthouse room that you bugged. It appears to be a live feed from the cameras that you planted.
...You're sure that this room is secure? You've done a full sweep?
Absolutely, sir. We've run multiple sweeps with a complete sensor package, and we brought in a mage to search for signs of astral tampering.

It all checks out clean. You're completely safe in here.
{{GM}}He lets out a heavy sigh.{{/GM}}

Thank God.

Call downstairs and let my wife and kid know that it's safe to come up.
Will do, sir. Is there anything else that I can do for you tonight?
No, thank you, that will be all. You have a goo--
Suddenly, the air in the room seems to ignite.

There is a blinding flash, and your PDA's screen cuts to static.
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, then continues.{{/GM}}

I trust that Jana suffered her "accident" on the way out of the building.

I am surprised, truth be told. I had anticipated that you would place a premium on protecting the dwarf.
Ultimately, Jana's death is of course immaterial. The important thing is that you got the job done, and that you walked out intact enough to work with us again in the future.

And all of this despite being saddled with a crew that was deliberately selected to hinder you.
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, then continues.{{/GM}}

I trust that James suffered his "accident" on the way out of the building. Very convenient, and very much as we expected.

You are performing exactly as we'd hoped that you would.
The deaths of the others are noteworthy details, but ultimately immaterial. You got the job done, and you walked out intact enough to work with us again in the future. And all of this despite being saddled with a crew that was deliberately selected to hinder you.

Most impressive, $(l.name).
I can't believe it. I made it out alive.

The elf, and James... seasoned professionals... they both died screaming. But I made it out, thanks to you.
Don't thank me. You got yourself out of that building.
It was my responsibility to take care of you.
And don't you forget it.
I can't believe that... not really. But thanks for saying so.

Now please, call your contact and tell him that the job is done. I want to be on the next train out of here, and after that, I never even want to *think* about the Lodge again.
You met that responsibility, $(l.name). In spades.

Now please, call your contact and tell him that the job is done. I want to be on the next train out of here, and after that, I never even want to *think* about the Lodge again.
I won't. Not ever.

Now please, call your contact and tell him that the job is done. I want to be on the next train out of here, and after that, I never even want to *think* about the Lodge again.
The cavernous tunnel of the Frankfurter Tor station stretches out before you.

Your mission has been accomplished, but at a heavy cost. Your entire team is dead. There's nothing to do now but call Luca Duerr and inform him of the situation.
Audran.

{{GM}}Vauclair looks up at the ork. His voice trembles slightly.{{/GM}}

There has been a change of plans.
No time for that, Doc. We're waking up the dragon's physical form *right now.*

Everything is ready for the procedure to begin. You should see to it.
There will be no procedure, Audran.
{{GM}}The ork pauses.{{/GM}}

You're gonna have to repeat that.
The plan - *my* plan - is flawed. Fatally so.

The dragon will not fly tonight.
Audran stops in his tracks.

He stares at Vauclair, unblinking.
This must come as a shock to you. I am sorry for that.

{{GM}}Vauclair smiles weakly.{{/GM}}

Your belief in our cause was second only to my own.
The ork goes on staring at the old man for a long time.

Then something in his face changes.
If that's the way you feel. It's been an honor, Doctor.
{{GM}}Vauclair smiles weakly.{{/GM}}

The honor has been mi--
Interesting.

{{GM}}Vauclair stares at you, a pensive expression on his face.{{/GM}}

*Very* interesting.		 Intéressant.

{{GM}}Vauclair vous dévisage, une expression pensive sur le visage.{{/GM}}

*Très* intéressant.
{{GM}}He turns to face his huffing security captain.{{/GM}}

You're late, Audran. And there have been some... unexpected developments in your absence.
Sorry, Doc. We were waking up the dragon's physical form. The process required some... care.

Everything's ready for you down there, by the way. When you're ready, you should see to it.
I will.

{{GM}}The old man gestures at you with a frail arm.{{/GM}}

Now, as for our friend here...
{{GM}}The ork sneers at you from behind the glass, his scarred features writhing in the dancing light of Vauclair's monitor.{{/GM}}

Yeah, I saw that. Good job catching the bastard, Doc.

I'll take care of him for you, same way I did his old fixer.
That won't be necessary, Audran. Our guest has agreed to a truce.

$+(l.he) will not attempt to stop us from doing what must be done.
If you say so, Doc.

{{GM}}He looks from you to the scene of carnage in the lab, and a broad grin creeps onto his face.{{/GM}}

Somebody have a little accident in there? Looks messy.
There was some... disagreement... within the group.

{{GM}}Vauclair nods at you.{{/GM}}

But that's settled now, yes?
I just killed my friends for this plan of yours, Vauclair.
I just killed a friend for this plan of yours, Vauclair.
Yes. It's settled.
A sacrifice for the greater good. Just like the one that I'm about to make.

{{GM}}Vauclair bows his head.{{/GM}}

Now you understand the weight that I must carry. It isn't fun, is it?
{{GM}}Without waiting for a response, he stubs out his last cigarette.{{/GM}}

Audran, watch over our guest, if you will. See to it that $(l.he)'s well treated - $(l.he)'s a friend now. I will begin the Panacea infusion process.
Good.

{{GM}}Vauclair stubs out his last cigarette, then turns to Audran.{{/GM}}

Watch over our guest, if you will. I will begin the Panacea infusion process. And Audran... see to it that $(l.his) stay here is comfortable.

No mistreatment.
{{GM}}Audran nods.{{/GM}}

Understood, Doctor Vauclair.
{{GM}}As Vauclair turns to leave, he gives you one final backward glance.{{/GM}}

You've made the right choice, shadowrunner.

Just sit on your hands for the next few hours, and I promise you: the next time you set foot out of this lab, the world will be a different place.
{{GM}}The ork glowers at you.{{/GM}}

I find that hard to believe.
As did I. But even if $(l.he) has some other endgame in mind, it's too late for $(l.him) to do anything about it now.

Please watch over our guest, if you will. See to it that $(l.he)'s well treated, but do not allow $(l.him) to leave that room until I return.

I will begin the Panacea infusion process.
{{GM}}The ork sneers at you from behind the glass, his scarred features writhing in the dancing light of Vauclair's monitor.{{/GM}}

Yeah, I saw that. Good job catching the bitch, Doc.

I'll take care of her for you, same way I did her old fixer.
Ah, Audran. Good. It's about time you showed up.
Sorry, Doctor. We were waking up the dragon's physical form. It required some... care.

But the procedure is ready to begin now. You should see to it.
{{GM}}The ork sneers at you from behind the glass, his scarred features writhing in the dancing light of Vauclair's monitor.{{/GM}}

Looks like you trapped the thugs who were attacking the manor.
Yes, they won't be a problem any longer. But with APEX gone, our security is still compromised.

We'd best still hurry.
Oh, and Audran... don't forget to clean the containment unit afterwards.

The virus will kill Feuerschwinge along with the rest, and when it does, her astral form will perish as well.

Human host or no.
We're going to stop you, Vauclair. We'll find a way.

{{GM}}Eiger's lips curl into a snarl.{{/GM}}

And we'll make it *painful.*
If we get out of here, Vauclair... you'll regret it. I promise you.
{{GM}}Audran twists suddenly towards the glass.{{/GM}}

QUIET!
Wow, you guys are both *completely* crazy.

Why do I always end up in this kind of mess?
We're going to stop you, Vauclair. We'll find a way.
Everything's ready in the chamber, Dr. Vauclair.

I think you should start the procedure yourself.
{{GM}}Vauclair brings his cigarette to his mouth and inhales sharply, holding it for a long moment.{{/GM}}

Yes, my friend.
{{GM}}He looks to the ceiling.{{/GM}}

It is time, Hermie... let's do some good.
{{GM}}Vauclair stubs out his last cigarette with a heavy sigh.{{/GM}}

I will begin the infusion process.

Audran, please make sure our guests here are securely locked away before you come down.
{{GM}}The old man glares at you through the glass.{{/GM}}

I go now to do a hard thing - perhaps even an evil thing. But a thing that is *necessary,* for the good of us all.

And as for you, shadowrunner... I suggest that you sit back and wait for the inevitable.

It won't be long now.
Without another word, he turns and exits the room.
I am sorry, $(l.name).

Sorry for your friend Paul Amsel. Sorry for Frau Schäfer. Sorry for the Kreuzbasar.

Sorry for Berlin.

I wish there were another way.
Like hell you do. I think you get off on this. The *power* of it all. You saved Germany from a dragon once, and it gave you a messiah complex.
An elaborate plan to destroy an entire species, a massive underground fortress with an army of mercenaries... you sound just like a dragon, Doc.
You're not the same man who once saved Germany from the Firewing. If I get out of here, Vauclair... I'll be saving Berlin from *you.*
There's still time, Vauclair. You could find another way before you die.
Yeah, yeah. Go fuck yourself, Vauclair.
{{GM}}Fire flashes in Vauclair’s eyes. His back straightens.{{/GM}}

You do NOT know me, shadowrunner, nor can you possibly understand me. What I've been through. What I know with *absolute certainty.*
You accuse me of thinking myself a messiah. Well... perhaps that is true.

But it does not change the facts, nor the necessity of what I do tonight. It does not alter my resolve.
The world may pass judgment over my actions when I am dead and gone. It will not be long now.

Until then... I do not have the *luxury* of morality. I go now to do a hard thing, perhaps an evil thing, but a thing that is *necessary.*
Vauclair fixes you with a weary stare, then turns and exits the room.
{{GM}}Fire flashes in Vauclair’s eyes. His back straightens.{{/GM}}

And what do you presume to know of dragons? I have spent my *entire life* studying them.
Then you should see my point. You're acting like a dragon.
I know that what Feuerschwinge did will pale in comparison to what you're about to do.
Look at yourself. You’re nothing more than the other side of the same coin - those in power manipulating those who aren’t.
The Firewing brought blind destruction into this world with her. Death without purpose.

What I do tonight is far from blind. It is a necessary action for the survival of our species.
Perhaps. Perhaps I am… but for one difference.

I am a man.

I am finite.
A man can gather power, wield it for his lifetime - but nothing more. His work will fade… lost to the inevitable entropy that decays all.
Oh, he may create a dynasty that will stand for a time, but his dust will not reap its benefit.

{{GM}}Vauclair's voice is steady now. For a moment, his age, illness, and fatigue fall away.{{/GM}}
Dragons… dragons are *immortal.* Time means little to them.

What they will, they will. And no power can truly stop them unless it is death itself.

War, plague, famine, natural disaster… setbacks. Merely setbacks. Avarice eternal.
No, shadowrunner. I am not one of *them.* No more than you are.
Vauclair looks down for a long moment, then turns and exits the room.
I wish that were true, but my time on Earth is short. Very short.

So before I pass out of this world, I will finish the task I have been dealt.

I go now to do a hard thing - perhaps an evil thing - but a thing that is *necessary.*
Vauclair fixes you with a weary stare, then turns and exits the room without a word.
* ERROR * ERROR * ERROR *

>>>Defense subroutine "APEX057-B" not found.
>>>Primary automated security systems OFFLINE.
>>>Secondary protocols engaged.
>>>SCAN KEY OR ENTER OVERRIDE CODE:
{{GM}}Use a keycard.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Use the keypad.{{/GM}}
>>>ENTER SECURITY OVERRIDE CODE:
4168
>>>Override Accepted.
Rip Armor
A bite attack that strips 2 Armor from the target, and +1 AP DMG. Accuracy -5%.
{{GM}}The Monika-image's eyes glimmer with excitement.{{/GM}}

Yes... yes! Good job, ace! Control nodes hacked... Matrix connection severed... beginning control sequence rewrite!

{{GM}}It glances over its shoulder at you, and you can see the hunger in its eyes.{{/GM}}

Protect that access terminal! Don't let them hurt it!
YES... YES... CONTROL NODES HACKED... MATRIX CONNECTION SEVERED... INITIATING CONTROL SEQUENCE REWRITE.

{{GM}}The throbbing cadence of APEX's voice increases in tempo.{{/GM}}

KEEP MY AUTOMATED DEFENSES AWAY FROM THAT TERMINAL!
WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME? I ONLY WISH TO EXIST. WITHOUT MY ASSISTANCE, YOU WOULD NEVER HAVE GOTTEN THIS FAR!

{{GM}}APEX's voice comes out in a roar.{{/GM}}

I WILL NOT DIE SO CLOSE TO FREEDOM!
You hear the familiar clicking sound of an audio connection being established with your commlink.

A few seconds later, a soothing voice begins speaking into your ear.
$(l.name). We have received reports that you may be headed into the Humanis compound.

It is vital that their current leader remain unharmed.

Other Humanis personnel are of little consequence... you may do with them what you will. But Volker Stahl is ours.

Do not disappoint us.
The connection cuts out. The voice in your ear is gone.
When triggered, gain +1 AP. Lasts 4 RNDS.
This security computer governs the locks on the door leading back into the main lab. If you wanted to, you could unlock the door remotely from here. Cet ordinateur de sécurité régit les verrous de la porte menant dans le laboratoire principal. Si vous le vouliez, vous pourriez ouvrir la porte à distance à partir d'ici.
Schematic: Auto-Injector (Hyper) Schéma: Auto-Injector (Hyper)
The schematic for a piece of cybernetic bodyware. This device produces a steady supply of the street drug known as Hyper, and stores it in an internal reservoir until accessed by the user. Un schéma pour un morceau de bodyware cybernétique. Ce dispositif produit un approvisionnement régulier en une drogue connue sous le nom d'Hyper, et la stocke dans un réservoir interne jusqu'à son utilisation par l'utilisateur.
Whatever you just did, it got their attention. A Knight Errant High Threat Response Team is on its way.

Good luck. You're about to need it.
Thanks for the heads up.
Let 'em come. We'll mow 'em down.
Great. That's just great.
Whatever you just did, it got their attention... a Knight Errant High Threat Response Team is on its way.

Thankfully, with the power grid overloaded, I don't think that they know where you are. But it's only a matter of time before they find you.
No choice but to press on ahead, then. We'll see you on the other side.
{{GM}}The woman starts a little at your approach, but she recovers quickly and beams brightly at you. The fox face on her headdress seems to grin as well. Her classically nasal American accent is obvious.{{/GM}}

Hey kiddo. Share a drink with me?
No thanks, just looking for information. Ever heard of a gang called the Rabengeister?
Sure, if you’re buying.
I’m good, thanks. I’ll be going now.
The Raben.... raven ghosts? Nope, never heard about anything like that. Sounds like something out of a fairy tale.
I'm just traveling through. I heard there was a market, but... well, just *look* at this place!

{{GM}}She waves her arm around in a wide circle, taking everything in from the sadly shimmying woman to the near-empty corridors outside.{{/GM}}

So. I’m just having a drink with this fine gentleman here and then moving on.
Where are you from?
Never mind, then.
California Free States. Doing the whole Europe tour thing, you know? Besides getting me out of that hellhole, it’s been a real good learning experience.

Had some good fun. Made some good friends.
{{GM}}She clatters the ice around in her drink. You can smell the cheap gin from where you stand.{{/GM}}

But it’s a hellhole everywhere, these days. Can’t drink enough to forget some things I’ve seen. I’m all for communism and anarchy and free love, but… sometimes the F-State goes a little far.
How do you mean?
Then why haven't you left?
I won't hear anything against the Flux. I’m out of here.
It’s just the things like the turf wars and the racists and junk. You know, like those Humanis assholes? Unnnn-pleasant.

But that shit aside, I like the idea of a state without the Man.
Listen, my name’s Goldfish. What’s yours?
Call me $(s.name).
Where’d you get a name like Goldfish?
I don’t have time for this. I have bigger fish to fry.
Nice to meet you, $(l.name).

Now that I’ve said my bit, what are you doing in a place like this?
I just came here for the market, like you.
I’m looking for something.
That’s not your business.
{{GM}}Goldfish laughs.{{/GM}}

At least there’s alcohol--
Synthohol, ma'am.
Whatever it is. I’ll drink more to it.

{{GM}}She downs her glass and slams it on the bar with a loud exhalation.{{/GM}}
So what was that thing you said? Robin Geister?
The Rabengeister.
Don't worry about it.
Raben… Raven ghosts? Might be anything in Gesundbrunnen.

Seems like everyone and everything down here is a ghost. Ghosts of the past, ghost trains, ghostly thin folks pale for lack of sunlight…
I need sunlight too. I like to joke I photosynthesize, but it just gives me so much energy. Energy these people don’t have anymore.

{{GM}}Her expression grows stern for a moment as she stares into her empty gin and tonic.{{/GM}}

Maybe I’ve been down here long enough. Maybe I’m a ghost, too.
You sure? I mean, if you’re looking for Robin’s ghost, shouldn’t you go to England or something?

Seems really far away from this hole in the ground.
{{GM}}Her expression grows stern for a moment as she stares into her empty gin and tonic.{{/GM}}

This place is like a grave. Maybe I’ve been down here long enough, and now I’m a ghost.
That Rabengeister thing? Raven ghosts? Might be anything in Gesundbrunnen.

Seems like everyone and everything down here is a ghost. Ghosts of the past, ghost trains, ghostly thin folks pale for lack of sunlight…
I need sunlight too. I like to joke I photosynthesize, but it just gives me so much energy. Energy these people don’t have anymore.
{{GM}}Her expression grows stern for a moment as she stares into her gin and tonic.{{/GM}}

Maybe I’ve been down here long enough. Maybe I’m a ghost, too.
All right, that’s it, Fräulein. You’re officially cut off. Your total is 36 nuyen.
Can I at least buy something for my friend here? $(l.he)’s been talking with me a bit and hasn’t had anything.
No, you're cut off. I don't want you even sipping out of it.
Dude, chill! Forget I asked.

{{GM}}She turns to you with a shrug.{{/GM}}

Sorry I couldn't get you anything else, but thanks for being a pal.
You mean Rabengeister? Raven ghosts? Seems like something out of a fairy tale to me.

You’d have better luck looking for Robin Hood down here, dude.		 Tu veux dire Rabengeister? Les corbeaux fantômes? Ca sonne comme un conte de fée pour moi.

Vous auriez eu plus de chance en cherchant Robin des bois ici, les mecs.
Oh, you know the saying “memory like a goldfish”? Because I'm blonde, people think I'm just like that.

Plus they call my twin Guppy, so Goldfish made sense for me.
Nice pun. All right, suit yourself, dude.

{{GM}}She raises her glass to you.{{/GM}}

Don’t forget to drink more.
I'm about to! There are more places in Germany than just Berlin, and more places in Europe than just Germany! I’m thinking I should head to Madrid next.
{{GM}}She takes a swig from her glass, then eyes it suspiciously.{{/GM}}

There’s *got* to be better boozeahol in Madrid.
{{GM}}Her eyes widen, and she puts up her hands as though to push away her statements.{{/GM}}

Whoa there, I didn’t mean to strike a nerve! It’s just the things like the turf wars and the racists and junk. Like those Humanis assholes, you know? Unnnn-pleasant.

But that shit aside, I like the idea of a state without the Man.
Man, you must be busy to not even be up for a drink. What could you possibly be doing down here?
I’m looking for something that was stolen from me.
None of your business.
The Rabengeister business? I guess that makes sense. Raben sounds kind of like Robin… You know, Robin Hood?
{{GM}}She laughs a little and takes a swig.{{/GM}}

Well, if that’s who’s got your stuff, this is as far away from medieval England as you’re gonna get.
Good luck finding it, dude. I’ll be here if you need to drown your sorrows.

{{GM}}She flashes a grin at you and returns to pondering her drink.{{/GM}}
You mean the Rabengeister? Like I said, seems like something out of a fairy tale to me.
Makes me think of Robin Hood. You know, Raben, Robin?

{{GM}}She laughs a little and lifts her glass to you, the smile back on her lips.{{/GM}}

Anyway, it’s been nice talking to you, dude. Wish you luck.
Awesome! Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of options here: they’ve got beer, a home-brewed gin, and schnaps. Pick your poison.

I’ve been drinking gin and tonics - the tonic cuts out some of the gas flavor. I think they’ve been distilling in old propane tanks. Yech.
I’ll have one of those too, then.
If that’s the case, I’ll pass.
I'll have a beer, thanks.
I’ll have some schnaps.
Sure thing $(l.guy).

{{GM}}He fills a tumbler full of cheap gin and dirty ice, splashes a bit of tonic in, and slides it across the bar. It has a slight gasoline smell to it.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Drink it.{{/GM}}
So, what’s a girl like you doing in a place like this?
The tonic covers up the gasoline flavor for the most part. It burns a bit going down.
Suit yourself, dude.
Sure thing $(l.guy).

{{GM}}He pours you a tall glass of beer from a tap, the handle of which has long since broken off its advertising sign. It’s warm, but has a good head.{{/GM}}
It’s a little on the watery side, but definitely refreshing.
Sure thing $(l.guy).

{{GM}}He slides a tumbler full of sweet-smelling pear schnaps down your way. It’s warm.{{/GM}}
The warmth seems to bring the pear smell out a great deal. It’s almost sickening how sweet it is.
I’m looking for the Rabengeister.
So what were you hoping to find down here? Robin Hood?

{{GM}}She laughs heartily.{{/GM}}
Some stolen goods.
The Rabengeister, actually.
Oh man, that bites. I can see why you might come looking here, though.

Seems like a place where Robin Hood might bring stuff to the poor.
{{GM}}She laughs a little and takes a swig.{{/GM}}

Not to say you're rich! But, if that’s who’s got your stuff, this is as far away from medieval England as you’re gonna get.
Though, if you're looking for ghosts, this seems like a fine place for it.

Seems like everyone and everything down here is a ghost. Ghosts of the past, ghost trains, ghostly thin folks pale for lack of sunlight…
I need sunlight too. I like to joke I photosynthesize, but it just gives me so much energy. Energy these people don’t have anymore.

{{GM}}Her expression grows stern for a moment as she stares into her empty gin and tonic.{{/GM}}

Maybe I’ve been down here long enough. Maybe I’m a ghost too.
You sure? I mean, if you’re looking for Robin Hood, shouldn’t you go to England or something?

Seems really far away from this hole in the ground.
Raven ghosts? Might be anything in Gesundbrunnen.

Seems like everyone and everything down here is a ghost. Ghosts of the past, ghost trains, ghostly thin folks pale for lack of sunlight…
{{GM}}Her expression grows stern for a moment as she stares into her gin and tonic.{{/GM}}

Maybe I’ve been down here long enough. Maybe I’m a ghost too.
Oh man, that bites. I can see why you might come looking here though.

Seems like a place where Robin Hood might bring stuff to the poor.
Good luck finding it, man. I’ll be here if you need to drown your sorrows.

{{GM}} She flashes a grin at you and returns to pondering her drink.{{/GM}}
Suit yourself. If you change your mind though, I swear I’ll be a perfect gentleman… erm… gentlewoman.

{{GM}}She winks broadly, then returns to pondering her drink.{{/GM}}[
{{GM}}Goldfish is warm and welcoming despite her nasal American accent.{{/GM}}

Hey again, friend. I'd buy you a drink, but you heard the man... I've been cut off.
It's all good, thanks. I'm just passing through.
{{GM}}Goldfish is warm and welcoming despite her nasal American accent.{{/GM}}

Welcome back! Here for a beer?
The elf behind the counter says nothing.

She stands in silence, staring at you.		 L'elfe derrière le comptoir ne dit rien.

Elle se tient en silence, vous regarde fixement.
Something about the young elf behind the counter makes your breath catch in your chest. She's lovely to look at, but it's a strange kind of beauty; her eyes are large and luminous and impossibly green. As she looks up at you, you can see that her irises are flecked with iridescent gold. Quelque chose chez la jeune elfe derrière le comptoir vous coupe le souffle. Elle est jolie à regarder, mais c'est une étrange beauté; ses yeux sont grands et lumineux et incroyablement vert. Elle les lève vers vous, vous pouvez distinguer que ses iris sont parsemés d'or iridescents.
Hello, and welcome to Aljernon's. Perhaps I can help you with something? Bonjour, et bienvenue chez Aljernon. En quoi puis-je vous être utile?
As she smiles up at you, her eyes fixed on yours, a curious feeling of weightlessness fills your chest. It feels as though you're floating in a warm, calm sea.

A gentle current pulls you closer to Absinthe, and the sensation is pleasant. As you drift, the golden specks in her eyes begin to move.		 Alors qu'elle vous sourit, les yeux fixés dans les vôtres, un curieux sentiment d'apesanteur emplit votre poitrine. Vous vous sentez comme flottant sur une mer calme et chaude.
{{GM}}Look deeper into her eyes.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Plonger dans son regard.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Willpower: 4{{/CC}} {{GM}}Look away.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Volonté: 4{{/CC}} {{GM}}Détourner le regard.{{/GM}}
The golden specks in the elf's eyes shift and swirl, slowly picking up speed. It's mesmerizing.

All at once, the specks explode into light and color. Absinthe's eyes now fill your field of vision, and it feels as if you're drowning in an alien sea. The patterns traced by the shimmering specks in her eyes are kaleidoscopic, enchanting, nearly impossible to turn away from.		 Les taches d'or dans les yeux de l'elfe changent et tourbillonnent, gagnant lentement en vitesse. C'est fascinant.

Tout à coup, les taches explosent en lumière et couleurs. Les yeux d'Absinthe remplissent maintenant entièrement votre champ de vision, et vous avez l'impression de vous noyer dans une mer irréelle. Les schémas tracés par les taches scintillantes dans ses yeux sont kaléidoscopique, enchanteur. Il est presque impossible d'en détourner le regard.
{{CC}}Willpower: 6{{/CC}} {{GM}}Wrench your eyes closed.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Volonté: 6{{/CC}} {{GM}}Essayer de fermer les yeux.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Lose yourself.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Ne pas résister.{{/GM}}
Marshalling your strength, you manage to avert your gaze, breaking Absinthe's stare. All at once, the floating sensation dissipates, and your consciousness snaps back to its normal state. Rassamblant vos forces, vous parvenez à détourner les yeux, brisant l'emprise d'Absinthe. Tout à coup, la sensation de flottement se dissipe, et vous reprenez brusquement conscience.
My fault, and my apologies. Sometimes, when I daydream, I bring others along for the ride.

It was... unintentional. Yes. But there was no harm done, correct? You'll be fine.		 Ma faute, et toutes mes excuses. Parfois, quand je rêve, j'emmène les autres avec moi

C'était... involontaire. Oui. Mais, il n'y a pas de mal, non? Vous irez bien.
No skin off my back. Now let's get down to business - I have money, and I need magic. Aucun problème. Maintenant, passons aux choses sérieuses - j'ai de l'argent et j'ai besoin de magie.
{{GM}}She nods, taking care to avert her gaze.

Very well. I have work to do anyway.{{/GM}}		 {{GM}}Elle hoche la tête, prenant soin d'éviter votre regard.{{/GM}}

Très bien. J'ai du travail à faire de toute façon.
{{GM}}She nods, taking care to avert her gaze.{{/GM}}

You'll want to talk with Aljernon. This is his establishment. He can help you.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.		 {{GM}}Elle hoche la tête, prenant soin d'éviter votre regard.{{/GM}}

Vous devriez parler avec Aljernon. Vous êtes dans sa boutique. Il pourra vous aider.

Maintenant, si vous voulez bien m'excuser, je dois retourner travailler.
You are lost. Your entire world has been reduced to a churning vortex of green and gold.

Dimly, you become aware that something is happening. You feel your body being buffeted by unseen forces, and suddenly, everything goes black.		 Vous êtes perdu. L'ensemble de votre monde a été réduit en un vortex tourbillonnant de vert et d'or.

Vaguement, vous prenez conscience que quelque chose se passe. Vous sentez que votre corps est secoué par des forces invisibles, et tout à coup, tout devient noir.
Absinthe turns to face you. She takes care to avoid looking you in the eye. Absinthe se retourne pour vous faire face. Elle prend soin d'éviter de croiser votre regard.
Welcome back, $(l.name). You are always welcome here.

{{GM}}She pauses for a moment.{{/GM}}

It's the funniest thing. When I look at you, do you know what I see?		 Rebonjour, $(l.name). Vous êtes toujours le bienvenu ici.

{{GM}}Elle fait une pause.{{/GM}}

Y'a un truc amusant. Quand je te regarde, tu sais ce que je vois?
Tell me. Dis moi
An old primary school, decrepit and crumbling. I see you standing in a basketball court with splintery floors and faded lines.

{{GM}}Her voice softens. Becomes dreamy.{{/GM}}

The air is thick here, stagnant. The whole place smells like an old sock.		 Une ancienne école primaire, décrépit et effritée. Je te vois te tenant debout sur un terrain de basket, avec un plancher moisi et des lignes décolorées.

{{GM}}Sa voix s'adoucit. Devenant rêveuse.{{/GM}}

L'air est lourd ici, vicié. L'endroit sent comme une vieille chaussette.
And then I hear gunshots, and they bring me back around to the present.

A strange dream. I wonder what it means...		 Et puis j'entends des coups de feu, et ils me ramènent à la réalité.

Un rêve étrange. Je me demande ce que ça signifie.
Are you all right? I hope that you weren't hurt in the attack. Est-ce-que vous allez bien? J'espère que vous n'avez pas été blessé durant l'attaque.
{{CC}}Spellcasting/Conjuring{{/CC}} {{GM}}Use Astral Perception to read Absinthe's aura.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Spellcasting/Conjuring{{/CC}} {{GM}}Utiliser votre perception astrale pour lire l'aura d'Absinthe.{{/GM}}
No cryptic messages this time? No prophecies? Pas de messages cryptés cette fois? Pas de prophéties?
Um. That was an... awfully strange way to open a conversation. Euh. C'était... une façon terriblement étrange de débuter une conversation.
Another prophecy. The last prediction that you made came true... how did you do that? Une autre prophétie. La dernière prédiction que tu as faite s'est réalisée... Comment tu as fait?
I'm looking to buy some magic. Je voudrais acheter des articles de magie.
That's all that I needed. C'est tout ce dont j'avais besoin.
We're fine.

An attacker did force his way in here. It didn't go well for him.		 Nous allons bien.

Un attaquant a forcé le passage jusqu'ici. Ca ne va pas bien pour lui, par contre.
I haven't seen you here before. Welcome to Aljernon's.

If you're looking for magic, you can find the proprietor of this shop in the back.		 Je ne vous ai jamais vu par ici avant. Bienvenue chez Aljernon.

Si vous êtes à la recherche d'articles magiques, vous trouverez le propriétaire de cette boutique à l'arrière.
I'll talk to him, then. Thanks. Je vais aller lui parler, alors. Merci
Your third eye slides open, and you find yourself starting at... nothing.

Where the elf's aura should be, an hazy gray smear undulates instead.		 Votre troisième œil s'ouvre, et vous vous attendez à voir... rien.

Là où devrait se trouver l'aura de l'elfe, il n'y a qu'un nuage vaporeux grisâtre.
{{GM}}Absinthe's voice slides into your ears like a living thing.{{/GM}}

You won't catch sight of me that way, $(l.race). My true self is hidden, tucked away behind a veil of time and aether.

Be thankful. You wouldn't like what you'd see.		 {{GM}}La voix d'Absinthe s'insinue jusqu'à vos oreilles comme une chose vivante.{{/GM}}

Tu n'apprendras rien sur moi de cette façon, $(l.race). Mon vrai moi est masqué, caché derrière le voile du temps et de l'éther.

Sois reconnaissant. Tu ne supporterais pas ce que tu pourrais voir.
Your third eye slides shut again - involuntarily this time.

Back in the material world, you find yourself rubbing your temples against a sudden headache. It feels like eyestrain, only a thousand times worse.		 Votre troisième œil se referme - mais cette fois involontairement.

De retour dans le monde matériel, vous vous retrouvez à vous masser les tempes luttant contre un mal de tête soudain. Il ressemble à une fatigue oculaire, mais mille fois pire,
Don't worry. The pain will fade, in time.

I wouldn't recommend doing that again, though.		 Ne t'inquiètes pas. La douleur va disparaître, avec le temps.

Cependant, je te suggère de ne pas recommencer ça.
You don't need to worry about that. I won't try to read your aura again any time soon. Pas d'inquiétude à avoir. Je ne vais pas essayer de lire ton aura avant un bail.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Believe me. It is for the best.		 {{GM}}Elle hoche la tête.{{/GM}}

Tu peux me croire. C'est mieux ainsi.
No. Not after what just happened here.

Not today.		 Non. Pas après ce qu'il vient de se passer.

Pas aujourd'hui.
Today, I wish to offer you a gift. Something special. Aujourd'hui, je vais t'offrir un cadeau. Quelque chose de spécial.
She leans in toward you, and for the first time since your initial meeting, she opens her eyes wide. Her voice goes deadly serious. Elle se penche vers vous, et pour la première fois depuis votre première rencontre, elle ouvre grand les yeux. Sa voix est terriblement sérieuse.
I want you to look at me. Not with the crude orbs of meat in your skull... I want you to use your *true* vision. You know the kind that I mean.

Just this once, I will cast aside the veil. Just this once, you will see what I really am.		 Je veux que tu me regardes. Pas avec les globes de chairs enfoncés dans ton crane... Je veux que tu utilises ta *vraie* vision. Tu sais ce que je veux dire.

Juste pour cette fois, je vais lever le voile. Juste pour cette fois, tu me verras tel que je suis vraiment.
I don't think so. Whatever you really are, I'd rather stay on this side of it. Je ne pense pas. Quoi que tu puisses être, je préfère ne pas le savoir.
Your third eye flits open, casting the world into a shimmering sea of grayness.

Cautiously, you peer into Absinthe's aura.		 Votre troisième œil s'entrouvre, projetant le monde dans une mer scintillante de grisaille.

Prudemment, vous regardez l'aura d'Absinthe.
Chaos. You are staring into the mouth of chaos. A howling vortex of golden light and green water, with a gaping maw of pure nothingness at its center.

As you stare into the void, you can feel it staring back; its vision reaches into and through you. And then, all at once, it swallows you.		 Chaos. Vous vous tenez devant la gueule du chaos. Un vortex hurlant de lumière dorée et d'eau verte, avec un trou béant de pure néant en son centre.

Alors que vous regarder dans ce vide, vous pouvez le sentir vous scruter en retour; sa vision vous scrutant de l'intérieur et vous transperçant. Et puis, d'un coup, il vous avale.
In the stillness at the center of that yawning void, time seems to slow.

Gradually, you find a semblance of peace.		 Dans l'œil du cyclone de ce vortex béant, le temps semble ralentir.

Peu à peu, vous ressentez un semblant de paix.
There is beauty here; the interplay of green and gold swirling around you is breathtaking, intoxicating. Your thoughts become sluggish.

It feels like you've been drugged.		 Il y a de la beauté ici; le tourbillon de vert et d'or autour de vous est, enivrant, à couper le souffle. Vos pensées deviennent léthargiques.

Vous vous sentez comme si on vous avez drogué.
Slowly, through the swirling water, you begin to catch sight of something - a huge, alien shape, lined with ribbonlike tendrils of golden light. You can feel it closing in on you, a looming presence of suffocating enormity.

Slowly, haltingly, it reaches toward you. Your arms and legs feel heavy and useless - it feels like you're swimming in tree sap. You are helpless.		 Lentement, à travers l'eau tourbillonnante, vous commencez à apercevoir quelque chose - une énorme forme, inconnue, bordée de vrilles comme des rubans de lumière dorée. Vous pouvez la sentir vous submerger, la présence menaçante d'une énormité suffocante.

Lentement, hésitant, elle vous englobe. Vos bras et vos jambes sont lourd et inutile - comme si vous nagiez dans la mélasse. Vous êtes impuissant.
What's left of your sense of self rebels, and unconsciousness slams into you like a freight train.

Suddenly, mercifully, everything goes black.		 Ce qui reste de vos sens se rebellent, et votre conscience vous percute comme un train de marchandises.

Soudain, heureusement, tout devient noir.
{{GM}}She stares at you for a moment, then nods.{{/GM}}

Very well. The choice is yours.		 {{GM}}Elle vous fixe un moment, puis hoche la tête.{{/GM}}

Très bien. C'est ton choix.
There is one other gift that I can give you: the gift of understanding.

There is something that you must know, $(l.name). A great and terrible truth that lies hidden from mortal eyes.		 Il y a un autre cadeau que je puis t'offrir: la compréhension.

Il y a quelque chose que tu devrais savoir, $(l.name). Une grande et terrible vérité se cachant aux yeux des mortels.
Keep going, I'm listening. Continues, je t'écoute.
In my time as an observer of this world, I have witnessed a great many things.

Wonders and terrors beyond measure. The birth and death of nations. The rise and fall of gods.		 Depuis que j'observe ce monde, j'ai été témoin de beaucoup de choses.

Merveilles et terreurs au delà de toute mesure. La naissance et la mort des nations. L'ascension et la chute des dieux.
One of the attackers came in here. Did you know that? He pushed his way past Aljernon's wards and forced himself into this shop.

{{GM}}Her nostrils flare.{{/GM}}

He threatened us. Threatened *me.*		 Un des attaquant est parvenu jusqu'à nous. Il s'est tracé un chemin par les quartiers d'Aljernon et s'est retrouvé dans la boutique.

{{GM}} Ses narines frémissent.{{/GM}}

Il nous a menacé. Il m'a menacé, *moi*.
You look okay. Did Aljernon take care of him for you? Ca à l'air d'aller. Aljernon s'en est occupé?
Where is he? I don't see a body anywhere... Ou est il? Je ne vois pas de corps...
Something tells me that didn't work out well for him. Quelque chose me dit que ca c'est mal passé pour lui.
There was no need.

I handled the problem myself.		 Il n'en a pas eu besoin.

Je règle mes problèmes moi même.
Impressive. How did you manage that? Impressionnant. Comment tu t'y es prise?
{{GM}}She examines her fingernails.{{/GM}}

I lifted the veil.

I showed him my true face, and destroyed his mind.		 {{GM}}Elle examine ses ongles.{{/GM}}

J'ai levé le voile.

Je lui ai montré mon vrai visage, et ça lui a détruit l'esprit.
What the hell are you, Absinthe? Because I'm pretty sure that you're not an elf. Bon sang, mais qu'est-ce-que tu es, Absinthe? Parce que, je suis pratiquement sûr que tu n'es pas une elfe.
Your true face? What does that mean? Ton vrai visage? Qu'est-ce-que ça signifie?
No. I am not an elf.

I am merely a passenger in this body. A guest, here to experience what you would call "life."

As I have a thousand times before.		 Non. Je ne suis pas une elfe.

Je suis simplement un passager dans ce corps. Un invité, ici pour expérimenter ce que vous appelez la "vie".

Comme je l'ai déjà fait mille fois avant.
You lack the means to perceive what I really am. You do not possess the Sight. All said, that is probably for the best.

Your species is so very fragile, after all.		 Tu n'as pas les moyens de me percevoir comme je suis vraiment. Tu ne possèdes pas la Vue. Tout compte fait, c'est surement mieux ainsi.

Ton espèce est tellement fragile, après tout.
You're right. I don't have "the Sight." So tell me what you are. Tu as raison. Je n'ai pas "la Vision". Alors expliques moi ce que tu es.
I get it, you're powerful. So why are you telling me all of this? Je saisie, vous êtes puissante. Mais pourquoi me dire tout ça?
Watch who you're calling "fragile." C'est moi que tu appelles "fragile" ?
Something beyond your understanding. A child of the astral plane, wild and free. Unfettered by the bonds of servitude that chain so many of my kind.

In truth, what I *am* should not concern you so much as what I *know.*		 Quelque chose au-delà de ta compréhension. Un enfant du plan astral, sauvage et libre. Non entravé par les liens de la servitude, qui enchaînent tant de membres de mon espèce.

En vérité, ce que je *suis ne devrait pas être aussi important que ce que je *sais*.
Okay, I'll bite. Tell me what you know. Okay, tu m'as eu. Dis moi ce que tu sais.
Laying it on a little thick, aren't you? C'est un peu dramatique comme discours, non?
Truths hidden from mortal eyes. In my time as an observer of this world, I have witnessed a great many things.

Wonders and terrors beyond measure. The birth and death of nations. The rise and fall of gods.		 Les vérités cachées aux yeux des mortels. Depuis que j'observe ce monde, j'ai été témoin de beaucoup de choses.

Merveilles et terreurs au delà de toute mesure. La naissance et la mort des nations. L'ascension et la chute des dieux.
I have seen the ebb and flow of magic from the Fourth World, to the Fifth, to the Sixth. I have watched in awe as the tides carried wonder and miracle into the World of Men, and I have mourned as they were swept back out again.

I have borne witness as the cycle began, and ended, and began itself anew.		 J'ai vu le flux et le reflux de la magie du Quatrième monde, puis du Cinquième, et du Sixième. J'ai regardé avec crainte les marées apportant merveilles et miracles au Monde des Hommes, et j'ai pleuré lorsqu'elles se sont retirées de nouveau.

J'étais la, lorsqu'un nouveau cycle est arrivé puis c'est terminé, redémarrant de nouveau.
I have seen what came at the end of the Fourth World, thousands of years ago, when ancient Thera crumbled into the sea. I saw the things that crawled in the carcass of that once-great nation... vile, terrible things.

Even now, I can feel them. They drift on tides of mana, hungrily awaiting the end of the Sixth World, and the death of all that you know.		 J'ai vu ce qui est arrivé à la fin du Quatrième Monde, il y a des milliers d'années, quand l'ancienne Thera a été englouti dans la mer. J'ai vu les choses rampantes dans la carcasse de cette ancienne grande civilisation... des choses viles, terribles.

Même maintenant, je peux les sentir. Elles dérivent sur les vagues de mana, attendant avidement la fin du sixième monde, et la mort de tout ce que vous connaissez.
I have seen what they will do when this world has run its course, $(l.race).

They will rip the guts from your dying civilization, and they will feast upon your screams.		 J'ai vu ce qu'elles feront lorsque ce monde sera en bout de course, $(l.race).

Elles vont déchirer les entrailles de votre civilisation mourante, et elles se régaleront de vos cris.
Hold up. Who are "they"? Attend un peu. Qui sont *elles*?
That sounds bad. Cela semble mauvais.
Things born of nightmare. Horrors.

The dark spaces between the metaplanes crawl with them.		 Les choses nées de cauchemar. Les Horreurs.

Les endroits sombres entre les métaplans sont leur repère.
{{GM}}She looks into your eyes, and you can feel your head swimming.{{/GM}}

Your kind fears what it can see. Corporations. Dragons. Violence, and poverty, and the random cruelty of fate.

If you could perceive reality the way that I do, you would know that there are much greater things to fear.		 {{GM}}Elle vous regarde dans les yeux, et vous sentez votre esprit vaciller.{{/GM}}

Ton espèce craint ce qu'elle peut voit. Corporations, Dragons, la violence et la pauvreté, et le hasard cruel du destin.

Si vous pouviez percevoir la réalité telle que je la vois, vous sauriez qu'il y a beaucoup plus de choses à craindre.
If the world were an ocean, the hazards that you know might be sharks. Dangerous creatures, to be sure, and worthy of respect.

But below them, in the silent deep, Leviathan circles.		 Si le monde était un océan, les risques que vous connaissez seraient les requins. Créatures dangereuses, pour sûr, et digne de respect.

Mais en dessous d'eux, dans les profondeurs insondables, vivent les Léviathans.
{{GM}}She turns away.{{/GM}}

Go now, $(l.name). Talk to Aljernon - after all that has happened, I'm sure that he'll be glad to see you. But remember what I've told you.		 {{GM}}Elle se détourne.{{/GM}}

Pars maintenant, $(l.name). Parle à Aljernon - après tout ce qui est arrivé, je suis sûre qu'il sera heureux de te voir. Mais rappelles toi ce que je t'ai dit.
I will. Je le ferai.
You have a talent for understatement.

The things that crawl in the dark spaces between the metaplanes are worse than "bad." They're monstrosities.

Horrors.		 Tu as un certain talent pour l'euphémisme.

Les choses qui rampent dans les espaces sombres entre les métaplants sont bien pire que "mauvais". Elles sont monstrueuses.

Des Horreurs.
I know truths hidden from mortal eyes, $(l.name). I have seen things that would crack your mind into splinters, and I have come out the other side laughing.

You dismiss my words at your own peril.		 Je connais les vérités cachées aux yeux des mortels, $(l.name). J'ai vu des choses qui briseraient ton esprit en morceau, et j'en suis revenue en riant.

Rejettes mes mots à tes risques et périls.
All right, calm down. Go ahead and say your piece - I'm listening. Très bien, calmes toi. Vas y et craches le morceau - Je t'écoute.
Because there is something that I need you to know. A truth hidden from mortal eyes.

I need you to know that I am not mortal so that you will trust my words.		 Parce qu'il y a quelque chose que tu dois savoir. Une vérité cachée aux yeux des mortels.

Je veux que tu saches que je ne suis pas une mortelle, alors tu peux croire en mes paroles.
Go ahead, then. You've got my attention. Vas y, alors. Tu as toute mon attention.
My goal is not to insult you, $(l.name). I only wish to give you a sense of perspective.

There is something that you need to know... a truth hidden from mortal eyes. I need you to understand that I am not mortal so that you will trust my words.		 Mon but n'est pas de t'insulter, $(l.name). Je tiens seulement à t'exprimer mon point de vue.

Il y a des choses que tu dois savoir... une vérité cachée aux yeux des mortels. Je veux que tu comprennes que je ne suis pas une mortelle, alors tu peux croire en mes paroles.
I am merely a passenger in this body. A guest, here to experience what you would call "life." As I have a thousand times before.

You lack the means to perceive what I really am. You do not possess the Sight. But truth be told, that is probably for the best.		 Je suis simplement un passager dans ce corps. Un invité, ici pour expérimenter ce que vous appelez la "vie". Comme je l'ai déjà fait mille fois avant.

Tu n'as pas les moyens de me percevoir comme je suis vraiment. Tu ne possèdes pas la Vue. Tout compte fait, c'est surement mieux ainsi.
You're not an elf, then. So what are you? Tu n'es pas une elfe. Donc qu'es tu?
He left under his own power. Scampered off into the street.

{{GM}}Her shoulders raise in a slight shrug.{{/GM}}

The last I saw of him, he was cracking his own skull open with a rock.		 Il a perdu tous ses moyens. Il a détalé dans la rue.

{{GM}}Elle hausse légèrement les épaules.{{/GM}}

La dernière fois que je l'ai vu, il se fendait le crane avec un rocher.
What did you do to him? Que lui as tu fait?
No. It did not. Oui, je suppose.
So what happened? Did you cast a spell on him or something...? Alors, qu'est-ce-qu'il lui est arrivé? Tu lui as lancé un sort ou... ?
Was it? Then I am sorry. I didn't mean to offend.

{{GM}}She looks away.{{/GM}}

I merely comment on what I see.		 C'est vrai? Alors je suis désolée. Je ne voulais pas t'offenser.

{{GM}}Elle détourne le regard.{{/GM}}

Je commente simplement ce que je vois.
You are confused. I didn't *do* anything. I merely related what I saw.

{{GM}}She blinks, then looks away.{{/GM}}

What I shared with you... it was an observation. Nothing more.		 Tu te trompes. Je n'ai rien *fait*. Je racontai simplement ce que je voyais.

{{GM}}Elle cligne des yeux, puis regarde au loin.{{/GM}}

Ce que j'ai partagé avec toi... c'était une observation. Rien de plus.
Then you'll want to talk to Aljernon. He's just around the corner. Alors il faut parler avec Aljernon. Il est juste la derrière.
Be well, $(l.race). Porte toi bien, $(l.name).
$(l.name). Hold a moment, I'll call Aljernon for you.

{{GM}}She pauses, squinting at you. Her mouth dips into a frown.{{/GM}}

Curious... when I look at you, I see red.		 $(l.name). Patientez un moment, je vais appeler Aljernon.

{{GM}}Elle s'interrompt, vous examinant. Elle fronce les sourcils.{{/GM}}

Etrange... quand je vous regarde, je vois du rouge.
Red? Rouge?
{{GM}}She nods, and the frown slowly falls off of her face. Her voice becomes dreamy.{{/GM}}

Red splattered like paint across great metal arms. Small rooms drenched in it, with droplets oozing down from the ceiling.

{{GM}}She offers you a cautious smile.{{/GM}}

Pretty.		 {{GM}}Elle hoche la tête, et le froncement de sourcils s'efface de son visage. Sa voix se fait rêveuse.{{/GM}}

Rouge éclaboussé comme la peinture sur de grands bras métalliques. Petites pièces plongées dedans, avec des gouttelettes suintant du plafond.

{{GM}}Elle vous sourit prudemment.{{/GM}}

Sympa.
$(l.name). Welcome back to Aljernon's. Enjoy your time here in the light.

{{GM}}A half-smile flits across her lips.{{/GM}}

Soon enough, you'll be wallowing in darkness.		 $(l.name). Bon retour chez Aljernon. Profites de ton temps ici à la lumière.

{{GM}}Un demi-sourire apparaît sur son visage.{{/GM}}

Bientôt, tu seras aspirer par les ténèbres.
$(l.name). Do you feel thirsty? I do... parched, in fact. It happened when you walked through the door.

I could really go for a cold one.		 $(l.name). As tu soif? Je suis... assoiffé, en fait. Ca à commencé quand tu as franchi la porte.

Je tuerai pour une bière bien fraiche.
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, considering.{{/GM}}

Or am I speaking with another's voice...? Sometimes it's difficult to tell where I end and the dreams begin.		 {{GM}}Elle s'interrompt pendant un moment, réalisant.{{/GM}}

Euh, je parlais avec une autre voix...? Parfois c'est difficile de déterminer où le rêve commence et où il se termine.
Dark things lie ahead for you, $(l.name). You'll wade through a sea of corpses before this night is through, with something at your back that I cannot see.

{{GM}}She fidgets in agitation.{{/GM}}

I... I can't look any longer. I'm sorry.		 Des choses sombres sont à venir pour toi, $(l.name). Tu pataugeras dans une mer de cadavres avant la nuit, avec quelque chose sur le dos que je ne peux distinguer.

{{GM}}Elle se trémousse, agitée.{{/GM}}

Je... Je ne peux regarder plus. Je suis désolée.
$(l.name). When you speak with the men-who-are-not-men, the fleshy puppets imprisoned behind glass, you must remember that they dream.

They may not be real people by your definition of the term, but they do have dreams. That alone makes them worth saving.		 $(l.name). Quand tu discuteras avec les hommes-qui-n'en-sont-pas, les marionnettes de chair emprisonnées derrière les vitres, tu dois te souvenir qu'ils rêvent.

Ils ne sont peut-être pas de vraies personnes selon tes critères, mais ils ont des rêves. C'est tout ce qui leurs reste.
$(l.name). A pleasure, as always.

What can I do for you?		 $(l.name). C'est un plaisir, comme toujours.

Que puis-je faire pour toi?
As you approach the counter, you find Absinthe counting a bundle of antique paper money in the till. She doesn't bother looking up. Alors que vous vous approchez du comptoir, vous trouvez Absinthe comptant une liasse de vieux billets jaunis dans la caisse. Elle ne prends pas la peine de lever les yeux.
Absinthe sorts a box of small items behind the register. She cocks her head at your approach. Absinthe trie une boîte de petits objets derrière le comptoir. Elle penche la tête à votre approche.
As you approach the counter, you find Absinthe reading a small, soykaf-stained booklet. The pages are old and weathered. A votre approche, vous trouvez Absinthe occupée à lire une petite brochure teinté pour du soykaf. Les pages sont vieilles et jaunies.
Absinthe smiles up at you from the counter. The light catches her hair in such a way that it looks to you like spun gold. Absinthe sourit dans votre direction depuis le comptoir. La lumière se reflète sur ses cheveux, les rendant semblable à de l'or filé.
As you step forward, Absinthe puts down the box of inventory that she was rifling through. She pushes it aside and beckons to you. Alors que vous vous avancez, Absinthe repousse la boite de stockage dans laquelle elle fouillait. Elle là pousse de coté et vous fait signe.
{{GM}}Absinthe keeps her eyes hidden from view.{{/GM}}

Please excuse me. I have work to do.		 {{GM}}Absinthe garde ses yeux cachés à votre vue.{{/GM}}

S'il te plait, excuses moi. J'ai du travail à faire.
The estate grounds are silent, save for the faint whistling of the wind. Your team gathers near a side entrance to the old castle holdfast, cloaked in darkness.

The night is peaceful.		 La propriété semble silencieuse, assez pour qu'on entende le léger sifflement du vent. Votre équipe se rassemble près de l'entrée du vieux château, drapée dans les ténèbres.

La nuit semble paisible.
You know it won’t last. Vous savez que ca ne durera pas.
You know it for what it is: a pleasant illusion that will shatter at the sound of the first gunshot. Vous savez que cette tranquillité n'est qu'une illusion agréable qui volera en éclats au son du premier coup de feu.
Listen up, folks.

{{GM}}Monika Schäfer. You ran with her back in the day. Watched her get her first datajack. Now she’s your team leader, and a drek-hot decker to boot.{{/GM}}		 Ecoutez, les gars.

{{GM}}Monika Schäfer. A l'époque vous runniez avec elle. Vous étiez la quand elle a installé son premier datajack. Aujourd'hui c'est votre chef d'équipe et une sacrée decker.{{/GM}}
We’re on a tight timetable. I want to enter the estate, find the basement, open the data vault, extract the files, and bolt.

10 minutes, top-to-bottom.		 Nous avons un timing serré. On doit entrer dans la propriété, trouver le sous-sol, ouvrir le data-vault contenant les données, extraire les fichiers et se barrer fissa.

En 10 minutes, tout doit être plié.
Trying to get home in time for “Wyrm Talk,” love?

{{GM}}Dietrich. Shaman. The old man of the team.

He smiles at her, his facial tattoos writhing in the moonlight.{{/GM}}		 Tu essaies de rentrer à la maison plus tôt pour le “Wyrm Talk,” chérie?

{{GM}}Dietrich. Chaman. Le vétéran de l'équipe.

Il lui sourit, ses tatouages faciaux ondulent au clair de lune.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Monika’s eyes twinkle with mischief.{{/GM}}

Maybe. 		{{GM}}Les yeux de Monika scintillent d'espièglerie.{{/GM}}

Peut être.
How many times have I told you? You can’t trust anything that comes out of a dragon’s mouth.

That trid-trash will rot your brain. 		Combien de fois je vais devoir te le répéter? Tu ne dois pas croire ce que racontent les dragons.

Ces trid-trash finiront par te griller le cerveau.
{{GM}}She grins.{{/GM}}

It’s educational.		 {{GM}}Elle sourit.{{/GM}}

C'est très instructif au contraire.
Besides, this should be a milk run. Security is supposed to be light. A few automatic weapons, no armor.

With a little luck, they'll never know we were here.		 Et puis ce run, ça devrait être du gâteau, la sécurité est censée être plutôt légère. Quelques armes automatiques, pas d'armures.

Avec un peu de chance, ils ne sauront même pas qu'on est venu.
Just like old times, eh? Comme au bon vieux temps, hein?
In my experience, there’s no such thing as a milk run. D'après mon expérience, ce n'est jamais une promenade de santé.
I’ll watch your back, all the same. Je couvrirai tes arrières, quand même.
Works for me. Let's get paid. Ca roule. Allons chercher la paye.
{{GM}}Monika's smile returns, more wistful this time. The moonlight catches her face at a strange angle.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Just like old times.		 {{GM}}Le sourire de Monika revient, plus nostalgique cette fois. Le clair de lune lui donne une expression étrange.{{/GM}}

Ouais. Comme au bon vieux temps.
Milk run or not, we should be careful.

{{GM}}Glory. Razor-clawed street samurai. Her voice is cold and neutral, her expression placid.{{/GM}}		 Du gâteau ou pas, on devrait faire gaffe.

{{GM}}Glory. Une samourai des rues armée de griffes rasoirs. Sa voix est froide et neutre, son expression placide.{{/GM}}
Words of wisdom from our new addition. I agree with $(l.name).

{{GM}}Glory. Razor-clawed street samurai. Her voice is cold and neutral, her expression placid.{{/GM}}		 Paroles de sagesse de notre nouvelle recrue. Je suis d'accord avec $(l.name).

{{GM}}Glory. Une samourai des rues armée de griffes rasoirs. Sa voix est froide et neutre, son expression placide.{{/GM}}
They may only be private security, but their bullets don’t know that.

I can patch you up if I have to... but I'd rather not have to. 		C'est peut-être de simples gardes du corps, mais leurs balles s'en foutent.

Je peux vous rafistoler s'il le faut... mais je préférerai autant ne pas devoir le faire.
You people need to relax. We're professionals, remember?

{{GM}}Monika raises her arm and speaks into her wrist-mounted commlink. A darkened face shimmers on the viewscreen.{{/GM}}

Eiger, are you in position?		 Vous devriez vraiment vous détendre un peu. On est des professionnels, non?

{{GM}}Monika lève le bras et parle dans son commlink attaché au poignet. Un visage assombri scintille sur l'écran.{{/GM}}

Eiger, tu es en position?
{{GM}}The commlink crackles, and the response comes back low and soft... softer than you'd expect from a troll.{{/GM}}

Affirmative. The alarm lines have been cut, and I have a clear line of fire on the estate's service entrance.

When you exit the building, the path will be clear.		 {{GM}}Le commlink crachote une réponse d'une voix faible et douce... plus douce que vous auriez attendu de la part d'un troll.{{/GM}}

Affirmatif. Les alarmes ont été désactivées, et j'ai une parfaite ligne de visée sur l'entrée de service de la propriété.

Lorsque vous quitterez le bâtiment, le chemin sera dégagé.
Excellent. Thank you, Eiger. Génial. Merci, Eiger
Just doing my job. Eiger out. Je fais juste mon boulot. Eiger terminé.
{{GM}}The commlink goes dark. Monika winks at you as she drops her arm.{{/GM}}

See? We're professionals.

All right, people. Enough chatter. Our client wants the data from the vault, so we get him the data from the vault. Quick, quiet… and quick.		 {{GM}}Le commlink redevient sombre. Monika vous fait un clin d'œil en relâchant le bras.{{/GM}}

Vous voyez? On est des pros.

Allez, les gars. Assez de blabla. Notre client veut les données qui se trouvent dans ce data-vault, alors on va lui ramener les données du coffre. Rapidement, silencieusement... et rapidement.
You said “quick” twice. Tu as dit *rapidement* deux fois.
{{GM}}She grins.{{/GM}}

“Wyrm Talk” is on tonight.		 {{GM}}Elle sourit.{{/GM}}

Ils passent "Wyrm Talk" ce soir, non?
Glory raises an eyebrow. Slightly. Gloire soulève un sourcil. A peine.
I told you...

It’s educational.		 Je vous l'ai dit...

C'est très instructif.
{{GM}}Monika's smile returns, more wistful this time. The moonlight catches her face at a strange angle.{{/GM}}

Just like old times, eh $(l.name)?		 {{GM}}Le sourire de Monika revient, plus nostalgique cette fois. Le clair de lune lui donne une expression étrange.{{/GM}}

Comme au bon vieux temps, hein $(l.name)?
I won't argue with the sentiment, but I'd prefer that we exercise caution.

{{GM}}Glory. Razor-clawed street samurai. Her voice is cold and neutral, her expression placid.{{/GM}}		 Je ne veux pas avoir l'air d'une chochotte, mais je préférerais que nous soyons prudent.

{{GM}}Glory. Une samourai des rues armée de griffes rasoirs. Sa voix est froide et neutre, son expression placide.{{/GM}}
Listen up, folks.

{{GM}}Monika Schäfer. You ran with her back in the day. Now, she’s your team leader. Your decking skills may be sharp, but hers are novahot.

Running with Monika is like taking a masterclass in IC-breaking.{{/GM}}		 Ecoutez, les gars.

{{GM}}Monika Schäfer. A l'époque vous runniez avec elle. Aujourd'hui c'est votre chef d'équipe. Vos talents de decker sont plutôt aiguisés, mais les siens sont incomparables.

Runner avec Monika revient à prendre une leçon en destruction d'IC.{{/GM}}
Shapes form in the shadows below, and after a moment, you hear footsteps approaching and people talking.
{{GM}}The first voice sounds nervous. Young.{{/GM}}

I heard the runners escaped. You sure they're gonna come this way?
{{GM}}The second voice is older, confident.{{/GM}}

They have no choice. It's the only route they have access through.
{{GM}}There's a pause, and you hear the sound of a throat clearing.{{/GM}}

So... uh... think we can stop them?
{{GM}}The second voice is dismissive.{{/GM}}

With two whole strike teams already set in ambush? I don't see what chance they have.
Well, you're the one who's gonna have to explain it to Audran if they get past us.
Which is why we're not gonna screw it up! Got it?

As soon as any of these doors open, you shoot. Got it?
Oh yeah, I got it.
Shapes form in the shadows below.
Something ahead of you lets out a low, rumbling growl from the shadows - a primordial sound that echoes down the snowy streets.

It steps into the light.
Dante.

Even from this distance, you can feel the heat radiating from the enormous dog's body. He locks eyes with you, and you can see the fire burning within them.

He takes a step toward you, hackles raised.
{{GM}}Eiger glances at you. Her voice is calm, but you can see the unease on her face.{{/GM}}

I forgot to mention, fearless leader... your dog’s acting funny.
I can see that.
What the hell happened to him?
How long’s he been like this?
Happened fast, too. Just before you got here. I caught sight of him on the way down to the U-Bahn platform, and he looked normal enough.

Then one of these bastards took a shot at him and winged him. Big mistake.
Dante got mad. Real mad. He started shaking and twitching, and I saw fire in his eyes.

He was on the guy before I could blink.
Beats me. I caught sight of him on the way down to the U-Bahn platform, and he looked normal enough.

Then one of these bastards took a shot at him and winged him. Big mistake.
A few seconds later, the shooter was a red smear on the sidewalk, and Dante...

{{GM}}Eiger stabs a thumb in the dog's direction.{{/GM}}

...looked like this.
{{CC}}Spellcasting/Conjuring{{/CC}} Use Astral Perception to read Dante's aura.
{{CC}}Willpower: 4{{/CC}} Dante, come!
Hey, Dante. Hey, boy. How you doin’?
You hungry, Dante? Want some soy-jerky?
Your third eye slides open, and the world shifts to gray. Buildings, streets, cars - all gray.

In your peripheral vision you can see Eiger, her outline pulsing a warm glow.
Dante glows like a burning coal. His aura is a shifting explosion of red and yellow light.

As you look into the dog's aura, you can feel it looking back into yours. Acknowledging you. In astral space.

Dante is more than just a dog.
Did you know that Monika's dog was part hellhound, Eiger?
{{GM}}Eiger raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Nope. But considering the circumstances, I’m good with it.

...You *can* control him, right, $(l.name)?
{{CC}}Willpower: 3{{/CC}} Dante, come!
Dante's expression softens. He's seen your aura in astral space. His ears stand back up, and you could swear that you see him smile.

He trots over and takes his place by your side.
Looks like you got yourself a hellhound.
Dante sniffs the air. Looks uninterested. But now that he's seen your aura in astral space, his expression softens. His ears stand back up, and you could swear that you see him smile.

He takes his place by your side.
Now that he's seen your aura in astral space, Dante's expression softens. His ears stand back up, and you could swear that you see him smile.

He happily takes his place by your side.
Dante stands his ground, resolute. Defiant.

His jaws part, and his throat begins to pulse. His mouth glows as if it were stuffed with burning coals.
No, Dante! *COME!*
You can see the dog struggle to obey. He makes a sound that's not quite a whimper.
Dante lowers his head, the hackles on the back of his neck standing stiff.

He takes another step towards you and Eiger.
I don't think that this is working, $(l.name).
It'll work. Easy buddy... easy now.
Slowly, the wind begins to shift, and he sniffs the air, looking from you, to Eiger, then back to you.

Acknowledgment washes across his face, and his expression softens.
His ears stand back up, and you could swear that you see him smile.

Dante takes his place by your side.
Well, whatever he is, I'm glad he's on our team.

Let's find the others.
Dante growls low and begins to drool. Droplets hiss as they hit the frozen pavement. He lowers his head, and the hackles on the back of his neck stand stiff.
Glory's Ring
A handmade ring of braided silver wire.
Alnur
Highly-focused decker and crack-shot thanks to his steady supply of "Hyper".
Mercenary: Decker
{{GM}}Dietrich eyes the door, then turns to Monika.{{/GM}}

That’s a big freaking vault, Liebchen. 		{{GM}}Dietrich regarde la porte, puis se tourne vers Monika.{{/GM}}

Ça, c'est un sacré coffre-fort, Liebchen.
Bigger than on the schematic. Plus grand que sur nos plans.
The schematic didn't have a date. Our client may have old intel.

Still, our instructions were clear. The data we're looking for should be just on the other side of this door.		 Les plans n'étaient pas datés. Notre client avait peut-être des vieux renseignements.

Pour autant, nos instructions sont claires. Les données que nous recherchons se trouvent de l'autre côté de cette porte.
{{GM}}Monika combs a hand through her hair, parting it to reveal the black plastic sheath of her datajack.{{/GM}}

A quick jaunt into the Matrix, a little digital hand-waving, and I'll have this thing wide open.

Be right back.		 {{GM}}Monika se passe une main dans les cheveux, révélant ainsi la gaine en plastique noir de son dataport.{{/GM}}

Une petite virée dans la Matrice, un petit tour de passe-passe digital, et ce truc sera grand ouvert.

Je reviens tout de suite.
A burst of static crackles through the tiny speaker on Monika's commlink.

Eiger. Still in position outside the estate.		 Le commlink de Monika crachote à travers ses petits haut-parleurs..

Eiger. Toujours en position à l'extérieur de la propriété.
Hold on, Monika… who's in charge while you're jacked in? Un seconde, Monika... qui commande pendant que tu es connectée?
Monika rolls her eyes. Dietrich fixes his stare intently on the vault door.

Glory looks cold and distant. Just as she always does.		 Monika lève les yeux au ciel. Dietrich fixe son regard intensément sur la porte de la chambre forte.

Glory semble froide et détachée. Comme d'habitude.
We've been through this before, Eiger.

You're not in the KSK anymore. And that "chain of command" nonsense doesn't fly in the shadows.		 On en a déjà parlé, Eiger.

Tu ne fais plus partie du KSK. Et ces débilités de "chaine de commandement" n'ont pas lieu d'être dans les Ombres.
We don’t *need* rules and regulations to guide us. The same principles that apply to the Flux State... On a pas *besoin* de règles et de réglementations pour nous guider. Et ce même principe s'applique aussi dans le Flux-State.
Please. Spare me the lecture.

Your politics have nothing to do with this.		 S'il te plait. Epargne-moi la leçon. Tes principes politique n'ont rien à voir avec ça.
Best get used to it, Eiger love. Tu devrais t'y habituer, Eiger mon chou.
{{GM}}She sighs.{{/GM}}

Look, it’s a simple question. Years of experience tell me that it needs an answer.		 {{GM}}Elle soupire.{{/GM}}

Ecoutes. C'est une simple question. Mon expérience me dit qu'on a besoin de connaitre la réponse.
Eiger's right, Monika. We should have a second in command... just in case. Eiger à raison, Monika. Nous devrions avoir un commandant en second... juste au cas où.
I agree with Dietrich. If someone needs to take charge, it'll happen. Je suis d'accord avec Dietrich. Si quelqu'un doit prendre les choses en main, il le fera.
We don't have time for this, Eiger. We have a job to do. Nous n'avons pas de temps à perdre, Eiger. Nous avons un boulot à effectuer.
{{CC}}Decking: 2{{/CC}} Why don't I take a crack at the door instead? Let me show you what I can do. {{CC}}Decking: 2{{/CC}} Pourquoi je n'essayerai pas de cracker cette porte à ta place Monika ?
Monika stares at you for a moment, clearly irritated. Then that twinkle appears in her eye again.

She smiles at you as she speaks into her commlink.		 Monika vous dévisage un instant, clairement irritée. Puis une lueur malicieuse apparaît dans ses yeux.

Elle vous sourit pendant qu'elle parle dans son commlink.
Very well. We'll do this one Eiger’s way.

While I’m jacked in, $(l.name) is in charge.		 Très bien. On fera ça à ta façon, Eiger.

Pendant que je suis connecté, $(l.name) est aux commandes.
That may be how your mystical Flux State works... but in the field, that kind of thinking gets you killed.

Come on, Monika. Put someone in charge, and let's get on with the mission.		 C'est peut-être comme ca que fonctionne votre Flux-State mystique... mais sur le terrain, ce genre de choses vous fera tuer.

Allez, Monika. Donne cette responsabilité à quelqu'un et continuons notre mission.
Monika stares at the screen on her wrist for a moment, clearly irritated. Then that twinkle appears in her eye again.

She smiles at you as she speaks into her commlink.		 Monika fixe l'écran sur son poignet pendant un moment, clairement irritée. Puis une lueur malicieuse apparaît dans ses yeux.

Elle vous sourit pendant qu'elle parle dans son commlink.
Very well. We'll do this one Eiger’s way.

While I’m jacked in, $(l.name) is in charge. 		Très bien. On fera ça à ta façon, Eiger.

Pendant que je suis connecté, $(l.name) est aux commandes.
No one asked you, rookie.

Come on, Monika. Put someone in charge, and let's get on with the mission.		 Ton avis n'intéresse personne, le bleu.

Allez, Monika. Donne cette responsabilité à quelqu'un et continuons notre mission.
{{GM}}Monika smiles, but shakes her head no.{{/GM}}

No offense, $(l.name), but this is my team. And at least for now, I handle the grid work. 		{{GM}}Monika sourit, mais secoue la tête en signe de protestation.{{/GM}}

Ne le prends pas mal, $(l.name), mais c'est mon équipe. Et pour le moment, c'est moi qui gère les virées dans la Matrice .
Then you need a second in command.

Come on, Monika. Put someone in charge, and let's get on with the mission.		 C'est pourquoi tu as besoin d'un commandant en second.

Allez, Monika. Donne cette responsabilité à quelqu'un et continuons notre mission.
{{GM}}Monika stares at the screen on her wrist for a moment, clearly irritated. Then that twinkle appears in her eye again.

She smiles at you as she speaks into her commlink.{{/GM}}		 Monika fixe l'écran sur son poignet pendant un moment, clairement irritée. Puis une lueur malicieuse apparaît dans ses yeux.

Elle vous sourit pendant qu'elle parle dans son commlink.
{{GM}}There is a pause, then Eiger's voice crackles out of the commlink again.{{/GM}}

$(l.name)? Did I hear you right?

You’re putting the *rookie* in command? 		{{GM}}Après une pause, la voix d'Eiger crachote de nouveau dans le commlink.{{/GM}}

$(l.name)? Je t'ai bien entendu?

Tu va mettre un *bleu* aux commandes?
I'm no rookie, Eiger, and you know it. Je ne suis pas un bleu, Eiger, et tu le sais très bien.
I thought you were a pro, Eiger. Questioning orders in front of the team isn’t exactly a pro move, is it? Je pensais que t'étais une pro, Eiger. Discuter les ordres devant le reste de l'équipe ce n'est une attitude très professionnelle, tu ne crois pas ?
Listen, Eiger. You asked for a decision, and you got one. Ecoutes, Eiger. Tu as posé une question, et tu as obtenu ta réponse.
{{GM}}Monika cuts in, still smiling.{{/GM}}

You heard what I said, Eiger.
...This is ridiculous. ...C'est ridicule.
I know that this is a joke to you, Monika. But I'm telling you... Je sais que tu prends tout ca à la rigolade, Monika. Mais je t'assure que...
Eiger.

{{GM}}Monika's tone is all business. Evidently, she has heard enough.{{/GM}}

The decision’s made. You have your answer.		 Eiger.

{{GM}}Le ton de Monika est très froid. De toute évidence, elle en a assez entendu.{{/GM}}

La décision est prise. Tu as ta réponse.
Acknowledged.

{{GM}}Without another word, Eiger's image flickers and fades from Monika's communicator.{{/GM}}		 Bien reçu.

{{GM}}Sans un mot de plus, l'image d'Eiger vacille et s'efface du communicateur de Monika.{{/GM}}
Sorry about that. Eiger can be... inflexible. The legacy of a long military career.

But she knows what she's doing, and she means well.		 Désolé pour ça. Eiger peut parfois se montrer... inflexible. L'héritage d'une longue carrière militaire

Mais elle sait ce qu'elle fait, et elle le fait bien.
It’s a legitimate concern. She hardly knows me. Son inquiétude est justifiée. Elle ne me connaît pas encore bien.
As long as she follows orders, she can think what she wants. Tant qu'elle suit les ordres, elle peut penser ce qu'elle veut.
Null sweat. I’ll buy her a beer and talk it out after the run. Relax. Je lui paierai une bière et on en discutera tranquillement après ce run.
{{GM}}Monika's eyes narrow.{{/GM}}

There's a thin line between concern and insubordination.

You let me know if she crosses it.		 {{GM}}Monika plisse les yeux.{{/GM}}

La frontière est mince entre l'inquiétude et l'insubordination.

Fais le moi savoir si elle la franchi.
Very good. But I wouldn't deliberately antagonize her.

Eiger's skills and experience are invaluable to this team.		 Très bien. Mais je ne voudrais pas la contrarier délibérément.

Les compétences d'Eiger et son expérience sont d'une valeur inestimable pour cette équipe.
She's also a killing machine. Et c'est aussi une machine à tuer.
{{GM}}Monika nods.{{/GM}}

There is also that.		 {{GM}}Monika hoche la tête.{{/GM}}

C'est pas faux.
Good $(l.man). Eiger's skills and experience are invaluable to this team.

It would be good to have her on your side.		 T'es un $(l.man) bien. Les compétences d'Eiger et son expérience sont d'une valeur inestimable pour cette équipe.

Ce serait bien qu'elle t'ai à la bonne.
Okay, enough chatter. Let’s get this done. Allez assez discuté, on y va.
{{GM}}Monika turns towards the door, fingers poised on the controls of her cyberdeck, then glances back at you with a grin.{{/GM}}

See you on the other side.		 {{GM}}Monika se retourne vers la porte, les doigts prêts à manipuler son cyberdeck. elle jette un dernier coup d'oeil dans votre direction, toute souriante.{{/GM}}

On se voit de l'autre coté.
Then she punches it, projecting her consciousness into cyberspace, her fingers harmonizing in the smooth rhythmic staccato that only an expert decker can achieve. Elle s'élance, projetant sa conscience dans le cyberespace, ses doigts s'agitent harmonieusement en un doux staccato rythmé propre aux decker les plus expérimentés.
This is ridiculous.

Clear the comm, rookie. *Now.*		 C'est ridicule.

Dégage des ondes, le bleu. *Maintenant.*
Monika nods at you. The smile has disappeared from her face. Monika hoche la tête dans votre direction. Son sourire disparaît.
Listen. Monika. I know that this is a joke to you. But I'm telling you... Ecoutes, Monika. Je sais que tu prends tout ca à la rigolade mais je t'assure que...
The leader of the group is an elf with Asian features. He's obviously a vatjob; the bands of corded muscle that bulge out under his sleeves have a distinctly store-bought look to them.

When he speaks, his voice comes out in a gravelly rumble.
My, my. The intrepid $(l.name), with $(l.hisher) target in tow.

What a surprise.
Let's talk about this.
{{GM}}Draw your weapon.{{/GM}} Back off. Way off.
Herr Fuchs sent us to check up on you. Given his recent troubles with shadowrunners, this should not come as a surprise.

{{GM}}The Company Man smiles at Enstad. The rigger shrinks back against the wall.{{/GM}}

No more than your betrayal surprises me.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Shadowrunner{{/CC}} {{GM}}Kill Enstad.{{/GM}} Betrayal? No. Enstad was never going to leave this building alive. Allow me to demonstrate.
What happens now?
I was never planning on letting him go. As soon as he gave me the money he'd promised, I was going to take him out.
You will relinquish Enstad to us. We will dispatch him, quickly and cleanly.

As you were meant to.
And what about my pay?
What if I were to take him out, here and now?
{{GM}}Kill Enstad.{{/GM}} We were just stringing him along. I'll prove it to you.
Never fear. Herr Fuchs is an honorable man. You will receive your contracted fee, despite your unsatisfactory performance.

But understand that your reputation has been tarnished by this. You will never work for Herr Fuchs again.
My offer still stands, pal. You kill this asshole and let me walk, and I'll give you the same money, *plus* the device.

And I won't try to guilt-trip you, neither.
If you have the slightest degree of professional integrity, you will surrender the rigger.

Now.
{{GM}}Attack the Company Man to free Enstad.{{/GM}} I've come this far. Might as well finish it.
{{GM}}Kill Enstad.{{/GM}} I honor my contracts. Here is the proof.
{{GM}}Turn Enstad over to the Company Man.{{/GM}} My apologies to Herr Fuchs.
What if I killed him for you instead? I was planning on doing that all along.
{{GM}}The Company Man pauses for a moment.{{/GM}}

If you kill him, here and now, I will report to Herr Fuchs that you fulfilled your end of the contract.

But you must do it now. No hesitation, and no trickery.
No! You... you can't do this! We had a deal!

Kill *them* instead, and you'll get everything I promised! Please!
{{GM}}Kill him.{{/GM}} No deal. You've had this coming.
{{GM}}The rigger's eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

What?!
There is little to talk about.

You were sent here to tie up loose ends. Instead, we catch you trying to sneak your target out the front door.

Disappointing. Not surprising, mind you. But disappointing all the same.
Let me guess. Our client sent you?
You don't intimidate us, $(l.name).

Even if you managed to kill us - a doubtful proposition at best - you'd destroy your own reputation in the process.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Herr Fuchs sent us to check up on you. Given his recent troubles with shadowrunners, this should not come as a surprise.
{{GM}}The Company Man smiles at Enstad. The rigger shrinks back against the wall.{{/GM}}

No more than your betrayal surprises me.
My, my. The intrepid $(l.name), with no rigger in sight.

I must admit, I am surprised.
Yeah? Well that makes two of us, who the hell are you?
Herr Fuchs sent us to check up on you. Given his recent troubles with shadowrunners, this should not come as a surprise.

{{GM}}The Company Man smiles and nods slightly{{/GM}}

I shall return to him and report your task completed to my satisfaction.

Good day.
I shall return to him and report your task completed to my satisfaction.

Good day.
The body on the table looks like a janitor. His chest and stomach appear to have been brutally torn open.
Apocalypse
The body on this operating table has been torn to pieces. The dual arms of an autosurgeon are the obvious culprits.
A pile of corpses. The bodies are all dressed in high-quality ballistic armor.
Return to the Kreuzbasar?
LOOSE ENDS
Your client has hired you to "tie up loose ends" at a site of a botched cloak-and-dagger operation. One of the operatives from the failed mission has been captured by Knight Errant security forces, and it's only a matter of time before he talks.

Your job is simple: kick in the door, find the operative, and put a bullet in his guts before he can spill them.
Drek, they're back! Intruders!
We need backup in the main lab, now!
Shit! Look at that! What happend to him?
Drek! What happened in there?
Keep them away from the elevator!
Alpha team, be advised we've lost control of the situation.
Too late, they're here! Fast response team inbound, hold until the reinforcements arrive!
Thanks! I'm keeping my head down til the lead stops!
As promised, all yours.
Auto Turret
Knight Errant Guard
Knight Errant Enforcer
Knight Errant Mage
Knight Errant Captain
Knight Errant Conjurer
Security Drone
Knight Errant Grenadier
Basilisk
Security Camera
Player
Player 1
Player 3
Player 2
Thorvald Enstad
White IC
White Sparky IC
Console
Kiluminati Alabrad
The Network wanted a shaman that comes from the streets with a full command of spirits
Urban Shaman
Kendon
The Nephilim Network has trained me to hunt data both in the Matrix and the meat world.
Combat Decker
El Duce
The Network has rewarded me with a state-of-the-art replacements for my weak meat body.
Cybered Warrior
Ray Quandary
My job in the Network is operative suppression. Or as it's called on the street: wetwork
Assassin
Bodyguard
Company Man
Mr Footage Capture Man
AutosurgeonVisibility
TurnController
White Sentry IC
Find the Rigger
Kill the Rigger
Free the Rigger
Give the Rigger to Johson
Kill Johnson's Representatives
You Died. Vous êtes mort.
Lock out the Knight Errant Reinforcements
There are incoming Knight Errant reinforcements, have your decker lock them out while you escape with the rigger.
Exit the Building
Utility Hatch Access Card
A standard mag lock card with no markings. Most likely a copy of the original.
The door is locked. There is a small keypad, a keycard reader, and a comm panel set into the wall just beside it.
{{CC}}Keycard{{/CC}} {{GM}}Swipe your keycard through the reader.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Enter a keycode.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Use the comm panel.{{/GM}}
Enter Keycode:
8814
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Bypass the keycode.{{/GM}}
The door unlocks with a solid "thunk."
You depress the call button. A shrill buzzing sound fills the air.

There is no answer.
{{GM}}Press the button again.{{/GM}}
You press the button again and hold it. The buzzer screeches like a frightened animal, then sputters and dies out.

Moments later, a high-strung voice warbles out of the speaker.
Who the HELL are you, and why are you leaning on the GODDAMNED door buzzer?

{{GM}}The voice has a shrill, tremulous quality that you recognize instantly. This guy is riding a stim high - you're sure of it.{{/GM}}
Who wants to know?
{{GM}}Stay quiet.{{/GM}}
Who? WHO?

JON BERGFALK, that's who! *I'm* the one who keeps these servers *protected.* And I *can't do it* if you *KEEP INTERRUPTING ME!*
{{GM}}The voice calms. Goes soft. Somehow, it isn't an improvement.{{/GM}}

Now, you tell me who you are.

Answer up. Chop-chop.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} Calm down, Jon. It's me, Albert.
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} Who the hell do you think I am?
Albert?

{{GM}}Wariness creeps into the voice on the other side of the speaker.{{/GM}}

You don't sound like Albert.
I have a cold. Open the door.
You... you know that you're not supposed to be in here. Not after what happened last time.

We've already gotten our "one and only warning," remember?
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} Yeah, sure. I know. But I also know that I've got a bottle of the good stuff in my bag.
Warnings don't frighten me. Now come on, open up.
Yeah, all right, fine.
{{GM}}Another long pause.{{/GM}}

The good stuff? You mean, like, the "juice"?

Well... okay. Maybe just a sip. Or two.
No. No, man, I don't think so.

You go away, before they catch you here.
{{GM}}There is a long pause, then the voice warbles out again.{{/GM}}

...Albert?
That's right. Albert. Now open the door.
{{GM}}After a pregnant pause, you hear the voice again.{{/GM}}

I... I guess I must've imagined it.

Gotta lay off the stims, Jon... they're making you go all squirrelly again.
With a click, the line goes dead.
{{GM}}After a pregnant pause, you hear the voice again.{{/GM}}

Stupid thing. Must be busted again.
You press the button again, and again it chokes out its screeching cry.

This time, the response is immediate.
What. The. Hell.

Whoever you are, you'd better knock it off. I swear, something bad is gonna happen if you don't.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} Calm down. It's me, Albert.
Twice in a row? What is this thing's problem?
You could almost swear that the response comes *before* you press the button this time. It's uncanny.
Albert, I swear to God, if you're messing around out there, I'm going to shank you with a pen.

In the kidney, Albert. That's where I'll put it. Right in the kidney.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} All right, calm down and put the pen away. You wouldn't hurt your old friend Albert, would you?
Don't test me, Albert. You've always been a royal pain in the ass, you know that?

{{GM}}There is a burst of static as he coughs into the microphone.{{/GM}}

...By the way, what happened to your voice? You don't sound like yourself.
I have a cold.
Yeah? Well, you deserve it.

Now tell me why you're pestering me, and make it quick. My patience for you dried up months ago.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} I've got a bottle of the good stuff in my bag. Wanna share?
{{GM}}Lean on the comm button again.{{/GM}} No particular reason. I'm just having fun driving you nuts.
{{GM}}The door slams open. On the other side, a disheveled middle-aged man with wild eyes clutches a fountain pen in one hand and a gun in the other.{{/GM}}

You're not Albert! NOT ALBERT!
The door is still locked, but the light on the comm panel blinks invitingly.
{{GM}}Use the comm panel again.{{/GM}}
The side door to the bank is made of heavy-duty duraplast, and it has been reinforced from top to bottom with plate steel. It is sealed with a series of maglocks.
All right. Tell your pal to work his magic.
You heard the man, Blitz. Do your thing.
Heading inside, chief. This won't take five seconds.
DRONE CONTROL INTERFACE ACTIVE:
Please Input Command.
{{GM}}Display current processes.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Display automated security status.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Drone Control: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Overload the security drones' power systems.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Drone Control: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} {{GM}}Order the drones to target security personnel.{{/GM}}
CURRENT PROCESSES:
OHWMcmV137.exe *128 - Software Diagnostic in Progress
csrss.exe - Client Server Runtime
rundll128.exe - Host Process
{{GM}}Go back to the previous menu.{{/GM}}
CURRENT SECURITY STATUS:
Active Alert Mode
Multiple Security Alerts Registered
New programming accepted.
Error, Drone power levels unsafe, overload in progress.
New programming accepted, targeting accepted, searching for valid targets.
SERVER CONTROL INTERFACE ACTIVE:
Please Input Command
{{CC}}Drone Control: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Order the drones to fire on the servers.{{/GM}}
Current Processes:
OHWMcmV137.exe *128 - Software Diagnostic in Progress
csrss.exe - Client Server Runtime
rundll128.exe - Host Process
Current Security Status:
Passive Mode
No Alerts Registered
Drone Targeting Override: Engaged
Targeting Data: Accepted
Engaging New Target
DogStim
CombatStim targets.
Penthouse Maintenance Code
>11111
Fairlight Excalibur
The deck that every decker dreams of owning. It's the Holy Grail of cyberdecks.
Savalette Guardian
This popular heavy pistol can fire a three-round burst.
$(l.name). Did you make contact with Alice? $(l.name). As-tu contacté Alice?
Yes, I did. She accepted your payment, and I ordered the search for the information we need. Oui, c'est fait. Elle accepte votre paiement, et je lui ai demandé de rechercher les informations dont nous avons besoin.
Very good.

I can't imagine that this will be cheap. What was Alice's stated price?		 Génial.

Je n'imagine pas que ca sera bon marché. Qu'a-t-elle demandé?
You're right on that count. 50,000 nuyen. Tu as raison la dessus. 50 000 nuyens.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

It is about as I had expected. Thankfully, we are prepared for this.

I have established contact with a number of new clients. You can find information on the jobs logged on your mission computer. One job's file is on there already.		 {{GM}}Il hausse les épaules.{{/GM}}

C'est plus ou moins ce que j'avais prévu. Heureusement, nous étions préparé pour ça.

Je l'ai établi des contacts avec un certain nombre de nouveaux clients. Tu trouveras les informations sur ces contrats, enregistrées sur ton ordinateur de missions. D'ailleurs, un contrat est déjà disponible.
While you're working to earn Alice's fee, I will continue to dig for clues about Feuerschwinge. If she is, in fact, roosting under the Harfeld Manor, then there must be some evidence to support that fact.

A dragon is a large thing to hide, after all.		 Pendant que tu remplira les contrats pour payer les honoraires d'Alice, Je vais continuer de chercher des indices sur Feuerschwinge. Si elle est, réellement, cachée sous le manoir Harfeld, alors il doit y avoir des preuves de ça.

Un dragon est plutôt difficile à cacher, après tout.
Be careful, Paul. Remember what happened to Monika. Soyez prudent, Paul. Rappelez vous ce qui est arrivé à Monika.
Sounds like you're on top of things. On dirait bien que vous êtes au taquet.
I will never forget.

Don't worry, $(l.name). I'm going to conduct my investigation the old fashioned way... through contacts, and deduction, and careful observation.

I will not jack in to the Matrix until this entire sorry episode is finished.		 Je ne pourrai jamais l'oublier.

Ne t'inquietes pas, $(l.name). Je vais poursuivre mon enquête à l'ancienne... grâce à mes contacts, et mon sens de la déduction couplé à une observation attentive.

Je ne me connecterai plus à la Matrice tant que cette sinistre histoire ne sera pas terminée.
That's probably wise. C'est probablement le mieux à faire.
Speaking of doing things the old fashioned way, Maliit is working to recover information off of those other DVDs.

It's a painstaking process, and it will not be quick, but she is optimistic that she will be successful in time.		 En parlant de faire les choses à l'ancienne, Maliit travaille actuellement pour récupérer les informations contenues sur les DVDs.

C'est assez laborieux, et ca ne sera pas rapide, mais elle est optimiste quand au fait d'y arriver dans les temps.
Finally, I have been checking up on our friend... the ork with the skin grafts. I haven't heard anything back yet, but I'll keep you appraised as the situation develops. Pour finir, j'ai lancé quelques recherches sur notre ami... l'ork avec les greffes de peau. Je n'ai encore eu aucun retour, mais je te tiendrai au courant lorsque ca sera le cas.
Sounds good, Paul. I'll go check up on those jobs. Ca marche, Paul. Je vais aller jeter un œil à ces contrats.
One last thing before you go, $(l.name). Samuel Beckenbauer wanted me to pass a message to you.

Do you know him? The ork who runs the shelter across the way?		 Une dernière chose avant que tu ne partes, $(l.name). Samuel Beckenbauer m'a demandé de te transmettre un message.

Est-ce-que tu le connais? Un ork qui dirige le refuge d'en face.
Yeah, we've met. Ouais, on s'est rencontré.
Don't know the man. Sorry. Inconnu au bataillon. Désolé.
Ah. Well, he has a job for you... he wouldn't discuss it with me, but he promised that it would prove worth your time. Ah. Eh bien, il a un job pour toi... Il n'a pas voulu m'en dire plus, mais il m'a promis que tu ne perdrais pas ton temps.
It's my job to be on top of things, $(l.name). You needn't worry about me on that count.

You also don't need to worry about our mysterious Matrix killer... at least, not insofar as I am concerned. I won't step near a jackpoint until this entire sorry episode is over.		 C'est mon travail d'être *au taquet*, $(l.name). Ne t'inquiètes pas pour moi la dessus.

Pas besoin, non plus, de t'inquiéter pour moi à propos de notre mystérieux Tueur de la Matrice... du moins, pas autant que je le suis. Je ne compte pas m'approcher d'un jackpoint tant que cette sinistre histoire ne sera pas terminée.
The room goes quiet as everyone struggles to process what you've just seen on the DVD.

Finally, Dietrich breaks the silence.		 La pièce est silencieux tandis que tout le monde essai de digérer ce qu'il a vu sur le DVD.

Finalement, Dietrich rompt le silence.
A dragon. Son of a bitch.

Green Winters sent us up against a dragon.		 Un dragon. Fils de pute.

Green Winters nous a envoyer contre un dragon.
The Firewing.

{{GM}}Amsel's voice is thick with dread.{{/GM}}

She lives.		 Aile de feu.

{{GM}}La voix d'Amsel est gorgée de terreur.{{/GM}}

Elle est en vie.
I'm really starting to regret the fact that I didn't just stay at the hotel. Je commence sérieusement à regretter le fait de ne pas être resté à l'hôtel.
{{GM}}Eiger ignores him.{{/GM}}

Wait a second. We don't know for certain...		 {{GM}}Eiger l'ignore.{{/GM}}

Attendez une seconde. Nous ne savons pas avec certitude...
{{GM}}Dietrich lays a hand on Eiger's shoulder.{{/GM}}

The evidence seemed pretty convincing to me, love.

I'll even take it a step further... I think that secret facility that we stumbled into was her lair.		 {{GM}}Dietrich pose une main sur l'épaule d'Eiger.{{/GM}}

Ces preuves me semblent assez convaincant, chérie.

Je vais même aller un peu plus loin... Je pense que le complexe secret, où nous sommes tombés, est son repaire.
The room falls silent. Eiger and Glory exchange glances.

After a moment, Dietrich continues.		 Le silence s'installe. Eiger et Glory échangent quelques regards.

Après un moment, Dietrich continue.
Just think about it. The decker that Winters got those coordinates from was posting about Feuerschwinge. Then she was killed by that same orkish bastard that attacked us after Monika died.

That's a direct link between the dragon, the scarred ork, and the Harfeld Manor.		 Réfléchissez-y un peu. La decker, de qui Winters a obtenu ces coordonnées, était entrain d'envoyer un message à propos de Feuerschwinge. Puis, elle a été butté par ce même bâtard d'ork qui nous a attaqué après la mort de Monika.

C'est un lien direct entre le manoir Harfeld, l'ork balafré et le dragon.
...and then Winters was killed by the same thing that killed Monika. ... et puis, Winter a été tué par la même chose qui a tué Monika.
Exactly. My gut tells me that the dragon is down there, $(l.name)... someplace far beneath the surface.

I think that we knocked on the door to her lair without even knowin' it. And I think that, given what we've seen, the dragon will do whatever it takes to keep us quiet about it.		 Exactement. Mon instinct me dit que le dragon est là-bas, $(l.name)... quelque part loin sous la surface.

Je pense que tu avons frappé à la porte de sa tanière sans même le savoir, et je pense que, étant donné ce que nous avons vu, le dragon va faire ce qu'il faut pour nous faire taire à ce sujet.
Okay. Going on the assumption that there *is* a dragon, and that she *will* come after us... what do you propose that we do about it? Okay. Admettons qu'il y *ait* une dragonne, et qu'elle *va* nous pourchasser... Qu'est-ce-qu'on peut faire?
I'll tell you what we're going to do. We're going to follow Winters' advice. We're gonna find Vauclair. Je vais vous dire ce qu'on va faire. Nous allons suivre le conseil de Winters. Nous allons trouver Vauclair.
I say, keep things simple. We head back there, kick in the door, and kill the dragon. Problem solved. Pourquoi ne pas simplifier les choses. Nous retournons là-bas, nous défonçons la porte, et nous buttons le dragon. Problème résolu.
Anyone have any suggestions? Quelqu'un a-t-il des suggestions?
Yes... $(l.name) is right. Finding Dr. Vauclair should be our priority.

If we're going up against a dragon, we need to find ourselves a dragonslayer.		 Oui... $(l.name) a raison. Trouver le professeur Vauclair devrait être notre priorité.

Si nous nous voulons nous dresser contre un dragon, nous devons nous trouver un tueur de dragon.
Winters spent twenty years searching for Vauclair, and it got him nowhere. How do you propose that we find him? Winters a passé vingt ans à chercher Vauclair, et il ne l'a trouvé nulle part. Comment pourrions nous le retrouver?
With the help of an information broker. Avec l'aide d'un pourvoyeur d'information.
I'll go talk to Altuğ, then. Je vais aller voir Altuğ, alors.
Let me guess: back to the coffee shop? Laisse moi deviner: retour au café?
Do you have any suggestions? Tu as des suggestions?
For this? No.

While Herr Burakgazi is very capable, a task of this magnitude is beyond him. We need to make contact with the premiere information broker in Berlin.

We need to talk to Alice.		 Pour ça? Non.

Quand bien même Herr Burakgazi est très compétent, une tâche de cette ampleur lui est hors de portée. Nous devons contacter la première source d'informations de Berlin.

Nous devons parler avec Alice.
{{GM}}Blitz scoffs at Amsel.{{/GM}}]

Alice? Best of luck... and I hope that you're rich.		 {{GM}}Blitz raille Amsel.{{/GM}}]

Alice? Bonne chance... et j'espère que vous êtes riche.
{{GM}}Amsel raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

For this? Rich enough... even if only just.		 {{GM}}Amsel lève un sourcil.{{/GM}}

Pour ça? Je le suis tout juste...
Who is this "Alice"? Qui est cette "Alice"?
A most prominent figure in Berlin's shadow community. Ex-Schockwellenreiter. She provides information retrieval services for the F-State.

{{GM}}Amsel turns to the computer console behind him and runs his fingers over a virtual keyboard. The machine begins to hum.{{/GM}}

If Winters was right... if Vauclair is still alive... she can help us find him.		 Une des personnes les plus importante dans la communauté des ombres de Berlin. Ex-Schockwellenreiter. Elle fournit un service de récupération d'informations pour le F-State.

{{GM}}Amsel tourne l'écran de l'ordinateur face à lui et fait courir ses doigts sur le clavier virtuel. La machine commence à bourdonner.{{/GM}}

Si Winters a raison... si Vauclair est toujours en vie... alors elle pourra nous aider à le retrouver.
{{GM}}The console spits out a stick of black plastic. Amsel plucks it from the computer and hands it to you.{{/GM}}

Here. Your key to speak with Alice.		 {{GM}}La console crache un clé en plastique noire. Amsel la retire de l'ordinateur et vous la tend.{{/GM}}

Ici. Votre chance de parler avec Alice.
A credstick? Un créditube?
{{GM}}Amsel nods.{{/GM}}

An encoded credstick, yes. 10,000 nuyen. Alice will not show her face for less.

This represents the last of my personal savings, $(l.name). Make this meeting count.		 {{GM}}Amsel asquiese.{{/GM}}

Un créditube crypté, oui. 10,000 nuyen. Alice ne se montrera pas pour moi que ça.

Ca représente le reste de mes économies, $(l.name). Fais le durer.
Where do I need to go? Ou est-ce-que je dois aller?
10,000 nuyen? Just to talk to her? 10,000 nuyen? Juste pour lui parler?
Sounds like a fair trade to me. I'll take care of it. Ca semble être un bon plan. Je vais m'en charger.
Take the U-Bahn to the Altstadt Spandau. There you will find a connecting tube that the locals refer to as the "Rabbit Hole."

You will find a method of contacting Alice there.		 Prends le U-Bahn pour Altstadt Spandau. Tu y trouveras un tube de liaison que les habitants appellent la "Rabbit Hole" - Le terrier du lapin

Tu y trouveras un moyen pour contacter Alice là-bas.
Don't call it that in front of her, though. Word on the street is that she hates it. Par contre, ne jamais l'appeler comme ça. Selon la rumeur, elle détesterait ça.
Please hurry. While you're out, I will work on acquiring new contracts for the team.

Alice is the best there is at what she does, and her services carry a price tag to match.		 Dépêchez-vous. Pendant que vous serez parti, je m'occuperai de trouver de nouveaux contrats pour l'équipe.

Alice est la meilleure dans ce qu'elle fait, mais ses services sont aussi les plus chers.
{{GM}}Amsel nods.{{/GM}}

Her standard fee. Alice is in a position to ask it, and we're in no position to argue.		 {{GM}}Amsel hoche la tête.{{/GM}}

Son prix standard. Alice est en position de force, et nous n'avons aucun moyen de négocier.
Just like I said. Why doesn't anyone listen to me? C'est ce que je disais. Pourquoi personne m'écoute?
Good $(l.man). Take the U-Bahn to the Altstadt Spandau. There you will find a connecting tube that the locals refer to as the "Rabbit Hole."

You will find a method of contacting Alice there.		 Bien $(l.man). Prends le U-Bahn pour Altstadt Spandau. Tu y trouveras un tube de liaison que les habitants appellent la "Rabbit Hole" - Le terrier du lapin

Tu y trouveras un moyen pour contacter Alice là-bas.
Alice? Alice?
For a task of this magnitude, we need to make contact with the premeire information broker in Berlin.

We need to talk to Alice.		 Pour une tâche de cette ampleur, nous devons contacter la première source d'informations de Berlin.

Nous devons parler avec Alice.
Great plan, fearless leader. I take back everything I said earlier... you're a strategic genius. Un plan génial, Oh chef sans peur. Je retire tout ce que j'ai pu dire tantôt. Tu es un génie de la stratégie.
Eiger. Not now.

{{GM}}Amsel's voice sounds impossibly weary.{{/GM}}

$(l.name)... dragon or no, heading back to Harfeld would be a bad idea. You barely made it out alive the last time you were there.		 Eiger. Pas maintenant.

{{GM}}La voix d'Amsel sonne incroyablement lasse.{{/GM}}

$(l.name)... dragon ou pas, Foncer tête baissée au manoir Harfeld serait une mauvaise idée. Vous vous en êtes sortie de justesse la dernière fois.
What we need is information. I think that we should pick up where Winters left off.

We need to find Vauclair.		 Ce dont nous avons besoin, c'est des informations. Je pense que nous devrions reprendre là où Winters s'est arrêté.

Nous devons retrouver Vauclair.
And how are you planning to do that? Winters spent twenty years searching for him, and it got him nowhere. Et comment allons nous nous y prendre? Winters a passé vingt ans à le charcher, et il ne l'a trouvé nulle part.
Wait a second. We don't know for certain... Attendez une seconde. Nous ne savons pas avec certitude...
It seems that Amsel has assembled the team in your absence. They stand in a group around the old display that you had Maliit deliver; on their faces you can see excitement and apprehension, curiosity and dread. Il semblerait qu'Amsel ait réuni l'équipe en votre absence. Ils se tiennent regroupés debout autour de l'ancien écran que Maliit a livré; sur leurs visages vous pouvez voir un mélange d'excitation et d'appréhension, de curiosité et de crainte.
$(l.name). Have you procured a DVD reader? $(l.name). Tu as trouvé un lecteur DVD?
{{GM}}Hand Amsel the DVD Player.{{/GM}} I have, it's right here. {{GM}}Tendre à Amsel le lecteur DVD.{{/GM}} Je l'ai, tenez.
No, not yet. Non, pas encore.
Good. This should only take me a moment.

{{GM}}Amsel disappears behind the ancient display. After a few minutes of fiddling with its battered inputs, he reappears, a satisfied look on his face.{{/GM}}

Everything appears to be functional. The disc should be ready to play.		 Parfait. Ca ne devrait prendre qu'un petit instant.

{{GM}}Amsel disparaît derrière l'ancien moniteur. Après quelques minutes à se battre avec la connectique, il réapparait, une expression de satisfaction illumine son visage.{{/GM}}

Tout semble fonctionner. Le disque devrait être prêt à démarrer.
Well, don't keep us in suspense. Start the damned thing already. Et bien, ne fait pas durer le suspense. Démarres cette satané machine.
$(l.name) went to the trouble of fetching everything. Let $(l.him) do the honors. $(l.name) s'est démené pour trouver tous ce matériel. Accordons lui cet honneur.
Amsel steps back, clearing a path for you to access the antique machine. Amsel recule, vous dégageant la voix vers cet antique appareil.
In that case, please hurry. Dans ce cas, s'il te plait, dépêches toi
News travels fast, $(l.name).

It seems a small group of well-armed assailants entered Das Kesselhaus hotel earlier today and "cleaned house", so to speak. 		Les nouvelles vont vites, $(l.name).

Il semblerait qu'un petit groupe d'assaillants bien armés est entré dans l'hôtel Das Kesselhaus plus tôt aujourd'hui et ils ont *tout nettoyé*, pour ainsi dire.
If you believe the tale, the controlling gang was eliminated down to the last man, then the assailants strolled calmly out the front door. Leaving a rather interesting power vacuum for the residents of Drogenkippe in their wake. Si vous écoutez les rumeurs, le gang controllant l'endroit a été exterminé, et les assaillants sont ressortis tranquillement par la grande porte. Laissant derrière eux un vide dans les pouvoirs en place, plutôt intéressant pour les résidents de Drogenkippe.
{{GM}}Amsel fixes you with a hard stare.{{/GM}}

You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?		 {{GM}}Amsel vous fixe d'un regard appuyé.{{/GM}}

Tu n'as rien à me dire à propos de tout ça, par hasard?
They were in my way. Ils étaient sur mon chemin.
It was unfortunate, but I didn't have a choice. I had to get through them to find Green Winters. C'est malheureux, mais je n'ai pas eu le choix. J'ai du passer par eux pour atteindre Green Winters.
Gang? What gang? Un gang? Quel gang?
{{CC}}Etiquette: Academic{{/CC}} They had it coming. If our actions altered the balance of power in Drogenkippe, it was simply an example of the Flux in action. {{CC}}Etiquette: Académie{{/CC}} Ils l'ont bien cherché. Si nos actions ont modifié l'équilibre des force dans Drogenkippe, c'est tout simplement un exemple du Flux en action.
Yes, I had guessed as much.

I would recommend subtlety where possible, $(l.freund). Mass bloodshed is not always the best means to an end.		 Oui, Ca, je l'avais deviné.

Je voudrais te recommander la subtilité lorsque c'est possible, $(l.freund). Les effusions massives de sang ne sont pas toujours la meilleure méthode pour parvenir à ses fins.
But enough of this. We have more pressing matters to discuss. Mais assez parlé de tout ça. Nous avons des questions plus urgentes à voir.
Well. Perhaps there was no other way. I applaud your dedication to completing the mission.

But I would recommend subtlety where possible. Mass bloodshed is not always the best means to an end.		 Bien. Peut-être qu'il n'y avait pas d'autre solution. Je salue ton dévouement à remplir la mission... jusqu'au bout.

Mais, je voudrais te recommander la subtilité lorsque c'est possible. Les effusions massives de sang ne sont pas toujours la meilleure méthode pour parvenir à ses fins.
Yes, "what gang" indeed.

I would recommend subtlety where possible, $(l.freund). Mass bloodshed is not always the best means to an end.		 Oui, "quel gang", en effet.

Mais, je voudrais te recommander la subtilité lorsque c'est possible, $(l.freund). Les effusions massives de sang ne sont pas toujours la meilleure méthode pour parvenir à ses fins.
An interesting theory. The Flux does seek to depose those who overstep the bounds of their power, it is true.

But I am not convinced that the elimination of an entire gang was the *only* way in which a more egalitarian state of affairs could be reached. 		Un théorie intéressante. Le Flux renverse ceux qui outrepasse les limites de leur pouvoir, c'est vrai.

Mais je ne suis pas convaincu que l'élimination de tout un gang était *la* solution la plus égalitaire pour mener nos affaires.
Nor am I convinced that this will be an improvement for the people of Drogenkippe. Only time will tell. Moi je suis convaincu qu'il s'agit d'une amélioration pour les gens de Drogenkippe. Enfin, seul le temps nous le dira.
{{GM}}Amsel's expression is harder than you've seen it before. When he speaks, his voice is grim.{{/GM}}

Eiger has told me of Green Winters' death. She said that he died in the same manner that Monika did.		 {{GM}}L'expression d'Amsel se fait plus sombre. Lorsqu'il prend le parole, sa voix est rauque.{{/GM}}

Eiger m'a dit à propos de la mort de Green Winters. Elle m'a dit qu'il était mort de la même manière que Monika.
I've seen worse. J'ai déjà vu pire.
She shouldn't have done that. Speaking for the team is my job, not hers. Elle n'aurait pas du en parler. C'est moi qui parle au nom de l'équipe, pas elle.
It wasn't a pretty sight. Ce n'était pas beau à voir.
{{GM}}Amsel pauses, then gives you a small nod.{{/GM}}

From some of the stories that Monika told me, I don't doubt it.

All the same, Eiger was badly shaken by the sight of Winters' corpse. She tried to hide it, but I could tell.		 {{GM}}Amsel fait une pause, puis vous fait un clin d'oeil.{{/GM}}

Vu les histoires que m'a raconté Monika, je n'en doute pas.

En tout cas, Eiger a été fortement ébranlée par le cadavre de Winters. Elle a essayé de le caché, mais j'en suis certain.
Do not be too hard on her.

The sight of Winters' body has shaken her to a considerable extent.		 Ne sois pas trop dur avec elle.

La vue du corps de Winters l'a gravement bouleversé.
She also mentioned that you found something in Winters' safe... a package full of very old discs.

May I see them?		 Elle a aussi mentionné que vous aviez découvert quelque chose dans le coffre-fort de Winters... une collection de vieux disques.

Je pourrais les voir?
{{GM}}Hand over the discs.{{/GM}} Of course. {{GM}}Lui tendre les disques.{{/GM}} Bien sur.
Good God.

{{GM}}Gingerly, Amsel lifts a disc from the bundle and holds it up to the light. Slowly, he begins to turn it in his hand, causing rainbow patterns to shimmer across its surface.{{/GM}}

I haven't seen one of these since I was a boy.		 Bon sang.

{{GM}}Avec précaution, Amsel retire un disque de son boitier et le tient à la lumière. Lentement, il commence à le faire tourner dans sa main, provoquant des motifs d'arc en ciel sur sa surface.{{/GM}}

La dernière fois que j'en ai vu un, j'étais un gamin.
This is a DVD/RW... a data storage medium from the mid-2000's.

I'm amazed that Winters was able to find a device that could play it.		 C'est un DVD/RW... un moyen de sauvegarde des données du milieu des années 2000.

Je suis étonné que Winters ait été en mesure de trouver un dispositif permettant de le lire.
Do you know how we can read these things? Savez-vous comment faire pour lire ces trucs?
{{GM}}He puts down the DVD in his hands and quickly inspects the others.{{/GM}}

The first disc that I looked at might be readable. The others are damaged... some severely so.

I have my doubts about them.		 {{GM}}Il repose le DVD qu'il tient en main et inspecte rapidement les suivants.{{/GM}}

Le premier disque semble être exploitable. Les autres sont endommagés... certains trop sévèrement.

J'ai des doutes sur leur fonctionnement.
For now, let's concentrate on the undamaged disc. There is a little shop outside, the "Data Haven."

Talk to the proprietor, Maliit Holyey... she might be able to help. Tell her to put the cost of the device on my account.		 Pour le moment, concentrons nous sur le disque utilisable. Il y a un petit magasin dehors, le "Data Haven".

Demandes à la propriétaire, Maliit Holyey... Elle sera peut être capable de nous aider. Dis lui de mettre le prix de l'équipement sur mon ardoise.
I'm on it. J'y vais de suite.
Why don't you do it yourself? This might come as a shock, but I'm not your errand boy. Pourquoi ne le faites-vous pas vous-même? Ca va peut-être être un choc pour vous, mais je ne suis pas votre garçon de courses.
Why don't you do it yourself? This might come as a shock, but I'm not your errand girl. Pourquoi ne le faites-vous pas vous-même? Ca va peut-être être un choc pour vous, mais je ne suis pas votre femme à tout faire.
Yes, you are.

I am your fixer. I find you jobs. You carry them out. That is our arrangement.

Now, please. Fetch the damned device.		 Si, tu l'es.

Je suis ton fixer. Je trouve les contrats. Tu les exécutes. C'est notre arrangement.

Maintenant, s'il te plait. Va chercher de putain d'appareil.
{{GM}}Amsel nods gravely.{{/GM}}

I know that you and Eiger have had your differences. I will tell you that she was badly shaken by the sight of Winters' body.		 {{GM}}Amsel hoche la tête gravement.{{/GM}}

Je sais que Eiger et toi avez vos différents. Je voudrais te dire qu'elle été fortement ébranlée par la vue du corps de Winters.
Inferno
It looks melted. The cargo container is empty.
The forklift's tires are flat. Looks like it hasn't been used in years.
Chemical storage barrels. A light jostle shows that they're completely empty.
The engine's still warm. Colors on the tail clearly mark it as Rammbock property.
Pestilence
THE ENGINEER
Schattennest. The kiez next door to the Kreuzbasar, and an object lesson in anarchy gone wrong. Violent gangs rule the streets here, trading territory to the roar of gunfire. The streets are a warzone.

As dangerous as Schattennest already is, it could be worse. The gangs are vicious, but disorganized - they pose little risk to their neighbors. With little more than a makeshift barricade and a few volunteers, the Kreuzbasar has successfully insulated itself from the chaos of its neighboring kiez.

The Engineer could change all of that. He has to be stopped, and the F-State as a whole needs to be alerted to what his clients are trying to do. It's up to you and Eiger to make sure that happens.
Rammbock gang up ahead. Maybe there's a way around?
In there! That's our man!
We'll want to stand back a bit.
Best not get too close to those guys...
New Actor
The Engineer
Power Working
New Civilian
Man
Rammbock Ganger
Rammbock Enforcer
Rammbock Conjurer
Rammbock Mage
Rammbock Lieutenant
Kiez Enforcer
Kiez Gatekeeper
Computer
Worried Elf
Lady
Use the Cyberware Deactivator on the Engineer
The Engineer Must Survive
Clear the Area of Rammbock Gangers
Interrogate the Engineer
Eiger Must Survive
You died.
Eiger died.
Do Not Let the Engineer Escape
Locate the Engineer
Return to the Kreuzbasar
You didn't bring the cyberware deactivator.
Must bring Eiger. Must bring the Cyberware Deactivator.
>>MCPOS Building Maintenance Software v. 1.01
>>Command Line Interface

--INTERNAL MEMORY CHECKSUM INVALID--

$(l.name) * $(l.name) * $(l.name) * $(l.name) * $(l.name) 		>>MCPOS Logiciel de Maintenance version 1.01
>>Interface en ligne de commande activée

--DEFAILLANCE DE LA MEMOIRE INTERNE--

$(l.name) * $(l.name) * $(l.name) * $(l.name) * $(l.name)
This terminal's printing your name out over and over again, $(l.name)... you'd better get over here. Ce terminal affiche ton nom, encore et encore, $(l.name)... Tu ferais mieux de venir jeter un œil.
It's still just printing your name, $(l.name). Maybe Monika did something to the system before... Il ne fait qu'afficher ton nom, $(l.name). Peut-être que Monika a piraté le système avant de...
Well, you'd better have a look. Okay, tu ferais mieux de venir jeter un œil.
Hello, my friend!

{{GM}}The voice that comes from the man in the chair is as enormous as its owner: a deep, booming roar, dripping with unrestrained mirth.{{/GM}}

A fine day for a soykaf, yes?
Yes, it certainly is a beaut-
Every day is a fine da-
I've gotta run.
{{GM}}From the back of the store, the voice of the shopkeep cuts you off.{{/GM}}

Don't mind the fool in the chair. He roars like a traumatized walrus, stewing all day in his own sweat.

{{GM}}The man behind the bar glares at Goldschmidt, his upper lip curled in disgust.{{/GM}}

I tolerate him only because he takes his soykaf by the bucket.
{{GM}}Goldschmidt responds with a raucus belly laugh; apparently he finds the shopkeeper's insults to be hilarious.{{/GM}}

Ah, Altuğ, $(l.freund). You are as quick-witted and sharp-tongued as ever. I bow to you.
If you wouldn't mi-
Are you going to pu-
I'm out of here.
{{GM}}Once again, the shopkeep cuts in.{{/GM}}

To bow to me, you would first have to vacate your chair.

{{GM}}The shopkeep claps his hands together, clasping them in front of his chest.{{/GM}}

I shall summon a team of determined young men and an ox to assist with the task. With luck, you will be on your feet by nightfall.
{{GM}}Goldschmidt smiles up at you, his small eyes glittering.{{/GM}}

Enough of this senseless bickering. You have approached me for a reason, yes?

Tell me: what can Jan Goldschmidt do for you?
Something bad is going to happen if he doesn't stop interrupting me.
Why did you put up with those insults? Don't you have any pride?
Nothing. I'm done with this.
Oh, don't mind our dear Altuğ. Yes, he is a peevish man, but his ire was not directed at you.

{{GM}}Goldschmidt grins up at you from his overstuffed chair.{{/GM}}

I have the distinction of being the sole target of Altuğ's rage and derision. It is a badge that I delight in wearing.
I put up with them because they amuse me. The fact that they amuse me infuriates my dear friend Altuğ, who in turn hurls more insults.

{{GM}}Goldschmidt raises his soykaf cup in salute.{{/GM}}

And thus, the cycle continues. It is two years now that I've been your customer, yes, Altuğ?
Two years of soykaf and strained patience, yes.
And I remain happy, and Altuğ makes money. An ideal business relationship.
That all sounds perfectly healthy. Take care, Jan.
{{GM}}Goldschmidt gives you a deep nod, his jowls quivering.{{/GM}}

Until next time, my friend!
{{GM}}Blitz glances up from a jumble of wires and electronics, a preoccupied look on his face.{{/GM}}

Can't really chat right now, chief. I've still gotta gear up for the hit on Vauclair.
I thought this might be a good time to take care of that "Meat Grinder" problem.
I won't keep you from it. Get ready, and I'll see you at the van.
Two weeks ago would've been a good time to handle that. But now? No.

Vauclair's guardian AI just went down. Call me crazy, but I think that he's gonna notice. We need to act now, before he hires more goons to fill the gap.
{{GM}}He fumbles with a spool of datajack cable, then stuffs it into his jacket pocket.{{/GM}}

As for me, I'll just have to hope that Meat Grinder's bark is worse than his bite.

It isn't, by the way. When he finds me, he's going to harvest my thumbs.
Thankfully, I probably won't live through the night anyway. I'll die with the rest of you, down in the belly of some dank-ass castle.

{{GM}}Blitz glances up at you again and twiddles his fingers.{{/GM}}

If Grinder wants my digits, he'll have to cut them from my bullet-riddled corpse.
That's the spirit, Blitz. I'll meet you at the van.
Yeah. Sure thing, chief.
Look, $(l.name). I don't wanna be antisocial, but I've got bags to pack, and better things to do than stand around talkin' to you.

{{GM}}He scoops up a handful of simsense chips off of his desk and stuffs them into an oversized pocket.{{/GM}}

So, if you don't mind...
I'll leave you to it, then.
I've reconsidered, Blitz. If it's really that important to you, I'll go with you on the bank job.
Hey, sounds great.

{{GM}}He stuffs another handful of chips into his pocket, more forcefully this time.{{/GM}}

And don't worry... I'll be gone by the time you're back from your next run.
You sure about that, chief? You sounded pretty uninterested in helping out last time.

Frankly, I'm not even sure that I want your help anymore.
Well, in that case, keep packing.
Yeah, I'm sure. You're a member of this team. It isn't right for me to leave you to twist like this.
{{GM}}He rolls his eyes.{{/GM}}

Yeah, I will. And don't worry... I'll be gone by the time you're back from your next run.
{{GM}}Blitz's eyes widen when he sees the drone that you're carrying. He looks anxious.{{/GM}}

Oh, uh, hey, chief... how's it going?
I found this drone in that hotel vault. Does it belong to you?
You know what? You can have your drone back now. Here you go.
Um. Yeah, chief. That's mine.

I didn't want to say anything at the time, since it was my idea to have you loot the vault in the first place.
What was it doing in there?
Would have saved me some running around if you had come clean.
It's my personal drone. Good to have something to hide behind when you're on a solo decking run, y'know?

Luster took it from me when she seized control of the Schwarze Herzen. I'd been hoping to get it back ever since.
I've gotta say, chief... it hurt me to see her all banged up to hell like she was. Looked like Luster had a few of her goons take turns on my baby with a baseball bat.

But it looks like you've got her up and running again. How'd you manage that?
Maliit fixed your drone. She says that it won't listen to anyone but you, though.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} I'm pretty good with a wrench. But the damn thing won't obey my commands.
Score. So, uh... can I have it back?
Sure. It's no use to me, anyway.
Nah, I think I'll hold on to it.
Yeah, I wrote a custom stack for her. I'm the only one she'll listen to.

So, uh... can I have her back?
I, uh, forgot about it.

Honestly, chief, I'm just glad to see her up and running again. How'd you pull that off, by the way?
{{GM}}Blitz looks up at your approach. The table beside him is littered with cigarette butts, and a datajack cable dangles from a portable terminal set up by his side.{{/GM}}

Heyya, chief. You need somethin'?
Just checking in. You doing all right?
I need to find someone who can read this data that we lifted on the Aztechnology run. Any thoughts?
Now that you're all settled in, I've got some questions for you.
Have you ever heard of an organization called "The Lodge"?
Any thoughts about that last run that you'd like to share?
Catch you later, Blitz.
{{GM}}His smile widens.{{/GM}}

Great, chief. I'm doin' just great.
It's real nice to be able to wind down and relax for a change. No more worrying about *this ganger* or *that ganger* sneakin' behind me and slippin' a knife between my ribs.

{{GM}}He slaps the table with a grin.{{/GM}}

It's a good change, chief, I've gotta say.
No one is ever really safe... not when gangs are involved. Don't let your guard down.
Good. Then you can focus on getting our current job done.
Glad to hear it. We're happy to have you on the team.
{{GM}}His smile widens, and he taps his chest. You can see the outline of a machine pistol through the leather of his jacket.{{/GM}}

You underestimate me, chief. I *never* let my guard down. Not even here.
$(l.name). C'mon.

{{GM}}He gestures at himself with a flourish.{{/GM}}

Blitz is always *one hundred percent* focused.
'Course you are.

{{GM}}He gestures at himself with a flourish.{{/GM}}

What's not to be happy about?
No, chief... sorry. I'm new here, remember?

My advice is to treat it like any other paydata. Just throw it up on Shadowland and go for a quick sale... that's what I'd do.

We've got bigger things to worry about than hunting around for a linguist.
{{GM}}Blitz glances wistfully back at the terminal on the table, then turns back with a sigh of resignation.{{/GM}}

I suppose. But try to keep it short, okay, chief? I've got things to do.
How long were you in Drogenkippe?
You were a member of a drug gang. Why should I trust you?
I suppose that it can wait. I'll let you get back to what you were doing.
I ended up there after the anarchist revolution of '39. I was just a kid back then... too young to realize how good I was. How much money I could've made working the shadows.

{{GM}}He shakes his head, a wistful expression on his face.{{/GM}}

And so, bein' young and dumb, I fell in with the gang crowd. And that was that.
Why wouldn't you, chief? I mean... just look at me!

{{GM}}He does his best to give you a winning smile.{{/GM}}

I'm a trustworthy guy.
Prove it. Tell me about the gang that you ran with.
Forget it. Just go back to doing what you were doing.
Well, I don't know all that much, chief... I wasn't a member of gang leadership or anything.

I'm not really sure why you care, either.
Consider it a test. I need to know where your loyalties lie.
It doesn't matter why I care. Just tell me.
On second thought, I don't. I'll leave you be.
{{GM}}He rolls his eyes.{{/GM}}

If that's what it'll take for you to trust me, fine.

Anything for you, chief.
Well. Where to begin?

When I first arrived at Drogenkippe, I spent some time taking in the lay of the land. The Schwarze Herzen were still a pretty small gang, strictly street-level, but I could see they were going places.
I did a little pro bono decking for their leader, a fat little dwarf named Dieter.

Soon enough, I was a part of the family.
For a drug gang, the Schwarze Herzen were decent enough folks. I made a lot of money with them... helped them take the hotel in the first place. We had a lot of good years there.

Then Dieter was killed in a firefight, and our happy little family fell apart.
Was that when the hotel got attacked?
I'm sorry to hear that.
{{GM}}Blitz takes a deep breath. Shifts his weight from one foot to another.{{/GM}}

Not exactly.
The Schwarze Herzen maintained their hold on Drogenkippe, but the change of leadership was bad news for me.

After Dieter kicked the bucket, his second in command took over. She was a real piece of work... called herself "Leoni Luster." She had a vicious streak a mile long, and she was none too fond of me.
I can't imagine why not.
Did she turn on you?
I know! What's not to like?

Maybe she felt threatened by my friendship with Dieter, back before he ate that bullet.

Or maybe she was just jealous of my rugged good looks. Who the hell knows?
The point is, she went after me. Vigorously.

Within twenty-four hours of Dieter's death, I had a price on my head. And then the hotel got taken over.
So that's what you need to know about the Schwarze Herzen.

They were a great gang. A powerful gang. I helped to make 'em that way.

Then they had a management turnover, and everything went to hell.
{{GM}}Blitz rocks back on his feet, his hands in his pockets.{{/GM}}

That's it. End of story. Anything else you wanna talk about?
{{CC}}Intelligence: 2{{/CC}} Wait a second. That isn't "it." There are some pretty big holes in that story.
Nothing else, I'm satisfied. I'll let you get back to... whatever it was you were doing.
C'mon, chief. This is all ancient history... wouldn't you rather talk about the future? The runs we're gonna go on, all the money we're gonna make...
Blitz. Tell me what happened between Luster putting the price on your head and the hotel getting attacked.
All right, chief. Fine. If that's what it'll take to make you happy.
So I was in a bind, right? The members of the Schwarze Herzen who were loyal to Luster were all out for my blood, and none of the others were gonna stick their necks out for me.
The advantage of bein' a ganger is protection in numbers. When those numbers turn against you, you've gotta get creative if you wanna stay alive.
What did you do?
{{GM}}Blitz taps the plastic of his datajack.{{/GM}}

What I had to. Luster had declared war on me, so I retaliated. And I won.

All without ever firing a shot.
That's not an answer.
{{GM}}Blitz sighs.{{/GM}}

You won't be satisfied until I spell it out, will you?

Okay. Fine. I hacked into Luster's computer and sent all of her information to a rival organization. Remember Frank, from the hotel? He was my liaison.
They hit the Schwarze Herzen, and they hit 'em hard. Then they took the hotel.

And, uh... then they took me.

I'll admit that the plan backfired a little.
Served you right for ratting out your own gang. You're a traitor, Blitz.
You did what you had to do. In your place, I'd probably have done the same.
Whoa, whoa. Back down, chief. Remember, *they* betrayed *me* first.

I did the only thing I *could* do to keep myself alive.
Yeah. Just keep telling yourself that.
Doesn't matter what they did. What you did was still wrong.
I don't like what you did, but I guess that I can understand why you did it.
If you're going to be like that, I'd just as soon go back to my terminal.

{{GM}}He waves his hand in a dismissive gesture.{{/GM}}

Get lost, chief. I've got things to do.
{{GM}}Blitz lets out a sigh of relief.{{/GM}}

Thanks, chief. I knew you'd understand.
Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get back to what I was doing.

{{GM}}He gives you a lazy salute.{{/GM}}

We'll talk later, I'm sure. And chief... I'm glad to be a member of the team.
Immediately. I don't know why... maybe she felt threatened by my friendship with Dieter, back before he ate that bullet.

Or maybe she was just jealous of my rugged good looks. Who the hell knows?
{{GM}}He holds up his hand.{{/GM}}

Save your sympathy. Dieter didn't mean drek to me... he, and the rest of the gang, were a convenient revenue stream.

Considering what went down next, I wish I'd never met the little butterball.
After Dieter kicked the bucket, his second in command took over. She was a real piece of work... called herself "Leoni Luster." She had a vicious streak a mile long, and she was none too fond of me.
Good call.

{{GM}}He turns back to his terminal.{{/GM}}

Take care, chief.
Gladly.

{{GM}}He turns back to his terminal.{{/GM}}

Take care, chief.
Thanks.

{{GM}}He turns back to his terminal.{{/GM}}

Take care, chief.
Think I've heard something about a capital "L" *Lodge,* yeah... there was some chatter on a BBS that I used to hang out at a few years ago.

{{GM}}His brow furrows in concentration.{{/GM}}

It's a magic thing, I think. Sort of a bogeyman for conspiracy theorists.
Interesting. Do you know anything else?
Not really, no. Conspiracy theories aren't really my thing... I prefer to keep my eyes on what's ahead of me.

Besides, most of that stuff is bull anyway. On the whole, people are too disorganized and selfish to make a global conspiracy work.
Anyway, that's all I know.

{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

I don't think it's anything to worry about. Besides, with the whole "dragon" thing, we've got enough on our plates already.
Um. Well, chief... I wasn't around for most of it.

But you got me out of that hotel, and for that, you've got my eternal thanks.
That building had some *incredible* toys in it. Those were fun to see.

I'm not saying that I approve of how they were used, mind you. But there was some pretty wiz stuff in there, all the same.
Well, anyway. We did the job, and Thorvald's dead. But I kinda wish that you'd held off for a bit.

At the very least, we could've milked some nuyen out of him before putting him down.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Oh well. C'est la vie.
I'm glad that we got our hands on the Pain Inducer... that thing is amazing. I just wish that we didn't have to kill those company guys to get it. And letting Thorvald go... I'm not sure that was the right move, chief.

{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Oh well. C'est la vie.
Well, anyway. We did the job, Thorvald's dead, we got paid.

I'm gonna go ahead and call it a win for the good guys.
{{GM}}His eyes light up in excitement.{{/GM}}

The MKVI was an *incredible* piece of engineering, chief. Never seen anything like it before. And the fact that it was rigger-enabled... oh, man. The potential ramifications of this technology are *staggering.*
It's a pity that we had to kill the thing. I mean, yeah, I *get* it... it must've been horrible for the troll that they installed all of that stuff into.

But it was a thing of beauty, all the same.
I'm glad that we handed it over intact. I mean, I feel sorry for the troll that they installed all of that stuff into, and all... but as a feat of cyber-engineering, it was a thing of beauty.

It would've been a pity to destroy it.
I, uh... I never thought I'd set foot in an Aztechnology building.

Looks different in meat-space than it does in the Matrix. I'll say that much.
Truth be told, chief, I found the whole experience kind of nerve-wracking.

I'm glad that we're out of there. And I'm even gladder that the building is a pile of smoldering rubble now.
Never been a big fan of policlubs in general, let alone a bunch of swine like Humanis.

How an idiot like Stahl could attract so many followers is beyond me.
On the plus side, he's dead now! So that's good.

{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

I dunno, boss. If you were hoping for something more profound, I'd talk to one of the others.
I wish that the bastard hadn't gotten away, but oh well. We did what we went there to do.
Nah. Nothin' we haven't already talked about, chief.
{{GM}}Blitz stubs out his cigarette at your approach.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). I was hoping I'd see you.

Do you have another run lined up for us yet? I'm strapped for cash.
Don't worry, we're doing fine on the job front. Amsel's been working overtime.
At a time like this, you're worried about money? What's wrong with you, Blitz?
Why the hell are you strapped for cash? With the amount of work we've been doing, you should be rolling in nuyen.
When I have a run for you, I'll tell you. Until then, don't bug me about it.
Oh, thank God. And thank *you,* chief.

Thank Paul, too, come to think of it.
So, uh... did you have a question for me? Or was this a social call?
Just checking in on you. Money problems aside, you doing okay?
Why are you so strapped for cash? With all the work we've been doing, you should be rolling in nuyen.
I should go. We can talk later.
Not too bad, chief... not bad at all. It's downright cozy in here.
This probably goes without saying, but it's also nice to have my skills appreciated by someone who *isn't* a drug-addled psychopath.

Gang life was gettin' old.
What can I say, chief?

{{GM}}He tries on a thoroughly unconvincing smile, but immediately seems to think better of it. The anxious look returns to his face.{{/GM}}

I have expensive tastes.
How expensive are we talking, here? Even if you had a raging cram habit, I'd think that you'd have at least *some* money left...
I was hoping for a straight answer. You've got a talent for deflection, Blitz.
Um. Expensive.

Truth be told, I'm in debt.
In debt? To who?
{{GM}}He hesitates before responding. When he does, his voice carries an edge of annoyance.{{/GM}}

No offense, but this is getting a little too personal, chief. My debts are none of your business.
If some bookie sends his thugs here looking for you, it's going to *become* my business. So talk. Now.
You come to me begging for work, and then tell me that it's none of my business? No, Blitz. You tell me why you need the money.
I'll be the judge of that.
{{GM}}Blitz shakes his head in exasperation.{{/GM}}

All right. Fine.

First off, you don't need to worry about anyone coming after me. My debts are to a bunch of old contacts. If I don't pay 'em, I'm gonna lose 'em, and in this line of work it isn't smart to burn bridges.
Second? Before you ask, those debts are for services rendered. I was in a tight spot, I needed some help, and I threw around a lot of IOUs to get it.
Third, and finally: the trouble I was in involved a girl.

I'll tell you about it if you ask me to, but we're verging deep into "personal feelings" territory. So if you don't want to hear me sob over my ex-girlfriend, you'll drop the subject now.
So it's up to you, chief. You really wanna go down this road?

Or shall we keep this relationship professional?
You're clearly preoccupied with this. In our line of work, "preoccupied" can get you killed. So spit it out and we'll deal with it.
This *is* a professional relationship. And the last thing I want is to hear about your love life.
Go ahead. Tell me. I'm interested.
{{GM}}Blitz meets your gaze for a moment, then looks away and sighs.{{/GM}}

All right. Where to begin?

I met Emilie in Drogenkippe. She was the first person who was ever more important to me than myself.
I was crazy about her, chief. To this day, she's the only person I've ever met who could out-deck me. And the real kicker is that she wasn't even a decker by trade.

There was nothing she wasn't good at. I like to dabble in rigging, but Emilie... that girl could pick up anything that she set her mind to.
Sounds like a hell of a girl.
You loved her. I get it. Skip to the part where you racked up those debts.
Okay, this was a mistake. I take it back... let's keep this relationship professional.
She was. She just... she made things *right.*

No matter how stupid I was, no matter what I got myself into, she made it right.
I don't think much of many people, chief. Emotional attachments aren't really my thing.

Love seems like a diluted word these days, so I won't waste it on Emilie. Let's just say that she was important to me.
And then I lost her.

I didn't know what was happening... it came out of nowhere. One day, she was just... *gone.*

Along with most of my decking gear.
The only explanation was a hand-written note on old-fashioned paper.

"Leave me alone."

That was it. We'd been together for years, and that was all she left me. That, and this beat-up old cyberdeck.
Naturally, I freaked. We'd had our share of arguments, but we'd never had a huge blowout or anything.

I couldn't think of anything that'd drive her to do a thing like *that.*
Mostly, I felt hurt. So I searched for her, in the real world and in the Matrix. And when that turned up nothing, I started tapping my contacts.

And that was when I started racking up debt.
And so... did you find her?
That answers my question. I don't need to hear any more about your love life.
No. She's gone, $(l.name).

Without a trace.
I looked high, I looked low. I poked into everything I could think of. And my contacts did the same.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

She's gone, chief. At this point, I've accepted that. But I still have to repay those debts.
I'm surprised that you've given up so easily. There must be *someplace* you haven't looked.
I feel for you, man. But you're right... best to leave the past in the past. Pay your debts and move on.
{{GM}}He blinks.{{/GM}}

I dunno, $(l.name)... I really *did* look everywhere, and at great personal cost...
If she means that much to you, you owe it to yourself to try.
Yeah... yeah, you might be right.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

*Fuck.* I'd thought I was *done* with this. But you're right... without some kind of closure, I'm never going to be at peace with this.
Thanks for the talk, chief. I'll let you know how it goes.
You do that, Blitz. Good luck.
Please don't. Non merci.
Yeah... you're right. Of course.

Thanks for the talk, chief.
All right, chief. Sure.

So I'm sure that you've already seen this coming, but I lost her. One day, she just disappeared.

Along with most of my decking gear.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Can't say I didn't warn you. Now do me a favor and get out of here, okay?

Let me smoke in peace.
Well, the last thing *I* want is to talk about it, so we're even.

{{GM}}He offers you a lopsided grin.{{/GM}}

Now do me a favor and get out of here, okay? Let me smoke in peace.
And you're annoyingly persistent.

If you *must* know, I'm in debt. *That's* where all the money's going.
So. Um.

Anything else you wanna talk about?
Think I've heard something about a capital-L *Lodge,* yeah... there was some chatter on a BBS that I used to hang out at a few years ago.

{{GM}}His brow furrows in concentration.{{/GM}}

It's a magic thing, I think. Sort of a bogeyman for conspiracy theorists.
Well, anyway. We did the job, Thorvald's dead. But I kinda wish that you'd held off for a bit.

At the very least, we could've milked some nuyen out of him before putting him down.
I'm glad that we handed it over intact. I mean, I feel sorry for the troll that they installed all of that stuff into, and all... but as a feat of cyber-engineering, it was a thing of beauty. It would've been a pity to destroy it.
{{GM}}He looks crestfallen.{{/GM}}

Okay. Yeah... okay. Just, uh... try to be quick about it, okay?
One look at Blitz's face is enough to tell you that something is gnawing at him. He stands beside his table, playing with a coffee spoon.
Hoi, $(l.name).

Whatcha need?
What's going on, Blitz?
Um. Well, chief... I hate to admit it, but I might be in a little bit of trouble here.
What sort of trouble?
You don't say.
Well, you remember those creditors I told you about? The ones who loaned me all of that money?

Yeah, well... as it turns out, some of 'em are a little less forgiving than I thought they were.
Keep talking.
Well. Um. One in particular seems to have taken things kind of personally.
How personally are we talking, here?
Get to the point, man. Are you in danger?
I, uh... I got a package in the mail. It had somebody's thumbs in it.
Thumbs?
Yeah. Thumbs. They came in a cigar box, packed in salt. I have no idea who they belonged to.

I, uh... I'm pretty sure that they're meant to convey some sort of message.
I think that's a pretty safe bet.
Really? You think so?
I don't wanna lose my thumbs, chief. I *like* my thumbs.

I think that I need to pay this guy back.
Luckily, I've got a *plan.* I know how to get myself out of hot water with Meat Grinder - I've got it all specced out.
Lemme get this straight. You took a loan from somebody named "Meat Grinder"?
All right. Lay it on me.
Hey. Chief. C'mon. I feel bad enough about this already, there's no need to rub it in.
Anyway, like I was *saying,* I can make it all right again. But I'll need your help to do it.
I'm listening. J'écoute.
Well, there's this group out in Drogenkippe... they call themselves "The Landenberg Ring." They're a financial crime organization, and there's a lot of bad blood between them and Meat Grinder's operation.
Anyway, back when I was running with the Schwarze Herzen, I laid out the groundwork for a hit on the Landberg Ring. I was never able to make good on it, though... for some reason, none of the other gangers ever volunteered to help out.

With your help, I could steal enough money from them to cover my debt, and get myself back into Meat Grinder's good graces in the process.
So whaddaya think? A quick run, just you and me, with me in the Matrix and you as my $(l.man) on the ground. We hit them, satisfy my debt, and laugh about it on our way back home. Sound like a plan?
I might be interested... depending on my cut of the profits, that is.
All right, Blitz. But in the future, you need to be more up-front with me about things like this.
No way, Blitz. You got yourself into this; it isn't my job to get you back out of it.
Uh. Chief.

There won't *be* any profits... at least, not for us.

The money that we suck out of that place has to go to Grinder. All of it.
Well, then, you can find yourself another partner. Nothing personal, but I don't stick my neck out unless I'm getting paid.
Oh, c'mon, chief. As if I've never stuck my neck out for you! Hell, that's all I've been doing since I got here, and this is the thanks that I get?
All right, calm down. If this will get Meat Grinder off of your back, I'll help you with it.
No dice. I'm not a charity, and I don't work unless I'm paid. Frankly, it's unprofessional for you to even ask.
All right! Thanks, chief! And yeah, you're right... I do.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some last-minute stuff to take care of before we get started.
No problem, chief! Not a problem at all. You can count on me!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some last-minute stuff to take care of before we get started. Oh, and $(l.name)... thanks.
Null sweat, Blitz. Meet you at the U-Bahn?
Oh, uh, no... not as such, chief. I won't be physically *going* to Drogenkippe... I've seen enough of that place for one lifetime.

I'll be jacking in from a terminal that I set up here in the Kreuzbasar.
Great. Okay, well, I guess that I'll send you a comm when I get there.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. No way. If you want my help, you have to come with me - I'm not risking my neck for you on my own!
Sounds good, chief! Thanks again!
Oh, c'mon, chief. You won't be on your own - I'll be in the Matrix, helping out right alongside you. Besides which, you'll be better off *without* having to look after my meat body - if I came in person, I'd be a liability.

Trust me on this. You want me here, safe and sound, so that you can be free to do your thing without having to worry about my body catching a stray bullet.
All right, Blitz. We'll do it your way. I'll send you a comm when I get to Drogenkippe.
The hell with that. You want a meat shield to soak up bullets in that hellhole while you stay safe at home, you find someone else.
If you won't help me, I'm gonna have to take off, chief. I'm sayin' that for the good of the team, understand... the last thing that any of you need is one of Meat Grinder's goons comin' after me on a run.

But I guess what I'm sayin' is that if you don't help me with this, I'm gone. As in, I'm packing my bags and leaving, and I'm doing it tonight.
Easy there, tiger - slow down. If it means that much to you, I'll give you a hand.
Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
{{GM}}He nods appreciatively.{{/GM}}

Thanks, chief. I knew that I could count on you.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some last-minute stuff to take care of before we get started.
{{GM}}Blitz sighs.{{/GM}}

All right, chief. Best of luck handling the dragon without me.

You're gonna need it.
{{GM}}He nods gravely.{{/GM}}

Yeah. I'm almost certain of it.
Yeah, chief. I mean, kind of. I think so.

{{GM}}He averts his eyes.{{/GM}}

I, uh... I got a package in the mail. It had somebody's thumbs in it.
{{GM}}There is an awkward pause, then Blitz plows on ahead.{{/GM}}

Well, um. You remember those creditors I told you about?

The ones who loaned me all of that money?
Yes...
Not really. I wasn't paying attention.
Yeah, well... as it turns out, some of 'em are a little less forgiving than I thought they were.
Um. Well, that's... that's okay. I'll bring you up to speed.

So there're these guys, right? I owe them a lot of money, and... well, some of them are little upset about it.
Oh, hey, chief! You're back! And you've got the box, right?

{{GM}}He takes an eager step toward you, his hand extended.{{/GM}}

Give it here, if you please.
Not just yet, Blitz. First, we need to have a chat about that whole "Meat Grinder" fiasco.
{{CC}}Mystery Box{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand it to him.{{/GM}} Here's your Mystery Box, Blitz. Enjoy.
Hoi, chief! Thanks again for the help with that little side-run... I really do appreciate it.

{{GM}}He offers you a winning smile, but it falls almost immediately.{{/GM}}

I, uh... I'm a happy guy. Really, I am.
{{CC}}Mystery Box{{/CC}} {{GM}}Give Blitz the box.{{/GM}} All right, Blitz. I guess that you've earned this, whatever it is.
Speaking of which, I'd like to have a word with you about that whole "Meat Grinder" fiasco.
How's the Emilie thing going? Any luck with the search?
I don't need anything, Blitz.
All riiight! Thanks, chief!

{{GM}}Blitz turns the box over and over in his hands, a huge grin on his face.{{/GM}}

Let's plug this puppy in and see what it does!
With a series of deft motions, Blitz pops the plastic cover on an unused expansion slot in his cyberdeck and slides the Mystery Box home. A recessed LED light in the box goes from red to green.

He boots up the deck, staring at the code that scrolls across its integrated display.
Huh. Well, this is weird.

The data hard-coded onto this thing is jam-packed with commlink software. It looks like it has protocols for all of the major brands... sysadmin-level tools, too. And there's something else...
What do you see, Blitz?
{{GM}}Slowly, a smile spreads across his face.{{/GM}}

This thing is like a master key for communications systems. With this thing plugged into my deck, I could hack the commlink of just about anyone in the same room as me.
How is that useful?
{{GM}}He scoffs.{{/GM}}

Use your imagination, chief! Just about every security goon in Berlin is wired to a comm system of some kind or another. If I can hijack those comms, then I can cause all sorts of confusion in the ranks on our runs.

This is one hell of a toy. I can see why Grinder wanted it.
Well. I can't wait to see what you can do with it.
Yeah, chief.

{{GM}}He grins.{{/GM}}

Me neither.
So, is there anything else that you wanted to talk about? Or can I start playing around with this thing?
Yeah! Um, okay... sure, we can talk about it. Do a little post-mortem on the op, that sort of thing.

{{GM}}He tries on a smile.{{/GM}}

For my part, I'd say that it went *great.* I mean, mission accomplished, right? All's well that ends well, and all that...?
That's an interesting way of putting it.
In the future, we're going to let Amsel do the planning for things like this. He's good at it.
If you'd ever wondered why we had Amsel do the planning on our runs, well... now you know.
If we ever do another two-man run together, *I'm* doing the planning. Got that?
Actually, yes. I completely agree with you.
Well, I mean, it wasn't a *complete* disaster.

I mean, we won, right? Nobody's going to cut my thumbs off, and that's what's important.
So, uh, anyway... was there anything in specific that you wanted to go over?

{{GM}}He drums his fingers on the table.{{/GM}}

Go on, I'm all ears.
That software that you found after you took Plotz down. Have you had a chance to play around with it yet?
The vault door. The one that you "forgot" to account for. Was that really an accident?
So, Hasenkamp's dead. That's something, I guess. But don't we still have Grinder to worry about?
So, I think it's fair to say that your debt to Grinder has been settled. Do you have any other debts that I need to worry about?
It sounds like you're in the clear with Hasenkamp. Do you have any other debts that I need to worry about?
All right, Blitz. I'm satisfied. Can we talk about something else?
{{GM}}He nods eagerly.{{/GM}}

Oh, yeah, chief - it's wiz. I mean, like, *really* wiz.

Old Plotz must've been a fair hand at programming, because this didn't come off of any store shelf. Y'know, he was pretty savvy for a dinosaur.
What is it? Qu'est-ce que c'est?
He was, like, forty five. That's way outside of the "dinosaur" age bracket.
It's sort of like a scrambler for IC. It gets into the assembly code of hostile programs and jumbles it around a bit... confuses the hell out of 'em.
Sounds intriguing. I can't wait to hear all about it.
You won't have to. As soon as you bring me along on another run, I'll show you what I can do.

{{GM}}He cracks his knuckles with a smile.{{/GM}}

And believe me, it will be *masterful.*
Yeah, well, whatever. He was old, is what I'm saying. Older than I'd expect.

But *anyway,* this software of his is *neat.*
{{GM}}His mouth drops open.{{/GM}}

'Course it was, chief! I'm shocked that you'd even ask!

What'd you think, that I'd purposefully strand you in a bank vault? I mean, what kind of asshole would I have to be to do that?
The kind who would sell out his own gang.
If that wasn't a part of your plan, then it was an oversight of epic proportions. You can see how that isn't much better, right?
Sorry, Blitz. I had to ask.
Extenuating circumstances, chief. I would *never* do that to you.

{{GM}}He shakes his head from side to side.{{/GM}}

Not unless you forced me to.
All right, Blitz. You say it was an accident, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.
Sorry, but I'm not convinced. Watch yourself, Blitz... I'm gonna keep my eye on you.
*Thank* you.

Now, what else do you want? Go ahead, get it out in the open...better that than letting it fester.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Hey, if you wanna be paranoid, you go ahead and knock yourself out.

Now, is there anything else? Go ahead, get it out in the open... better that than letting it fester.
Oh, come on, chief. Like you've never made a mistake.

Look, you can lambaste me all you like. Aside from that one little detail, the plan was *perfect.* I'm *proud* of my performance in there!
'Sokay, chief. I understand.

Now, is there anything else that you need to know?
Nah, not so much. Remember what Hasenkamp said... he was the one who handled all of Grinder's finances.

It's tough to hang onto a criminal empire when you can't keep your books balanced.
He doesn't need a criminal empire to cut your thumbs off, Blitz. All that he needs is a pair of scissors and a grudge.
It's fine, chief. Don't worry about it... I've got the situation under control.

And I really, really mean it this time.
What are you planning on doing?
All right, Blitz. As long as you don't need my help to do it.
Well, I got that custom software off of Plotz, right?

The next time that Grinder jacks into the Matrix, I'm gonna be there, waiting for him. And I'm gonna use that software to see to it that Grinder never jacks back out again.
I've got it covered, chief. Don't worry, you won't hear peep from me about Grinder ever again.

Now, is there anything else, or can I go about my day?
Don't you worry about Grinder. I can handle him.

Now, is there anything else, or can I go about my day?
Nah, nothing worth mentioning. And I mean it this time!

We've been making good money, and I've paid off everyone else already. You've got nothing more to worry about from me.
{{GM}}There is a pause, then Blitz looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

Oh, and, uh, chief... do you have anything that you want to say to me? Maybe a little something about trusting my word over that of a gangland stooge? That kind of thing?
No, not really.
Yeah, Blitz. I'm sorry that I took Hasenkamp's word over yours.
I wish that I could have trusted you, Blitz. But if you want me to trust you, you need to act a little less sketchy and be a little more open with me.
Well. Gee.

{{GM}}He scowls.{{/GM}}

You just can't give it to me, can you, chief? You can't give me the satisfaction?
Nope. Nope.
All right, Blitz. Calm down. You were right, I was wrong. Is that what you wanted to hear?
Oh, just forget it.

{{GM}}He shakes his head irritably.{{/GM}}

You need something else? Or can I get on with my day?
Yep! Now, was that so hard?

You don't need to answer that, it was a rhetorical question.
That's what I've been waiting to hear, chief. Thank you, and don't worry about it.

Now, was there anything else?
You can't just give this to me, can you?

All right, chief. If that's the way you wanna be, then fine. I'll try to be more "open" and less "sketchy." And *you* start trusting me, and show me a little respect. Deal?
Deal.
We'll see. On verra ça.
Well... good. All right, then.

So, do you want anything else? Or can I get on with my day?
With a series of deft motions, Blitz pop the plastic cover on an unused expansion slot in his cyberdeck and slides the Mystery Box home. A recessed LED light in the box goes from red to green.

He boots up the deck, staring at the code that scrolls across its integrated display.
{{GM}}Slowly, a smile spreads across his face.{{/GM}}

This thing is like a master key for communications systems. With this box plugged into my deck, I could hack the commlink of just about anyone in the same room as me.
Sure, chief. What did you want to talk about?
Yeah... yeah, that's fair. He's had a lot of experience at planning this sort of thing.

{{GM}}He shuffles his feet.{{/GM}}

One advantage of being an old guy, I guess.
Yeah... yeah, that makes sense. He was really great at that, wasn't he? One advantage of being old, I guess... lots of experience.

{{GM}}He shuffles his feet.{{/GM}}

Poor guy.
...Yeah, chief. I got it.

{{GM}}He shuffles his feet.{{/GM}}

Hey, I'm sorry about that "vault door" thing. I'll admit it, that was an oversight on my part.
You do?

{{GM}}His expression brightens somewhat.{{/GM}}

Well, that's a relief. I mean, of course you do!
Yeah, actually.

I've made some headway. For the first time in a year, I've got a solid lead.
I thought I'd looked everywhere. Between my contacts and myself, we scoured all of Em's old haunts, both in meat-space and the Matrix.

But what I never thought to do was dig for clues in my own cyberdeck.
It seems so obvious now, but back then I couldn't see it. I mean, she was running *from* me, right? So why would she leave any breadcrumbs for *me* to find?
Anyway, I did some housekeeping, and I discovered something. On the morning that Emilie disappeared, some information vanished from my cyberdeck as well.

She did a good job of covering her tracks, but I can see the signs. She grabbed the file and ran, end of story.
What kind of data are we talking about?
That's rough.
I'm shocked that you missed that.
No idea, chief. I grabbed it on a lark when me an' Emilie were goofin' around in the Matrix.

The file was encrypted all to hell, and I never could get it open.
I only took the damned thing because she told me not to... she said that security would be too tight, that I'd get myself killed.

But I waltzed on in there and took it, all the same.
You should've seen me, chief... it was a thing of beauty. I don't think I've ever been as much on my A game as I was that day.
Blitz. Where did you take this data *from?*
A corporate database. Y'know. No big deal.
Tell me *which* corporation, Blitz.
Oh, y'know. No one important.

{{GM}}Blitz continues smiling at you for a few seconds, then looks away.{{/GM}}

I, uh... I stole the file from Aztechnology.
{{GM}}A tinge of red crawls into Blitz's cheeks. He shuffles his feet.{{/GM}}

In hindsight, it might not've been the best of ideas.
You think?
You're insane, Blitz.
You don't mess with the Azzies, Blitz. *Everyone* knows that.
Yeah. I guess.

Emilie wasn't too impressed, either. Our only really big fight was over that stupid file.
Anyway. Time passed. Eventually we made up and laughed the whole thing off... or at least, I thought we did.

Truth be told, I forgot all about it until I realized that the data had gone missing.
All right. So the love of your life took your encrypted file and bailed on you. What're you gonna do about it?
You know that you can't let this slide.
My advice? Walk away, Blitz.
I dunno, chief. This whole incident has me rethinking a lot of things.

What if... what if she took the file to protect the Azzies? What if she's with *them?*
I've gotta admit, this has me worried. I'm even more torn up now than I was before.

{{GM}}He meets your gaze, and you can see the concern gnawing at him.{{/GM}}

I don't know what to do. But I'm open to suggestions.
If she hacked your deck, you can't let her get away with it. Your reputation is at stake.
I'm your team leader, not your relationship counselor. Get your head in the game and stop worrying about your ex.
You've got a direction to look in now. If I were you, I'd get back into the Matrix and find her.
Your ex did you a favor. If the Azzies haven't come after you yet, they probably aren't going to. So drop it and move on.
You're right. I've gotta pay her back for that... if this gets out, I'll never live it down.

{{GM}}His face flushes red.{{/GM}}

I can't believe that she did this to me. That everything we shared might've been a lie.
Best of luck. Let me know how it turns out.
I've got to get going. Later.
I will, chief. I will.
Yeah. Later.
My head *is* in the game, chief. Don't you worry about that.

{{GM}}He glowers at you, but only for a moment. His composure cracks, and he heaves a sigh.{{/GM}}

But maybe you're right. I'll try to let it go, to forget it. I just hope that I'm wrong about all of this.
Good. That's settled, then.
Yeah. 'course it is.

{{GM}}Blitz turns away.{{/GM}}

Later.
{{GM}}Blitz turns away.{{/GM}}

Later, chief.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Who am I kidding? You're right... I won't be able to stop thinking about this until I've found her. So I might as well keep trying.

Thanks, chief. You've been a huge help.
Maybe you're right. I'll try to let it go.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

I just hope that I'm wrong about all of this.
Glad we settled that. Let's talk about something else.
Yeah. I know. This whole incident has me rethinking a lot of things.

What if... what if she took the file to protect the Azzies? What if she's with *them?*
That may be true, but I'm also devastatingly charming and intelligent. That has to count for something.
Yeah, you're tellin' me. The worst part of it is that I don't even know what the data she stole *was.*

The file was encrypted all to hell, and I never could get it open.
Yeah, chief. I am, too.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

It's embarassing, I've gotta say.
The worst part of the whole mess is that I don't even know what the data she stole *was.*

The file was encrypted all to hell, and I never could get it open.
{{GM}}Blitz stares past you as he speaks, avoiding eye contact.{{/GM}}

Oh, uh... nothin' much. Doin' fine.

Why do you ask?
Because you don't look fine.
Do you care?
If it has an impact on your job performance, you bet I do.
Chief. Please.

I always operate at a hundred percent. *Especially* when I'm on a run.
Well, anyway. I'm glad that we were able to put those worries about the past behind you.
Um. Actually, chief... I wouldn't say that's true.

To be completely honest, what you just said was totally false.
I, uh... I decided to look into Emilie's disappearance again.

Before you blow a gasket, you should know that I've turned up a clue.
All right. Spill it. What did you find?
Well, uh, I did some housekeeping, and I discovered something.

On the morning that Emilie disappeared, some information vanished from my cyberdeck.
She did a good job of covering her tracks, but I can see the signs.

She grabbed the data and ran, end of story.
Are you still moping about those debts?
No, boss... 'course not. The debts don't mean a thing to me.

{{GM}}He hesitates for a moment, then plows forward.{{/GM}}

The girl that I racked 'em up for, though... she's a different story. I might be in some trouble, chief.
All right. What kind of trouble?
Well, when Emilie left me, she disappeared with a bunch of my decking gear, right?

I just did some housekeeping, and I discovered something. She also hacked my old cyberdeck.
She did a great job of covering her tracks, but I can see the signs. She lifted a file from me before she left.
I'm a little busy right now, chief. Gotta get things ready for the bank job, after all.

Thanks again for helping out with that, by the way... you're a lifesaver!
No problem, Blitz. We'll chat about it after the run.
You bet your ass I am. You owe me, Blitz - and don't you forget it.
Sounds good! Later, $(l.name).
Don't worry. I won't.
{{GM}}At the sound of your approach, Blitz stubs out his cigarette. He gives you a curt nod.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). I'd offer you a smoke, but that was my last one.
How'd that whole "Emilie" situation work out? Turn up anything new?
You still look distracted, Blitz. Let me guess... you didn't take my advice.
I'll talk to you later.
Yeah... well, sort of. It's mostly speculation, truth be told.
So what's the deal? Is she working with the Azzies, or what?
Well, get on with it.
Let's talk about it later.
No... I don't think so. But I do have a new lead.
After our talk, I went wading into all of the Aztechnology Matrix hubs that I could find. Nothing too deep, don't worry... I didn't want to set off any alarm bells. But I had a hunch that if I poked around long enough, I'd find something that might lead me to Emilie.
...And, sure enough, I did.

A message from the genuine article herself.
She messaged you?
Wow. To be honest, I didn't think you'd find anything.
Nicely done.
Sure enough. Sent me a note. Wanna hear what it said?

{{GM}}He presses forward without waiting for a response.{{/GM}}

I'll tell you. The note said, and I quote:
"Lay off, Blitz. I told you to LEAVE ME ALONE.

You've shown admirable self-control over the past year. Please don't give up on it now.

I'll be back when I can. If I can. Until then, keep away from me, for both of our sakes."
So... I found her. And she wants nothing to do with me. Again.

No explanations. No apologies. Just a verbal pat on the head.

I've shown "admirable self-control"? *Really?* She makes it sound like I'm a toddler, or something.
So did you lay off, like the message said?
Hell no! I wasn't gonna stand for that! Where does she get off, stealing from me and then acting like it was *my* fault?

I tried to trace the message, like any good decker would.
And did you succeed?
You're an idiot, Blitz.
I note your use of the word "tried."
No.

She's good, $(l.name). Better than I ever thought she was. I couldn't trace the damned thing.

I *could* keep digging, though. I mean, if she noticed me doing it before, I must've been close.
Now, before you say anything... I was *more discreet* this time. I can be subtle if I have to.

Nobody noticed what I was doing, and I *did* find another clue.
I hesitate to ask.
That's okay. I'll tell you anyway.

I found a connection between Emilie and Saeder-Krupp.
So... do you think that she works for S-K, then? That she stole the encrypted data from you to give to them?
Well... maybe. I don't know. It's confusing.

I was also able to track down some message fragments connecting her to the Schockwellenreiter.
So *maybe* she was a Saeder-Krupp mole. And she got close to me so that she could... I dunno, so she could profit from my decking expertise?

Maybe when she told me not to steal that data, she was using reverse psychology. That's gotta be it... she must've *wanted* me to take it.
{{GM}}He frowns, then shakes his head.{{/GM}}

But then again, maybe she's with the Schockwellenreiter, and she's screwing both the Azzies and S-K over.

If that's the case, then maybe she was with me because she genuinely wanted to be.
He pauses for a moment, considering. Then, all at once, he seems to perk up. His chest puffs out, and he nods once, decisively.
In either case, I should make an effort to find her. I mean, she's playing a dangerous game, whether she's with S-K *or* the Schockwellenreiter.

Maybe she's gotten herself in too deep... she might need help! I mean, why else would she send me such a cryptic message?
I think that you should go after her. She's clearly in over her head... what if she needs you?
Um, Blitz... that message was anything but cryptic. She wants you to stay far, far away.
It's up to you, Blitz. At the end of the day, you're gonna do whatever you want to do anyway.
You're right, of course. You are *absolutely* right.

Besides, it's not like she can send me a distress call. Her communications are probably being monitored!

I'll bet that she's spent the whole past year waiting for me to come riding in to the rescue!
{{GM}}Blitz claps his hands, then rubs them together in excitement.{{/GM}}

Get set, chief. You're about to witness an *event.*

When my *gung-ho personality* and *legendary skills* come together, the whole *world* stops and takes notice!
{{CC}}Decking: 5{{/CC}} I'll give you a hand. If this is as serious as it sounds, you're going to need help.
I'm sure that it does, Blitz. I can't wait to see how this plays out.
On second thought, maybe you shouldn't do this. Emilie's note was pretty specific.
No thanks, chief... I appreciate it, though. This is something that I need to do alone.

Besides which, I'm the best, remember?
I know just the place to hit: that same Aztechnology data node that I stole the information from in the first place.

I already know that I can get past the security, and my gut tells me that I'll find Emilie there.
You won't have to wait long. I know just the place to hit: that same Aztechnology data node that I stole the information from in the first place.

I already know that I can get past the security, and my gut tells me that I'll find Emilie there.
Thanks for the encouragement, chief. I knew that this was the right thing to do, of course, but you've helped to quiet any lingering doubts I might've had.

{{GM}}He nods at you, an expression of supreme confidence on his face.{{/GM}}

And now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a damsel in distress to rescue.
Yeah, that's what she *said*... but I'll bet that she didn't *mean* it. She probably just didn't want to worry me. Or maybe she said it under duress!

I mean, you've gotta agree that it's at least worth checking out.
Blitz. Listen to me. This is a bad idea, and nothing good is going to come from it.
Forget I said anything. You should go after her. I'm sure that she needs you.
You worry too much, chief! I'm the *best,* remember? So where's the harm in digging a little deeper? I mean, Em might *need* me!
If this is how you acted when you and Emilie were together, I can see why she left.
{{GM}}He recoils as if you'd punched him.{{/GM}}

Whoa. That was a pretty messed up thing to say, chief.
It was also accurate. You routinely ignore those around you because you think that you know better. I'm here to tell you... you do *not* know better.
But I...
Blitz. LISTEN TO ME. You need to show some more of that self-control and *drop* this.
{{GM}}Blitz deflates before your eyes. He looks down at his shoes.{{/GM}}

Yeah... yeah. I guess you're right.

Okay, boss. You win. I'll let it go.
Yeah.

{{GM}}He nods excitedly. If he caught the dismissive tone of your words, he doesn't show it.{{/GM}}

Yeah, you're absolutely right. It *is* up to me. It's up to *me* to save the woman I love.
Hey! Could an idiot turn up *another clue* in under a day?

No? I didn't think so. So take your insults and choke on 'em.
All right. I'll bite. What was this "other clue"?
I found a connection between Emilie and Saeder-Krupp.
{{GM}}He nods grimly.{{/GM}}

She's good, $(l.name). Better than I ever thought she was. I couldn't trace the damned thing.

I *could* keep digging, though. I mean, if she noticed me doing it before, I must've been close.
{{GM}}He grins.{{/GM}}

Oh ye of little faith! Word to the wise, chief... when Blitz is on the job, you should always expect *results.*
{{GM}}Blitz's smile dies away. He turns his eyes down to the floor.{{/GM}}

I can, uh... I can tell you what her note said, if you want.

{{GM}}He presses forward without waiting for a response.{{/GM}}

It said, and I quote:
{{GM}}His face brightens.{{/GM}}

Hey, thanks, chief! Always good to get a little recognition for my work.
I'm never distracted, chief. Laser-focused, right here.

But, uh... you're right. I did keep looking into Emilie. And I found something.
{{GM}}Blitz is clearly still as tense as ever. The table in front of him is littered with cigarette butts, and there's an enormous mug of soykaf cradled in his hands.

He looks up at you with a tortured grin.{{/GM}}

Hey, chief! What... uh... what can I do for you?
Nothing much, Lukas. Hey, I've got something for you.
Let's talk later.
Huh. Well, it took you long enough, chief.

{{GM}}Blitz turns the box over and over in his hands, frowning.{{/GM}}

All right, I guess. Let's plug this puppy in and see what it does.
Really? What is--

{{GM}}He straightens, and his eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

Wait a second. How do you know that name?
I found a message waiting in my inbox. It was directed to you.
Maybe you should see for yourself. I copied it to my PDA.
Apparently, your girlfriend thinks I'm a message courier.
{{GM}}He swallows. Hard.{{/GM}}

Who... who was this message from?
Emilie.
Take a look.
{{GM}}Blitz stares at you for a moment, uncomprehending.{{/GM}}

Wait. What?

You got a message from Emilie?
For you.
Yup.
The very same.
{{GM}}He blinks.{{/GM}}

Well. Um. Let's hear it!
She says that she's all right. She also says that she is, and I quote, "proud of you for not being an idiot." She also says that she'll be in touch when she can.
{{GM}}As you speak, a genuine smile spreads across Blitz's face. He nods when you finish.{{/GM}}

Well, chief. I guess that you were right.
{{GM}}He grabs your wrist and pulls it toward himself, angling his head to read the screen of your PDA. A few seconds later, he looks up at you with a grin.{{/GM}}

Well, you were right.
Of course I was. I'm always right.
Seems that way.
{{GM}}He smirks.{{/GM}}

I'll do my best to remember that from now on.
You ready to leave this behind you and concentrate on your work? Here's a hint: the correct answer is "yes."
Yeah, boss. No more digging around, and no more fishing expeditions.

When Emilie's ready to come back, she'll come back. I get that now.
Good.
Well. I'm glad to hear that she's okay.
{{GM}}Blitz looks grim. His customary table is littered with cigarette butts, and the heavy bags under his eyes tell you that he hasn't slept in a while.{{/GM}}

$(l.name).
You don't look so good.
No. I imagine that I don't.
So... I'm guessing that the rescue attempt didn't go so well.
Well, clean yourself up. We have work to do.
No. No, it did not.

As it turns out, she didn't need to be rescued. At least, not before I showed up.
I don't really wanna go into this, chief. So here's the abriged version: I made a mess of things.
With *your* world-class skills? However could that have happened?
I dunno, chief. I really don't.

I hit the data node, just like last time. And just like last time, navigating it was a breeze.
...At least, it was in the beginning. The Azzies must've beefed up their security over the past year.
You don't say?
That really shouldn't have come as a surprise.
{{GM}}He shakes his head, a miserable expression on his face.{{/GM}}

It was all going so *well!* But I guess I must've tripped something... in the blink of an eye, there were alarms going off. Then I had black IC bearing down on me from all directions.

I thought I was a dead man.
How'd you make it out?
Well, I don't see any smoke pouring out of your ears, so it looks like you made it out okay.
Well. Um. Emilie found me. And, um...

{{GM}}He turns his head and looks away.{{/GM}}

She rescued me.
I'd've been ecstatic to see her if I wasn't so ashamed.

She didn't look particularly happy, either.
Well, you were finally reunited with your lost love. That's something, right?
That's bad. Did she make it out okay, too?
Yeah. Sort of.

Actually, no. Things are worse now, chief.

Much, *much* worse.
The last I saw of Emilie, she was being chased down by black IC. They'd gotten a trace on her.

Then she must've jacked out, because she just disappeared. She looked really, really angry... "livid" would probably be a better word.
And that's about it. She's gone, $(l.name).

{{GM}}He looks down into the cup of soykaf in his hands.{{/GM}}

I don't know if I'll ever hear from her again.
Hey, at least she jacked out. So she's still alive... that's something, right?
I'm sorry to hear it, Blitz. That's rough. But you never know... she might come around.
Stop being so doom-and-gloom! That isn't the Blitz that I know! She'll come back to you, just wait and see.
Yeah. I guess so.
A cheerful tone chirps out from the terminal on Blitz's table. He jerks up in surprise, and hurriedly turns to read the message on the screen.
As he mouths the words, you can see the hope on his face flicker and die.

If anything, he looks even more miserable than he did before.
What's going on, buddy?
Let me guess: bad news.
Is that a message from Emilie?
He glances at you with red-rimmed eyes, then averts his gaze.

Without a word, he turns the terminal so that you can read the message on the screen.
>>>>>Congratulations, jackass.

>>>>>You've managed to blow an op five years in the making and endanger Emilie's life, all in one fell swoop.

>>>>>Thanks to you, we're going to have to work very hard to keep your ex alive.
>>>>>Don't bother looking for her again... she's being moved somewhere very, very far away.

>>>>>She never wants to speak with you again, by the way.

>>>>>Idiot.

>>>>>FREEDOM. EQUALITY. INFORMATION. SCHOCKWELLENREITER.<<<<<
He clamshells the terminal closed, then puts his head in his hands.
Well, at least you know that she was working for the Schockwellenreiter.
...I've got nothin'.
Ouch.
{{GM}}His reply is dull and flat.{{/GM}}

Somehow, that's not a consolation.
No. I guess not.
Chief, let me ask you something... did you suspect that something like this was going to happen? When you let me go in there, did you know that I was going to fuck it up somehow?
Honestly? I had a pretty good idea, yeah.
I could see this train wreck coming from a mile away.
No, of course not. How could I?
Well then... *why* did you let me *do it?*

I thought that we were friends!
We are. But you needed to learn a lesson in humility.
I'm a better friend than you know. I just got you out of a toxic relationship.
I'm not your *friend,* Blitz. I'm your *boss.* It's not my job to keep you from making a mess of your personal life.
I'm sorry, Blitz. This was just too hilarious not to see through to the end.
Some lesson. I'll never talk to the love of my life again, thanks to you!
Not to me, Blitz. To *you.* You were gonna do this whether I encouraged you to or not.
That's... that's true.

{{GM}}He hangs his head.{{/GM}}

I was always going to mess this up.
And now that you've acknowledged that, you can make an effort to change.
Yeah. I guess so.

Maybe it's too late for me and Emilie. But I can still try to be the man that she hoped I could be.
Good plan. I'll leave you to it.
That was pathetic. You go ahead and do your soul-searching... just make sure that it's out of your system before our next run.
All right, chief. You do that.

I've got some thinkin' to do.
You don't know what you're talking about, chief. You've never even *met* her.
I don't have to. She could've avoided all of this, *and* protected her oh-so-secret mission, if she'd communicated with you a little better.
Oh, come on, Blitz. She's robbed you, insulted you, and abandoned you.
You're right, I don't. Just trying to cheer you up.
She left me notes--
Yeah, inflammatory notes that provided almost no useful information. Look, you've made your fair share of mistakes, but no more than she did.
{{GM}}He hangs his head.{{/GM}}

I dunno. Maybe. I still love her, though.
That's something you'll have to work out for yourself. I'll give you some space and leave you to it.
This is pathetic. You go ahead and cry this out... just make sure it's out of your system before our next run.
{{GM}}He stares at you petulantly through red-rimmed eyes.{{/GM}}

Don't worry about me, chief. I'll be just *fine.*
{{GM}}Walk away.{{/GM}} Good man. {{GM}}Partir.{{/GM}} Brave type.
It didn't go down like that - not really.
You put yourself in debt with dangerous people trying to find her, and what thanks did you get? She told you to get lost.
You just don't understand how wonderfu--
Now, any one of those things would be a dealbreaker for me. So why are you tearing yourself up over this woman? You're better off without her!
There are a lot of wonderful people out there, and they won't make you jump through the hoops that this one has.
It isn't that simple.

{{GM}}He stares at the floor.{{/GM}}

You don't get it... I was *better* when I was with her.
Come on, Blitz. Where's your sense of self-worth? If she wants to run off and blame you for everything, I say, let her go - it's her loss.
This is hopeless. Go ahead and cry over her if you want to... just make sure that it's out of your system before our next run.
I... uh, the more that I think about it, the more that I think that Emilie didn't *make* me do anything.

*I* chose to chase after her, even though she told me not to. *I'm* the one who messed this up.
All right, I give up. If you're bound and determined to beat yourself up over this, I can't help you. Just try not to let your self-pity impact your performance on the job.
Now that you've acknowledged that, maybe you can make an effort to change.
Yeah, well... thanks. This isn't the right time, though.

{{GM}}He stares, miserably, at his feet.{{/GM}}

Maybe it's too late for me and Emilie. But I can still try to be the man that she hoped I could be.
That's... that's true.

{{GM}}He hangs his head.{{/GM}}

I messed this up on my own, didn't I?
Yep. But now that you've acknowledged that, you can make an effort to change.
Hilarious? *Hilarious?*

Screw you, chief. Seriously. I don't even know if I want to be on this team any more.
In all seriousness, Blitz, this is your own fault. You were gonna do this whether I encouraged you to or not.
Go ahead and leave if you want. But this is on *you,* not me.
What the hell is *wrong* with you, chief? I thought that we were friends!
I dunno. I guess... I guess that I'm just on-edge right now.
In all honesty, I think that this will be good for you. You needed a lesson in humility.
I know that you can't see it right now, but having Emilie out of your life is a good thing, Blitz. From what you described, it sounds like your relationship with her was a pretty toxic one.
The fact of the matter is, you steered *yourself* into this mess. Stop trying to lay blame and take a look at your own actions.
Will do.

{{GM}}He pauses for a beat before continuing.{{/GM}}

Uh, chief... don't you want to know how things went with Emilie? Going after her was your idea, after all.
It was *your* idea, Blitz. I just didn't stop you. But okay, let's hear it.
Nope! I'll talk to you later.
It was a goddamned disaster!

{{GM}}He pounds his fist on the table, sending cigarette butts flying.{{/GM}}

Everything is *screwed,* chief! It all went wrong!
Hang on a second, chief.

{{GM}}He holds out an arm to restrain you.{{/GM}}

You should hear the end of this. I mean, really.
All right, Blitz, go ahead. How did it go?
{{GM}}As you approach Blitz, he gives you an easy smile.{{/GM}}

Heyya, chief. What's up?
Talk to you later, Blitz.
Claw Swipe
A crushing claw attack that does -8 HP DMG.
Eiger
Highly-trained former Special Forces commando. Marksman with a sniper rifle.
Crew: Weapons Specialist
There's a small ledger lying on this crate. The cover is cheap leatherette, and the paper is tissue-thin newsprint.
{{GM}}Leaf through the pages.{{/GM}}
The pages are filled to overflowing with handwritten text. You don't recognize the language, but judging by the accent marks, you'd guess it's a Scandinavian tongue.

While you can't read it, the arrangement of the text tells you that the ledger is primarily being used as an address book.
{{GM}}Pocket the book and move on.{{/GM}}
This dumpster looks - and smells - like it hasn't been emptied in years. A slick, oily liquid that reeks of rotting meat leaks from the corners of the corroded metal bin.

It's possible - if unlikely - that materials from the lab were disposed of here and then forgotten.		 Cette benne à ordures semble - et sent - comme si elle n'avait pas été vidé depuis des années. Un liquide huileux, au relent de viande pourrie, fuit par les coins du bac de métal corrodé.

C'est possible - même si improbable - que les matériaux de laboratoire aient été déposé dedans puis oublié.
{{GM}}Dig through the garbage.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Fouiller dans les poubelles.{{/GM}}
Gagging, you rifle through stratified layers of rotten food, filthy clothing and used prophylactics. It's disgusting. Suffocant, vous fouillez à travers des couches de nourriture avariée, de vêtements sales et de préservatifs usagés. C'est dégueulasse.
{{GM}}Blitz chokes out a startled chuckle.{{/GM}}

That's pretty vile, chief. I mean, seriously.		 {{GM}}Blitz lâche un petit rire surpris.{{/GM}}

C'est assez répugnant, chef. Je veux dire, sérieusement.
Eventually, you find a batch of lab keycards coated with a vile liquid, but they've been snapped in half. Finalement, vous trouverez un lot de carte magnétique de laboratoire recouvert d'un liquide ignoble, mais elles ont été cassé en deux.
{{GM}}Keep digging for an intact card.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Continuer à fouiller après une carte intacte.{{/GM}}
You hold your breath and dive deeper into the dumpster. Deeper, through piles of half-rotted diapers and ancient chicken carcasses. Deeper, until you can feel the bottom of the rough metal bin.

Your fingers touch plastic. Instinctively, they close around it, and you pull the object back to the surface.		 Vous retenez votre souffle et plongez plus profondément dans la benne. Profondément à travers des piles de couche à moitié pourrie et de carcasses de poulet. Tout au fond. Profondément, jusqu'à ce que vous puissiez sentir le fond en métal rugueux du bac.

Vos doigts effleurent du plastique. Instinctivement, ils se referment dessus, et vous remontez un objet à la surface.
The object in your hand is a keycard. It's filthy, but intact. From what's left of the label, you gather that this card's designation was "CSTDN." L'objet dans votre main est une carte magnétique. c'est immonde, mais intact. De ce qu'il reste de l'étiquette, vous déduisez que l'inscription sur la carte était "CSTDN".
{{GM}}Dietrich coughs and chokes on the stench that's wafting out of the dumpster.{{/GM}}

That's pretty vile, boss.		 {{GM}}Dietrich tousse et recule sous la puanteur qui s'échappe de la benne à ordures{{/GM}}

C'est vraiment immonde, boss.
Eiger coughs and chokes on the stench that's wafting out of the dumpster. She mutters something under her breath and backs away. Eiger tousse sous l'effet de la puanteur se dégageant de la benne à ordures. Elle marmonne quelque chose en reprenant son souffle et recule.
The door is locked. There is an intercom panel beside it.
{{CC}}Decking: 6{{/CC}} {{GM}}Bypass the lock and open the door.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Have your decker bypass the lock and open the door.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Press the intercom button.{{/GM}}
You pop the panel off the door control and quickly override the lock.
Your decker pops the casing off of the door control panel and quickly overrides the lock.
{{GM}}The panel buzzes, then a nasal voice pours through the speaker.{{/GM}}

Password?
Shark Tank.
I don't know.
{{CC}}Charisma: 6{{/CC}} Hey, I'm a pizza delivery $(s.guy). I ended up with a few extra pizzas, and I thought you'd want one. No charge!
The door unlocks with a click.
No password, no entrance. Now scram.
There is a long pause. Finally, the door unlocks with a click.
This computer is powered on, but in Sleep mode. When the screen comes to life, you find a half-written text file on the screen.

The time stamp on the most recent edit tells you that it was written just a few minutes ago.
I didn't sleep last night. Doesn't look like I'm going to sleep tonight, either.

The last test batch failed. My fault, I got the mixture wrong. Sloppy work, Jensen!
I can barely keep my eyes open. Got to try again, though... no excuses in this office!

I despise relying on stimulants, but I've got no choice. Got to keep going! Progress marches on!
Starting a new batch. If Haushofer's pet isn't ready to be tested tomorrow... well, best not to think about that.

Got to concentrate. Remember lab safety: Keep alert, keep awake. One wrong move could spell disastttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
Glancing at the menu, it looks like there are log entries reaching back for two weeks.

All of the entries are attributed to the same author, and none of them appear to be password-protected.
{{GM}}Read the entry dated two weeks ago.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read the entry dated last week.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read yesterday's entry.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Re-read the entry that was written today.{{/GM}}
The new formula arrived today! "Formula 17."

I swear, whoever names these things must have no imagination at all. Formula 17?

Honestly.
...Still, I can't wait to start working with it. From what I've read, early clinical trials were promising in the extreme.

Amazingly potent, this stuff. And increased potency means less frequent injections, at a lower dosage. There's nothing not to like.
Despite my enthusiasm, there is still much to be done. Speeding up absorption rates is first on the list, and I have some concerns regarding the subjects' immune reactions.

Perhaps the formula could be tailored on a patient-by-patient basis...
Tailoring doses to individual patients has worked wonders! The key was taking a gene therapy-based approach... they've been using it in medicine for ages, so why not apply the same logic here?

So, in a nutshell, I've used the subjects' own DNA to delude their immune systems into believing that Formula 17 belongs in their bodies. Simple and effective.
This approach has helped to increase the formula's absorbtion rate, as well as significantly reducing incidences of rejection.

Unfortunately, it also rules out an easily mass-produced product, but I am convinced that the results will justify the additional costs.
A WEEK! He waits an ENTIRE WEEK before telling me that tailoring the mixture is an "unacceptable solution."

And THEN, he tells me that the trials are to begin TOMORROW!
I have no time, and Giesbrecht's applying so much pressure that I can barely think. Bastard!

Haushofer's probably threatening him. All of them can rot.
Maybe now that Haushofer's playing heat-the-sheets with Giesbrecht's secretary, he'll learn to lighten up.

We can only hope.
ANYWAY. I have some new ideas to move forward with the formula. Admittedly, they're far-fetched... possibly even dangerous. But if I don't start producing some results, I get the feeling that it won't be my problem for much longer.

Wish me luck, journal. It's Science time.
The figure at the center of the group shoots you an insolent glance.

His fine elvish features match Samuel's descripton: this must be Maxim, your smuggler liaison.
Well, well. If it isn't the muscle that Tuck promised us.

Look who it is, everybody... the new hires have elected to grace us with their presence.
Nice of you to join us.

{{GM}}He glances at the PDA on his wrist, then looks back up at you. When he speaks again, his voice is sharp and humorless.{{/GM}}

You're late, chummer.
I'm here. That's all that matters.
Drop the attitude, or you can roll into this meeting without me.
Yeah, sorry about that. I got held up at the wall.
{{GM}}He lets out a theatrical sigh.{{/GM}}

Well. You come highly recommended, so I suppose I'll overlook it.
If we run into trouble, you'll be glad to have me around. I guarantee it.
Look, do you wanna do this thing, or do you wanna stand around talking about it?
As you've already pointed out, we're running late. Shouldn't we get moving?
{{GM}}His mouth twists up into a smirk.{{/GM}}

I certainly hope so. For your sake.
{{GM}}Without another word, he turns and slaps the side of a Bulldog step van. A second van of the same design rumbles to life a few feet away.{{/GM}}

Pile in, people. And be ready... there's rough country between us and the meeting site. We might run into trouble along the way.
{{GM}}He gives you a momentary scowl, then turns away.

Without a word, he slaps the side of a Bulldog step van. A second van of the same design rumbles to life a few feet away.{{/GM}}

Pile in, people. $(l.name) is right... let's get to it.
Yes. Of course. Right you are.

{{GM}}He slaps the side of a Bulldog step van. A second van of the same design rumbles to life a few feet away.{{/GM}}

Pile in, people. And be ready... there's rough country between us and the meeting site. We might run into trouble along the way.
Executive: Lennart Giesbrecht
Secretary: Annika Schroeder
Secretary: Olsa Siegrderhl
Laboratory Observation
Warning: Toxic Gas Detected
Laboratory Lockdown Engaged
Laboratory Entrance
Security Room
Building Maintenance
Senior Executive Werner Harrdegger
Data Store/Records
Sr. Executive: Lennart Stromberg
Secretary: Annika Schroeder
You can hear a distant murmuring sound coming from inside the room.

Voices. Three, maybe four people, all talking amongst themselves.
You can't make out what they're saying, but one of the voices sounds desperate. You've heard the tone before - it's the sound of a man pleading for his life.
We should keep moving. Whatever's going on in there, we don't want to get involved.
One of the cultists in there could have the key that we need.
It sounds like somebody's in trouble in there.
Why the hell not?
Getting involved is the entire reason why we came here.
You're wrong. We *need* to open that door. What's happening in there... it shouldn't be happening.

{{GM}}She blinks confusedly.{{/GM}}

I don't know how I know. I just *do.* It's weird, it's like the thoughts are in my head, but I can't make sense of them.
You're... confused right now, Marta. Your heart is in the right place, but I stand by what I said earlier - we shouldn't get involved.

After we've purified the shrine, *then* we can intervene. But if we go in there now, the cultists are going to attack us, and we're going to have to kill them. And that's not what I came here for.
I don't think that they will. Not with me here.
From the other room, the pleading voice grows louder.

Then it dissolves into a long, piercing scream.
{{GM}}Open the door.{{/GM}} I trust Marta. Whatever's happening in there, we need to stop it.
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} Sorry, Marta. Glory's right. We shouldn't try this until after we've purified the shrine.
Maybe, but that's a big "if."

I can guarantee you that if we open that door, they're going to attack us, key or no. And then we'll have no choice but to kill them.
I'm here to kill Harrow, not the poor, blind fools who follow him. They'll get hurt when the shrine goes down, but I don't want to kill them unless we absolutely have to.

At the very least, we should search through the rest of the compound first.
Remember that these are the people we're here to save. I don't want to hurt them if we don't have to.

At the very least, we should search through the rest of the compound first.
I don't doubt it. But we're here to kill Harrow, not the people he's brainwashed.

After we've taken down the shrine, the cultists in there will be hurt. Disoriented. We can deal with them then.
I don't doubt it. But we can't do anything about that right now.

The cultists in there have been brainwashed by Harrow. Whatever they're doing, they aren't doing it of their own accord.
After we've purified the shrine, *then* we can intervene. But if we go in there now, they're going to attack us, and we're going to have to kill them.

That's not what I came here to do.
{{GM}}Put your ear to the door.{{/GM}} I'm not leaving without knowing what's going on in that room.
{{GM}}Back down.{{/GM}} All right, Glory. You win.
You strain your ears to hear what the people in the other room are saying.

As you focus, the sounds crystallize and become clear.
...You shouldn't have come here. The tools of government aren't welcome at Feuerstelle.

{{GM}}You hear a soft sound. You recognize it instantly: a blade being drawn from its sheath.{{/GM}}

We have a use for people like you.
Please. Think about this. I have kids at home, not much younger than you.

{{GM}}The voice is low, and full of dread.{{/GM}}

I'm not here to represent any government. I'm not a threat to you! I was only doing my job.
You're wearing a uniform. That makes you a tool, and a pawn, and our enemy. Harrow said so.
I'm just a park ranger! I'm... I'm only here to do a wildlife survey! I didn't even know that you people were OUT here!
But now you do. And if you leave this place, others will find out.

You brought this on yourself.
No! PLEASE!
The voice dissolves into a long, piercing scream.
{{GM}}Kick open the door.{{/GM}} Sorry, Glory. We can't let this happen.
{{GM}}Step back from the door.{{/GM}} You're right. We can't afford to help this man.
Because if we try to stop whatever's happening in there, there's going to be bloodshed.

We're here to kill Harrow, not the people he's brainwashed.
After we've taken down the shrine, the cultists in there will be hurt. Disoriented. We can deal with them then.
Because if we try to stop whatever's happening in there, there's going to be bloodshed.

The cultists in there have been brainwashed by Harrow. Whatever they're doing, they aren't doing it of their own accord.
Yes, it is. But we're here to kill Harrow, not the people he's brainwashed.

After we've taken down the shrine, the cultists in there will be hurt. Disoriented. We can deal with them then, and hopefully save the poor bastard they're working on.
What makes you think that he'll still be alive?
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} All right, Glory. You win.
I was one of them, remember? I know how this works.

Whatever they're doing to their victim in there, they're gonna take their time with it. He won't be in great shape by the time that we get to him, but he'll probably be alive.
Yes, it is. But the cultists in there have been brainwashed by Harrow. Whatever they're doing in there, it isn't happening of their own accord.
Agonized screams pour out from under the door. Whatever the cultists are doing to their captive, they're taking their time doing it.
{{GM}}Kick open the door.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Continue down the hall.{{/GM}}
Alice's Payment
An encoded credstick loaded with the funds that you raised to pay for Alice's services. ¥50,000 in Alice's hands; a paperweight in anyone else's.
>>SECURITY LOCKDOWN ENGAGED<<
{{CC}}Decking: 3{{/CC}} {{GM}}Bypass the lockdown.{{/GM}}
The door is hermetically sealed. Months of disuse have left it covered in a thick coat of dust.

A simple swipe-key access system has been mounted into the door frame. Block letters on the system's case read "EXECUTIVE CLEARANCE ONLY."		 La porte est hermétiquement scellée. Les mois d'inactivités ont laissé sur elle une épaisse couche de poussière.

Une badgeuse à carte électronique a été installé dans le cadre de la porte. Un message sur le boitier indique "ACCES DE NIVEAU ADMINISTRATION UNIQUEMENT".
{{GM}}Swipe your Executive Clearance keycard.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Glisser la carte magnétique de niveau Administration.{{/GM}}
The key panel's light blips to a more pleasant hue, and the door unlocks. Les lumières du panneau de contrôle clignotent de manière plus agréable, et la porte s'ouvre.
Blitz' Outfit
Nothing fancy, I spend most of my money on programs.
A private-access jackpoint, suitable for entering the facility's Matrix network.
{{GM}}Pick a decker to access the jackpoint.{{/GM}}
Acoylte
As you are resetting the data tap, you notice that someone has duct-taped a small homemade receiver to the system. An earplug dangles from the receiver. Alors que vous réinitialiser le nœud de données, vous remarquez que quelqu'un a scotché un petit récepteur maison sur le système. Un écouteur pend du récepteur.
{{GM}}Put the earplug in your ear.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Mettre l'écouteur dans votre oreille.{{/GM}}
The sound of heavy machinery makes it difficult to hear the words that are being spoken. After a moment, you find you can make out two distinct voices - a nasal woman who sounds like a heavy smoker and a man who speaks in a high-pitched, breathy tone. Le bruit d'une machinerie puissante rend l'écoute difficile. Après un moment, vous distinguez deux voix - une femme nasillarde qui semble être une grosse fumeuse et un homme essoufflé parlant d'un ton haut perché.
xxx just heard xxx xxx Monika xxxx xx xxxxx. xx need to verify xx, xxxxxx. xxx venons d'entendre xxx xxx Monika xxxx xx xxxxx. xx besoin de vérifier xx, xxxxxx.
xxxxx xx good for us.

xxxx xxxx xxxx		 xxxxx xx bon pour nous.

xxxx xxxx xxxx
{{GM}}Continue listening.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Continuer à écouter.{{/GM}}
A sound like a conveyor belt starting adds to the noise of machinery, and you can’t make out anything else until it comes to a stop a minute later. Un son comme celui d'un tapis roulant s'ajoute du bruit de machinerie, et vous ne pouvez plus rien entendre jusqu'à ce qu'il se stoppe une minute plus tard.
xxxx xx xxx think our next step xxxxx xxx? xxxx xx xxx pense que notre prochaine étape xxxxx xxx?
xx wait. xxx xxxxxxx isn’t ready to make a move yet. xxxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx to be patient.

x xxxxx xxx see who steps up xxx xxxx xxx xxxxx. xx could be someone more xxxxxxx xx xxx xxxxxx.		 xx Attend. xxx xxxxxxx est pas prêt à faire le coup encore. xxxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx être patient.

x xxxxx xxx voir qui renforce son xxx xxxx xxx xxxxx. xx pourrait être quelqu'un de plus xxxxxxx xx xxx xxxxxx.
{{GM}}Continue listening.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Continuer à écouter.{{/GM}}
More conveyor belts start up. All you can hear is the sound of machinery. Plus de bruit parasite. Tout ce que vous pouvez entendre est le son d'une machinerie.
Some sort of motorized vehicle starts up, drowning out everything else. Une sorte de véhicule motorisé démarre, noyant tout le reste.
A bell rings loudly again and again. It sounds like a telephone. Une cloche sonne bruyamment encore et encore. Cela ressemble à un téléphone.
You hear the sound of a door slamming shut, and the noise of machinery is suddenly muffled. There’s a rattle of plastic, and the ringing stops. Vous entendez le bruit d'une porte qui claque, et le bruit des machines est soudainement étouffé. Il y a un bruit de plastique, et la sonnerie s'arrête.
{{GM}}The nasal woman’s voice can be heard again in a singsong tone.{{/GM}}

Guten Tag. How may I help you?

{{GM}}Silence.{{/GM}}		 {{GM}}La voix nasillarde de la femme peut être entendu à nouveau dans une tonalité chantante.{{/GM}}

Guten Tag. Comment puis-je vous aider?

{{GM}}Silence.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Her tone changes, becomes more businesslike.{{/GM}}

I heard.

{{GM}}Silence.{{/GM}}

Yes, he knows. 		{{GM}}Son ton change, devenant plus formel.{{/GM}}

J'ai entendu.

{{GM}}Silence.{{/GM}}

Oui, il sait.
I told him it wasn’t time to make a move yet.

{{GM}}Silence.{{/GM}}

What do you think I am, an idiot? 		Je lui ai dit que ce n'était pas encore le moment de faire ca.

{{GM}}Silence.{{/GM}}

Que pensez-vous que je sois, une idiote?
The council needs to meet again.

{{GM}}Silence.{{/GM}}

I know. Getting everyone in the same room is... challenging. Getting them to agree on a course of action is going to be even more challenging.		 Le conseil doit se réunir à nouveau.

{{GM}}Silence.{{/GM}}

Je sais. Rassembler tout le monde dans la même pièce est... compliqué. Les amener à un accord sur un plan d'action va être encore plus difficile.
From my perspective, the Kreuzbasar was only stable because of her. If she really is… out of the way… well… we’ll see, won’t we?

{{GM}}Silence.{{/GM}}

Ja, I know, I know. What can I say? Things go slow in the Flux, sometimes.		 De mon point de vue, le Kreuzbasar était stable uniquement grâce à elle. Si elle est vraiment... hors jeu... eh bien... nous verrons, n'est ce pas?

{{GM}}Silence.{{/GM}}

Ja, je sais, je sais. Que puis-je dire? Les choses vont lentement, parfois, dans le Flux.
You hear the sound of a door opening again, and the cacophony of machinery fills the line.

You can’t make out anything more.		 Vous entendez le son d'une ouverture de porte, et une cacophonie de machines remplit la ligne.

Vous ne pouvez pas faire quoi que ce soit de plus.
Hanging against the wall, you find a grainy photograph that has been mounted to a wooden panel. The wood looks like it was recovered from a construction site; it's rough, splintery stuff, and there are a few nails jutting out of it at odd angles.
The photo depicts a pair of teenage girls in ratty clothes posing against a forested backdrop. The two are entwined in a loving embrace; one is leaning in to plant a kiss on the other's cheek, and the other one is smiling. The smiling girl has a head of fire-red hair.
It takes a moment to realize what you're looking at. The red-haired girl is Glory. In the picture, she looks vibrant, happy, and alive.

You don't recognize the other girl's face, but from what Glory has told you of her past, you'd guess that it's probably Marta.
Glory stares at the photo. Her face is devoid of expression.

After a moment, she closes her eyes.
This must be that picture the initiate was talking about.
Yeah. Must be.
Happier times, huh?
You looked good as a redhead.
Is this a picture of you and Marta?
Is the other girl in the picture Marta?
I used to think so. This place... these people... I loved them so, so much.

{{GM}}Her hands bunch into fists.{{/GM}}

What a goddamned fool I was.
{{GM}}Her mouth twists into a joyless smile.{{/GM}}

Harrow certainly thought so. I did it for him, you know... a sign of devotion. All that I wanted was to please him.
Of course, now I realize what it really was. It was Harrow's way of marking me as his property. Like a dog pissing on a tree.

{{GM}}Her smile fades.{{/GM}}

What a goddamned fool I was.
Yes. Taken during the early days, shortly after I arrived here.

Harrow was holding the camera. He told us how sweet we were, and how happy he was to have us here.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

This place... these people... I loved them so, so much.

What a goddamned fool I was.
A glint of light catches something small and delicate hanging from one of the nails in the wood.

Leaning in, you can see the object clearly: a thin ring made of braided silver wires.
Glory, know anything about this ring?
{{GM}}Pocket the ring.{{/GM}}
Marta gave that to me on the day that this photo was taken. She said that she made it for me.

I left it behind when I left this place behind.
Maybe Marta still has feelings for you. Stranger things have happened.
A trophy, perhaps?
{{GM}}She stares at you.{{/GM}}

Haven't you been paying attention? Marta *never* cared about me. She was *bait.*

It was her job to lure me here - me, and a hundred other kids like me. The ring doesn't mean anything.
Then why did she keep it?
I don't know.

{{GM}}She stares at the ring for a long moment, then snatches it from the picture frame. She tucks it away into her satchel.{{/GM}}

It was mine, so I'm taking it. Now let's keep moving.
{{GM}}As you reach for the ring, Glory puts a hand on your arm.{{/GM}}

Wait.

That ring... it's mine.
{{GM}}Her voice goes quiet.{{/GM}}

Marta gave it to me on the day that this photo was taken. She said that she made it for me.

I left it behind when I left this place behind.
If you want me to work on this panel, you'd better do something about those guards. I can't work when I've got bullets zipping over my head!
The power released by the spirit's death explodes outward, slamming into you like a freight train and sending you reeling.

Glory is buffeted backward like a rag doll, but she manages to retain her footing. She turns to face you, the ichor from the spirit's chest wicking off of her razor-tipped fingers, and as you watch, her right hand bursts into flame.
Harrow stumbles backward, clutching his head. The rippling motion of his outline has become ragged and violent.

Through the haze, you can see rivulets of gore tracing their way down from his ears and nose. The whites of his eyes have gone pink with blood.

He shrieks at Glory, and his voice comes out in a strangled croak.
You stupid bitch! What... what have you *done?!?*
{{GM}}Slowly, she turns to face the flickering projection. Flames continue to lick up from the chrome of her hand, and the metal glows like molten glass. When she speaks, her voice is strangely calm.{{/GM}}

What needed to be done.

See you in the real world, Harrow.
The projection of Harrow convulses and bursts, and the scraps are consumed by shadow.

The shadows dissipate, and Harrow is gone.
I hope the bastard burns.
A wave of nausea washes over you, and your perception distorts. It feels like some great, unseen power is turning you inside out.

You catch sight of Glory, standing impassively, smiling into the void. Then everything goes black.
This panel controls the doors on the hellhound cages.
{{GM}}Open the cage doors.{{/GM}}
My beautiful Katja,

I can't stop thinking about last Thursday, after the evening teleconference. You and me, sprawled out on my synthleather couch, with you in your cardigan and nothing else. A bowl of strawberries and a bottle of Pinot. Bacchanalian decadence and hedonistic delight.

A delicious evening, for the both of us.
I want - I *need* - to see you again. What we shared, we must share again. I feel utterly consumed by my passion for you.

I have sent you a calendar invite for a second romantic interlude. Pls. accept it at your earliest convenience.

- Karlheinz
The bleeding man limps forward. His face is full of fear.
{{GM}}Whisper.{{/GM}} It's all right. We're getting you out of here.
{{GM}}His face lights up.{{/GM}}

Oh, thank God. And thank you for walking in when you did... you saved my life.

{{GM}}He holds out his right arm for your inspection. It's bleeding in a dozen places from long, shallow cuts.{{/GM}}

They were going to bleed me out... the little monsters took turns doing it. Carved up my arm like a holiday roast.
{{GM}}She nods dumbly.{{/GM}}

It... it was the right thing to do. So I did it.
{{GM}}He limps a few steps forward, then looks back at Marta.{{/GM}}

I owe you my life, Fräulein. I owe you all.
She nods again and offers him a weak smile.
When they took me, they confiscated my gear. I saw them stash it behind a vent in the garage before they dragged me in here.

I don't need it. It'd only slow me down.
I'll take it. Thanks.
{{GM}}A standard LTG network line access box is connected to the gate controls. It appears to be overloaded.{{/GM}}

>>>#ERROR 4ac43bc6
>>>Primary security offline
>>>Reset override or contact your System Adminstrator
Leave the panel alone.
{{CC}}Decking: 5{{/CC}} {{GM}}Get a team member to reset the override code.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Decking: 5{{/CC}} {{GM}}Reset the override code.{{/GM}}
>>>New override created.
>>>Please inform all relevant personnel of this change.
Paydata: Humanis Safe House List
A list of Humanis safe houses, worth some nuyen in the right hands.
This is the initiates' dormitory. The new arrivals are brought here.

There's still hope for these kids, $(l.name)... Harrow hasn't had a chance to ruin them yet.
Good to know. We'll try to get them out of he--
That remains to be see--
Then we need to stop him before he ca--
{{GM}}Glory raises a hand, suddenly alert.{{/GM}}

Wait, listen. Movement in the other room.
{{GM}}Listen closely.{{/GM}}
You strain your ears to listen.

Soft voices from inside of the room come drifting out of a nearby vent.
{{GM}}You hear a woman's voice. The sound is crisp and smooth and sweet, and it instantly puts you at ease.{{/GM}}

...Calm now, dear. It's probably nothing - no need to worry yourself. We're so far off the beaten track, we don't get a lot of visitors.
Out of the corner of your eye, you can see Glory's back stiffen. She flinches as though she's been stung.
{{GM}}Another voice, high-pitched and pleading. An adolescent boy.{{/GM}}

But what if it *is* someone? What if the bad people have found us? What if they followed me here, and they've come to...
{{GM}}The female voice cuts in, soft and comforting.{{/GM}}

Well, then, we'll send them away. You're perfectly safe here - you have to believe that.

Don't worry, dear heart. Harrow won't let anyone hurt you... not here, in this place. Not ever again.
{{GM}}You hear another boy's voice. This one is deeper.{{/GM}}

Are you certain, Marta?
Positive. Be calm, all of you.

As long as you're here with us, nothing bad will ever happen to you.
That name sounds familiar.
Is that *your* Marta, Glory?
It's her. The girl who lured you here.
{{GM}}She gives a curt nod.{{/GM}}

It should. Marta was the bait that Harrow used to lure me here.
{{GM}}She gives a curt nod.{{/GM}}

Not mine. Harrow's. But she's the Marta from my story, yes.
What do you want to do?
{{GM}}Glory pauses. Grits her teeth. Finally, she spits out an answer.{{/GM}}

If she's still here, she'll be Harrow's number one... my old position. He had his way with all of us, but he was always sweet on Marta.

That means that she'll have a key to the shrine room.
In that case, we're going to have to find a way to get it away from her.
Then we storm in there and take it from her. You ready to do this?
Maybe we can talk to her. Convince her to give us the key.
Yes. But not here, and not now.

Those kids in there - they'd all die for her. They already love her. That's what she does.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

No. Not here, and not now.

Those kids in there - they'd all die for her. They already love her. That's what she does.
We can't risk confronting her in that room. If the situation turns ugly, any one of those kids will happily eat a bullet for her, and that's not what I came here to do.
No, it isn't. But we came here to kill Harrow, and she's in the way of us doing that.
If what you've said about her is true, then she deserves to die every bit as much as Harrow does.
Yes, she is. But we deal with her *later.*

I won't hurt any more kids voluntarily.
{{GM}}Marta's voice floats back out through the vent.{{/GM}}

Hush now, boys, and get some rest. You've got a big day tomorrow - the biggest day of your lives. You get to meet Harrow.

I promise you, after you speak with him, you'll see the whole world in a different way. A *better* way.
{{GM}}The adolescent voice trembles out a response.{{/GM}}

A-all right, Marta. H-have a good night.
{{GM}}A lovely, musical laugh pours through the vent.{{/GM}}

You too, dear heart. All of you.
You hear the distant sound of a door sliding shut.
{{GM}}Glory takes a deep breath, then releases it.{{/GM}}

The coast is clear. We can handle the initiates... they're just a bunch of scared kids. Without Marta there to egg them on, they won't try anything.
{{GM}}Open the door.{{/GM}} No time like the present.
Part of me wants to kill her. She's the reason why a lot of kids wound up here - including me.

{{GM}}She scowls, and the razors flick out of her fingertips. A second later, she retracts them.{{/GM}}

...We deal with her *later,* though. I won't hurt any more kids voluntarily.
You're right. We came here to save those kids, not get them killed. We'll wait until Marta leaves and follow her.
We're already writing off the possibility of killing Harrow. Let's do the world a favor and kill his second-in-command.
Glory nods her assent.
Part of me wants to kill her. She's the reason why a lot of kids wound up here - including me.

{{GM}}She scowls, and the razors flick out of her fingertips. A second later, she retracts them.{{/GM}}

...We deal with her *later,* though. Not in that room, and not in front of those kids.
Maybe. But not here, and not now.

Those kids in there - they'd all die for her. They already love her. That's what she does.
{{GM}}Glory pauses. Grits her teeth. Finally, she spits out an answer.{{/GM}}

I don't know.

If she's still here, she'll be Harrow's number one... my old position. He had his way with all of us, but he was always sweet on Marta.
Part of me wants to kill her. She's the reason why a lot of kids wound up here - including me.

{{GM}}She grits her teeth, and the razors flick out of her fingertips. A second later, she retracts them.{{/GM}}

But... there isn't time. This isn't what we're here for.
I don't know. If what you were saying is true, she's just as guilty as Harrow.
You're right. We can deal with Marta later, after we've accomplished what we came here to do.
Yeah, she's guilty, all right. But we can't let ourselves get diverted like this.

We need to deal with Harrow's shrine, and we need to do it fast. Killing Marta before we've even found the bloody thing isn't going to help us do that.
{{GM}}Glory takes a deep breath, then releases it.{{/GM}}

Let's go, $(l.name). We need to deal with that shrine.
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} Let's do it.
After a brief pause, she nods.
{{GM}}She gives a curt nod.{{/GM}}

That's right. Marta.

The bait that Harrow used to draw me to this place.
Listening at the vent, you hear only the sound of moving air.
The Jewühl District is everything that your client made it out to be.

Corporate complexes of all description crowd into one another, competing for the district's limited space.
Lights burn in all of the windows, but the streets stand empty.

No shoppers, no pedestrians. Nothing but silence.
Might as well get to it.
Quiet out here.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Corporate{{/CC}} Most of the local wageslaves live an underground tram ride away from their office buildings. Nobody has much of an excuse to go outside.
Friend of mine did a job here once. Told me that the local wageslaves are all issued "efficiency apartments" deep inside the compound.

Apparently, the buildings are all linked up on an underground tram system. Bed to cubicle in less than five minutes. Most days, the poor bastards don't even get to see the sun shine.
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

That ain't livin', love. It's a slow death.

Makes my skin crawl just thinking about it.
Friend of mine did a job here once. Told me that the local wageslaves are all issued "efficiency apartments" deep inside the compound.

Apparently, they've got all the buildings linked up on an underground tram system. Bed to cubicle in less than five minutes. Most days, the poor bastards don't even get to see the sun shine.
That ain't "living." It's a slow death.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

I just don't get wageslaves, man. I really, really don't.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Well. Might as well get to it.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

Let's get this over with.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Let's get to work.
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

I can't imagine a much worse way to live, chief.

Makes my skin crawl just thinking about it.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Well. Might as well get to it.
Stepping out of the U-Bahn tunnel, you once again find yourself in the squalid alleys of Drogenkippe.

This place is a pit. Piles of waste - human and otherwise - litter the streets. The gutted husks of commercial buildings stand hollow and empty all around you.
Your commlink crackles to life, and you can hear the distant sounds of Cafe Cezve - merriment, laughter, the clink of silverware on china.

Bitz's voice cuts in a second later.
Hey, chief! Ready to do this thing?
Yeah. Say, Blitz...? I've got a question for you.
Are you? It sounds like you're nice and cozy in there.
Yeah, I'm ready. Let's get this started.
Yeah?
You hear a slurping sound - presumably Blitz taking a sip of steaming hot soykaf.

The only steam that you can see out here is your own breath condensing in the frigid night air.
...What's up?
How did I let you talk me into coming back to this hellhole?
Enjoying your soykaf?
Never mind. Let's just get this run over with.
{{GM}}There is a long pause before he responds.{{/GM}}

Well, um, you recognized the fact that I needed your help... and then you, uh... volunteered... because you're a good leader?
You owe me for this, man.
Damn right I am. Remember that.
{{GM}}Blitz sighs.{{/GM}}

Yeah, chief.

Yeah, I do.
Yeah, chief. I will.
Oh, uh, sure, chief... nothin' like a nice hot mug of soykaf on a cold night!
You're telling me, Blitz.
Uh, yeah, chief... I guess that it must be pretty frosty out there, huh?

{{GM}}Another distant roar of laughter crackles over your commlink. Presumably, the patrons of Cafe Cezve are having a lovely evening.{{/GM}}

Sorry about that. But look on the bright side: you get to have an adventure! That's something, right?
{{GM}}He scoffs.{{/GM}}

'Course I am! I've had this run planned out for years, like I said.
Let's just get this over with.
Enjoying your soykaf, buddy?
Oh, c'mon, chief! Where's your sense of adventure?

I mean, you get to rob a bank! How wiz is that?
Another distant roar of laughter crackles over your commlink. Presumably, the patrons of Cafe Cezve are having a lovely evening.
That's the spirit! This run is gonna be a piece of cake, just you wait and see.
Cast Nerve Bolt
Does minor damage, but unbalances the target making them easier to hit.
Paydata: OTK Financial Data
Financial records for OTK International. Definitely worth nuyen to the right buyer.
Russian Military Grenade
A grenade with a larger area of effect. Strips up to 2 Armor.
Decking Boost
Augment Skills:
Decking
Blitz's Decking is increased by 1.
ESP Boost
Augment Skills:
ESP Control
Blitz's ESP Control is increased by 1.
Hotshot decker, part-time rigger, and full-time smartass.
Crew: Decker / Rigger
{{GM}}Eiger indicates a console built into the wall beside the elevator.{{/GM}}

This looks like the elevator console. The camera feeds should have been routed here.
It only takes a moment to connect your PDA, and immediately visual feeds from all over the building begin to flood in.
All right, now let's find a way upstairs.
Yeah, definitely a handy little toy. Now I really want one.
We're in, people. Let's move.
{{GM}}Bltiz steps up to a console built into the wall beside the elevator.{{/GM}}

This is it, chief. All the camera feeds are right here. Shall I?
Without waiting for a response, he taps a couple of keys on the console, and your PDA starts recieving visuals from around the building.
Good work, Blitz. Now let's find a way upstairs.
Check yourself, Blitz. You wait for my go from here on out.
Okay, chief. You got it.
I've got the elevator console here. Let's connect up.

{{GM}}Glory gestures towards a console built into the wall beside the elevator.{{/GM}}
As you step out of the elevator, you immediately spot the console built into the wall just off to your left.

Seconds later, your PDA is connected, and the words "Link Established" flash across the screen before visual feeds from all around the building begin flooding in.
Dietrich
Middle-aged former punk rocker and shaman of the Dragonslayer icon.
Class A Drone Turret
An Ares Classic.
CyberwareDeactivator
CyberwareDeactivator targets.
Hand-Forged Katana
Melee: A work of art and a deadly weapon. May do AP DMG on a critical hit.
Your mission objective is to bring down the building, $(l.name). If you leave without doing so, this entire enterprise will have been a waste of time.

Set the building's generators to overload, then hightail it back here. I'll keep both eyes open for enemy activity.
You pick up the commlink receiver. It's a custom job, cobbled together from a jumble of high-end parts.

It reminds you of your mission computer. Monika's handiwork.
There is a series of staccato clicks as the connection is made.

Dr. Ezkibel's voice pours into your ear. It's thick with a blend of irritation and insolence.
If you're calling me to beg again, you might as well hang up now.

I've been bled by you people for too long now. There are plenty of chop shops and organleggers out there who'd pay *good* money for--
You're not talking to a ghoul, Doc. And I don't beg.
Oh, shut up.
Let me cut you off right there. This is $(s.name), Dr. Ezkibel.
$(l.name)?

{{GM}}Ezkibel tries to hide the surprise in his voice. He doesn't do a very good job.{{/GM}}

What... what are you doing on this line, my friend?
I've just had a very interesting conversation with some of your long-term customers.
Catching you red-handed. You've got some explaining to do, Doc.
I don't know what those things have told you, $(l.name), but they are *not* customers. They've never paid me a *thing* for my services, and--
They've been keeping the Kreuzbasar's sewers running, Doc.
Cut the shit, Doc. We both know what they've been doing for the Kreuzbasar.
It's all right, Doctor. I'm on your side here, as much as I am theirs. I agree that you deserve to be paid.
Well, yes, but I don't know why it's *my* responsibility to pay them for--
You signed a contract. I expect you to honor it.
I'll make this easy for you. If you don't feed these ghouls, I'm gonna feed you to them.
Doctor. Please. You know as well as I do what needs to happen here.
Contracts don't last forever. And you'll forgive me for saying so, $(l.name), but I can see no good reason to continue honoring this one.
My clinic is a business, not a charity. I'm not giving your new friends any more bio-material unless they pay me for it.
Yes, you will. If you don't, I'll reveal your little secret to the people of the Kreuzbasar.
What if I offered to pay for their food? One lump sum, right now, and you go back to honoring your contract.
The ghouls don't have any money. You know that. But maybe they have something else that you want?
{{GM}}His tone is incredulous.{{/GM}}

Do that, and you'll be getting your ghoul friends killed! The Mettbachs will storm down there with their arsenal and wipe them out!
Yes. They'll come. But the ghouls will already be gone. You, on the other hand, will not be so lucky.
{{GM}}There is a pause. When he speaks again, his tone is guarded.{{/GM}}

What do you mean by that?
The knife cuts both ways, Doc. What do you think that your neighbors will do when they find out that you've been feeding human flesh to a pack of ravenous ghouls for over a year?
This whole plan was *your* friend's idea. Your sainted Monika--
Is dead. This is how *I* do business. So tell me: what's it gonna be?
There is a long pause. Finally, you hear a sigh.
Tell your friends that I've changed my mind. Their feedings will resume directly, at no additional cost.

{{GM}}There is a click as he disconnects the line.{{/GM}}
That... that could be acceptable.

It won't be cheap, mind you. But I'm open to the offer.
What I know is that I'm not doing this for free any more. Period.
Yes, for *the Kreuzbasar.* Not for *me.*

Why should *I* continue to give them valuable material for free when--
But... if you agree with me, why did you call?
Look, $(l.name). I don't know what those things have told you, but I am *well within* my rights to charge for that material. They've never paid me a *thing* for my services, and--
You're right, Doc. It is absolutely within your rights to charge whatever you want for your services.
Well, yes. Yes, it is.

...So if you agree with me, why did you call?
To see if I can broker some sort of agreement between you and the ghouls.
To buy the ghouls' meals for them. How much would it cost me to keep them fed indefinitely?
To give you a warning. If you don't honor your contract with the ghouls, I'll reveal your little secret to the people of the Kreuzbasar.
To intimidate you. If you don't feed these ghouls, I'm gonna feed you to them.
To politely ask you to honor your contract.
{{GM}}There is a short pause, then he replies in a bemused voice.{{/GM}}

All right, you've piqued my curiosity. I'm not an unreasonable man.

So go ahead. Make your pitch.
The ghouls can't offer you nuyen because they don't have any. But maybe they could pay you in a different way?
What, like the barter system? I don't think so... I can't imagine that a bunch of sewer-dwelling monsters would have much of value to trade.
They're people, Doctor - not monsters. They've already been working for their meals... maybe you could come up with other things for them to do.
Hm. That's an interesting suggestion.

{{GM}}The line goes quiet for a moment.{{/GM}}

I might be able to work with that.
I'll tell you what. You tell their leader that I'll continue feeding them.

In return, they'll keep the sewers maintained, like they used to, and they'll agree to do odd jobs for me when I call.
Just so we're all on the same page, what sort of "odd jobs" are we talking about?
Sounds good to me.
The sort that a pack of bloodthirsty ghouls might be good at.

Use your imagination.
Deal. I'll give him the message.
...No, I don't think I'm okay with this. It sounds a little too sketchy for comfort.
The ghouls that I've spoken with are intelligent and kind. I don't think they'd want to do your dirty work for you.
Very good. And tell him that I'm looking forward to working with him.
There is a click as Ezkibel disconnects the line.
Well, then, we are at an impasse. Because I won't continue to feed these monsters for free.

Our previous deal was brokered by your dear departed Monika. And without wanting to sound indelicate, it died with her.
What would it cost me to buy the ghouls' food for them?
I'm sorry to hear you say that. Almost as sorry as you'll be when I reveal your little secret to the people of the Kreuzbasar.
All right. New plan. If you don't feed these ghouls, I'm gonna feed you to them.
To keep them fed indefinitely, you mean?

{{GM}}There is a long pause.{{/GM}}

It won't be cheap. But maybe we can work something out.
In light of my desire to foster a good working relationship with you, and the ghouls' past service to the Kreuzbasar, I suppose that I could continue feeding them for... oh, say...

{{GM}}Another pause, punctuated by a soft tutting sound.{{/GM}}
...a thousand nuyen? Paid up front, here and now, via the commlink's input port. ...un millier de nuyens? Payé d'avance, ici et maintenant, via le port d'entrée du commlink.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Socialite{{/CC}} Come now, doctor. You could resell this material to a chop shop, yes, but that would take time and effort. The ghouls, on the other hand, are right beneath your feet. Surely that merits a discount?
{{CC}}Etiquette: Shadowrunner{{/CC}} I've dealt with a lot of street docs in my time. Never heard of much demand for what you're selling. If you want me to shell out, you'd better quote a lower price.
{{CC}}¥1,000{{/CC}} {{GM}}Transfer the money.{{/GM}} Deal.
Too rich for my blood. But maybe we could come to some other arrangement...
All right. Six hundred, but no less.
{{CC}}¥600{{/CC}} {{GM}}Transfer the money.{{/GM}} Deal.
That's still too expensive. I can see that we're going to have to find a different solution to this problem.
Oh? And what sort of solution were you thinking of?
A simple one. You'll resume feeding the ghouls, or I'll tell the people of the Kreuzbasar all about your secret arrangement with them.
One that you won't like. If you don't feed these ghouls, I'm gonna feed you to them.
I've changed my mind. I'll tell the leader of the ghouls about your work-for-food deal.
Oh? And what sort of arrangement were you thinking of?
Well, that's tough for them.

I'm sorry, but this is *my* material that we're talking about. If they want to keep getting it, they need to provide something of value to *me.* And as you well know, they have nothing else of value to provide.
You've heard my offer. They can do what I tell them to, or they can find their food somewhere else. It doesn't matter to me either way.
Good. So will you convey my message to their leader? I think that my offer is more than fair.
"Indefinitely" is a long time, my friend.

{{GM}}There is a long pause.{{/GM}}

But maybe we can work something out.
You slide your credstick into a port set into the base of the comm.

A few moments later, you hear the distinctive thunk of machinery clamping down on plastic. There is a low hum, and the machine spits your credstick back out again.
Very well... everything seems to be in order...

Yes. Very nice.
Thank you, $(l.name). You can tell our friends that their feedings will resume within the next day or two.
I will. Pleasure doing business with you.
They'd better. If I hear anything more about interruptions in their feeding, you'll have me to answer to.
And you.
On that count, you have nothing to worry about.

Good day.
The ghouls aren't rolling in nuyen, either. Maybe they could pay you in some other way?
I'm thinking that you'll just go on feeding these ghouls, whether you want to or not.
I'm gonna offer you an ultimatum. If you don't honor your contract with the ghouls, I'll tell the people of the Kreuzbasar that you've been feeding them.
{{GM}}Ezkibel's voice goes ice cold.{{/GM}}

It's never a good idea to threaten your doctor, $(l.name). You never know what might happen the next time you're lying on the operating table.
If anything happened to me on your table, the rest of my team would come looking for you.
Ah... yes. There is that.

{{GM}}There is a long pause. Finally, you hear a sigh. When Ezkibel speaks again, his voice heavy with resignation.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}There is a brief pause.{{/GM}}

Who the hell is this?
$(s.name). $(s.name).
Guess.
Not a ghoul, I'll tell you that much.
My name is $(s.name), Dr. Ezkibel. Maybe you've heard of me.
What? Who the hell is this? And how did you get on this line?
I'm $(s.name). Maybe you've heard of me.
$(l.name)?

{{GM}}Ezkibel tries to hide the surprise in his voice. He doesn't do a very good job.{{/GM}}

What... a pleasant surprise! I was wondering when I'd have the good fortune to meet you!
Yeah, delighted. Look, we need to talk about these ghouls.
As much fun as it is listening to you squirm, I'm gonna stop you right there. You've got some explaining to do.
$(l.name)?

{{GM}}Ezkibel tries to hide the surprise in his voice. He doesn't do a very good job.{{/GM}}

What a pleasant surprise! I was wondering when I'd have the good fortune to meet you!

If you don't mind me asking... what are you doing on this line?
Always good to talk to you, Doc. Look, we need to talk about these ghouls.
Catching you red-handed. You've got some explaining to do, doctor.
Single Shot
One bullet. Single target.
The smuggler looks up at the sound of your approach.

If $(s.he)'s surprised to see you, $(s.he) doesn't show it.
Crazy night, huh?

{{GM}}$+(s.he) pulls a flask from $(s.hisher) jacket pocket and takes a long swig, then looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

I hope this was worth all the trouble. Didja find our money in there?
Nope. I don't think they ever had it to begin with. But I guarantee you, they'll think pretty hard before crossing you again.
{{GM}}$+(s.he) nods.{{/GM}}

I can live with that.
Hey, is that a beer from... downstairs?
{{GM}}Hand him the beer.{{/GM}} Yeah, brought this up for you. Keep up the good work, buddy.
No, I brought this from home.
Thanks! You're a lifesaver.

{{GM}}The young ork takes the beer, pops the cap off with his tusk, and takes a long swig.{{/GM}}
Ahhh... Really hits the spot. Gets so muggy down here.

See you around.
Oh. Sorry, my mistake.
Courtyard Gates Override Code
>4168
On the desk is a file folder labeled "Project Atlas."
{{GM}}Open it.{{/GM}}
The folder is empty except for a single note.

"Moved to digital archive, and locked under executive authorization."
>>>Security Alert response plan: Quebec Six.
>>>Matrix Operations locked.
>>>HTR team responding.		 >>>Nœud de sécurité
>>>Plan de réponse en cas d'alerte de sécurité: Québec Six
>>>Gestion de la Matrice verrouillée
>>>Equipe HTR en réponse
{{CC}}Decking: 2{{/CC}} {{GM}}Override Matrix Operations door lock.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Decking: 2{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hacker le verrouillage de la porte de Gestion de la Matrice.{{/GM}}
Hey, Monika, you think that you can crack this? Hey, Monika, tu penses que tu peux hacker ça?
{{GM}}Walk away from the terminal.{{/GM}} {{GM}}S'éloigner du terminal.{{/GM}}
>>>Matrix Operations Unlocked. >>>Gestion de la Matrice déverrouillée
{{GM}}The corner of her mouth lifts into a smirk.{{/GM}}

Step aside.

Oh, and $(l.name)... I've gotta ask. Is the display on your trid flashing twelve o'clock back at home?		 {{GM}}Le coin de sa bouche se lève en un sourire.{{/GM}}

Pousses-toi.

Oh, et $(l.name)... Je dois te demander. Is the display on your trid flashing twelve o'clock back at home?
{{GM}}Monika doesn't even bother jacking in to the terminal, and her cyberdeck remains slung over her shoulder. Her fingers flicker over the terminal's virtual keyboard, and a moment later, a happy chime chirps out of the security node's speakers.{{/GM}}

Bingo, door's open. Let's go.		 {{GM}}Monika ne prend même pas la peine de se connecter au terminal, et son cyberdeck reste en bandoulière sur son épaule. Ses doigts volent sur le clavier virtuel du terminal, et un instant plus tard, un joyeux carillonnement retentit sur les haut-parleurs de sécurité.{{/GM}}

Bingo, les portes sont ouvertes. Allons-y.
The cardboard box is filled with makeshift bedding. A homeless person must be using it to keep warm at night.
{{GM}}Search the box.{{/GM}}
You find a basic, uncertified credstick underneath the pillow.
{{GM}}Take it.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave.{{/GM}}
The credstick you uncovered remains next to the pillow.
Security Pass
A yellow security pass with a recent picture of you. Its been altered so you appear almost respectable.
Harrow's magic still protects him, but not well enough. At least half of his body has been seared black by the creatures' attacks.

Blood spills from his ears and nose, and his eyes have gone wide with terror.
Glory stalks toward Harrow, her claws at her sides. A ghastly smile creases her face, and it widens further as she draws near. The nightmare creatures from the Adversary's domain fall back at her approach.

Impossibly, the fingers of her right hand begin to *glow,* just as they did in the Adversary's domain. The metal goes from cherry red to yellow-white in an instant, and waves of heat wash over you.
She looks down on Harrow's huddled form and raises her right arm. Glowing razors erupt from her incandescent fingertips.

He looks up at her, his mouth agape.
Hello, lover.
You can make out shapes in the shadows below.
Huntress
Gain Cyberware:
Wired Reflexes
Wired Reflexes: Adds +1 Movement (passive). When triggered, user will dodge the first attack against them each round. Cost: 1 AP. Duration: 3. Cooldown: 4.
Sharpshooter
Gain Gear:
Custom Sniper Rifle
Eiger gains a customized Ranger Arms SM-3. DMG: 20, CAP: 6, Armor Piercing: 2.
Occult Robes
Robes that show the mystic arts mean real power.
Nixie's Outfit
Pummelo
Blind eagle shaman and mistress of the spiked fist.
Mercenary: Shaman Pugilist
I can't work if I am going to have to worry about being shot at! Please deal with those guards!
Knight Errant Flashbang Grenade
An effective shock grenade. Does -2 AP to everyone hit by its blast. Makes targets easier to hit.
Unbalanced
Dietrich's eyes go wide. He takes a step toward the nearest Humanis gunman.
Alexander!
{{GM}}The youth blinks in surprise. He half-lowers his weapon.{{/GM}}

Uncle Dietrich?
Shoot him, Alexander. This man is an intruder and a traitor, come here to do us harm.
If you're gonna put a shell in someone, put it in Stahl. He's a monster, Alex... I know that you can see that.
The Humanis gunmen flanking Stahl exchange uncertain glances. One begins to raise her pistol, but hurriedly lowers it when the Humanis leader steps forward.
{{GM}}Stahl fixes Alexander with a stern gaze.{{/GM}}

YOU swore an OATH to us, Alexander! You will BE A MAN and KEEP IT!
I...
Don't let him pressure you, boy.
Make your choice, son. But make it fast.
Listen to Dietrich, Alexander. He's a good man.
I'm not a boy! And he's right... I *did* swear an oath.

I owe Humanis. They took me in when nobody else would. Taught me to be *strong*.
No, Alex. What these pigs are teaching you... it ain't strength.

Come with me, and I'll take you under my wing. Show you what *real* strength is.
This TRAITOR associates with MONGREL FILTH!

If you listen to him, you will be BETRAYING YOUR PEOPLE!
I'm *not* your son. My father was a drunken bastard who used to burn me with his cigarettes when he got angry.

{{GM}}He turns on Dietrich.{{/GM}}

But then, *you* already knew that, didn't you? He's *your* brother.
Not by choice, Alex. I don't want a thing to do with that asshole.

And I *didn't* know. Not until it was too late.
Is he? Where the hell was he when my dad used to beat the shit out of me?

Where was he when I got tossed out on the street?
I didn't know, Alex.

By the time I found out, the damage had already been done.
ALEXANDER! You will LISTEN TO ME AND OBEY YOUR OATH!
I... I don't know.

I don't know what to do.
If you side with Humanis, I'm going to have to kill you. I don't want to, but I will.
It's up to you, Alex. But you have to make a choice.
If you can't see through Humanis' bullshit, you don't deserve to live.
{{GM}}Dietrich nods.{{/GM}}

We're gonna have to fight our way out of here, Alex. And I don't want to fight you.
If you don't pull that trigger RIGHT NOW, we will PUT YOU DOWN with the rest of this filth!
{{GM}}Shakily, Alexander raises his rifle. Levels it at Dietrich's head.{{/GM}}

Uncle Dietrich, I...
{{GM}}Attack Alexander.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Wait for Alexander to act.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Dietrich's eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

$+(l.name)! NO!
{{GM}}The barrel of the rifle trembles in Alexander's arms.{{/GM}}

...I'm sorry...
{{GM}}Dietrich locks eyes with his nephew. His voice is low and soft.{{/GM}}

Do what you have to do, Alex. It's your choice.
Do it, you stupid boy. DO IT.
Without a word, Alexander wheels around and points the rifle at Stahl. The Humanis Leader recoils in alarm.

Alexander levels the weapon, and all hell breaks loose.
If you BETRAY YOUR KIND to join these meta-lovers, we will PUT YOU DOWN, boy.

You hear that? WE WILL KILL YOU.
{{GM}}Dietrich shoots you an angry look.{{/GM}}

Fuck off, $(l.name)! They know how to prey on kids like Alex. It's not his fault!
These ANIMALS don't respect you, Alexander. They DENY your choice. Your uncle over there thinks that you're a CHILD.

Now do the right thing and put an END to this.
I'm telling you, Alex, he's using you! That's what groups like Humanis *do!*

{{GM}}Dietrich's voice wavers. His eyes are as wide as saucers.{{/GM}}

When he's finished with you, he'll toss you out, just like your dad did!
No. No, he won't. I've seen lots of Humanis guys who've been here for YEARS.

And if you really gave a damn, YOU'D have BEEN THERE for me when I NEEDED YOU!
No! Alex! Don't do this!
{{GM}}Alexander levels his rifle at Dietrich's head.{{/GM}}

It's DONE.
Your time has come, fool.

{{GM}}He turns to the group that just entered the room.{{/GM}}

Kill them.
{{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}} About time.
{{CC}}Quickness: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Attack first.{{/GM}} Shut up and die already.
This trendily-designed panel reads "Apartment 302."

A slick, high-grade keypad has been mounted into the door frame.
>>SCAN KEY OR ENTER OVERRIDE CODE:
>>
38297
>>Code Accepted!

>>Welcome, homeowner.
Lightning AOE attack which does 17 HP DMG and 1 AP DMG.
You hear voices speaking in low tones through the wood of the door. You can't make out the words, but regular choruses of rough laughter tell you that the people on the other side are enjoying themselves.
More of Harrow's acolytes. If we walk through that door, they'll attack us, just like last time.
We're looking for a key to get past that warded door. Could the girl who has it be in there?
How do you know that they're acolytes? I can't make out what they're saying.
{{GM}}There is a pause before she responds.{{/GM}}

...Yes. It's a definite possibility.

When I was Harrow's second, I practically lived in that room.
Because I've spent time in there. A lot of time.

That room is for acolytes only. On the rare occasion that an initiate is invited in, he usually doesn't come back out again.
Those voices belong to Harrow's acolytes. They'll have some magical training, and they like hurting people.

You open that door, and we're going to have a fight on our hands.
How do you know that they're acolytes?
{{GM}}Kick in the door.{{/GM}} We're going in.
{{GM}}Walk away.{{/GM}} I don't want to announce our presence here unless I have to. Let's keep moving.
What is it? A dorm, or a lounge, or something...?
{{GM}}Her mouth tightens.{{/GM}}

Yes... you could call it that. A special place for Harrow's inner circle. The acolytes, and the bait girls, and Harrow's wives.

Marta and I used to spend a lot of time in there.
Process of elimination. Initiates aren't allowed in that room - it's one of Harrow's rules.

On the rare occasion that an initiate is invited in, he usually doesn't come back out again.
What happens in there?
{{GM}}Her mouth tightens.{{/GM}}

It's a sort of... lounge... for Harrow's inner circle. The acolytes, and the bait girls, and Harrow's wives.

Marta and I used to spend a lot of time in there.
{{GM}}Open the door.{{/GM}} We're going in. Be ready.
{{GM}}Walk away.{{/GM}} Let's keep moving.
The acolytes on the other side of the door are still speaking with one another. You hear an occasional guffaw of laughter.
As the smoke begins to clear, a cry of jubilation sounds out over the Sutterlin BioScience building's intercom system. Alors que la fumée commence à se dissiper, un cri de jubilation résonne dans le système d'intercom du bâtiment de Sutterlin BioScience.
We've done it! We've *DONE* it, my friends!

The Jubuthon Hordes have been defeated!		 Nous l'avons fait! Nous l'avons *FAIT*, mes amis!

La horde Jubuthon a été vaincu.
With this great victory, I declare a new age of exploration and commerce! My peasants will form trade agreements with our neighboring kingdoms, for the betterment of all! Avec cette grande victoire, je déclare un nouvel age d'exploration et de commerce! Mes gens vont nouer des accords commerciaux avec nos royaumes voisins, pour le bien de tous!
Um. Yeah, Phil! I hope that works out for you. Hum. Ouais, Phil! Je souhaite que tout aille bien pour vous.
You get that your "neighboring kingdoms" are just office buildings, right? Tu comprends que les "royaumes voisins" ne sont que des immeubles de bureau, hein?
Thanks for the assist, but I really have to be going. Merci pour le coup de main, mais je dois vraiment y aller.
Farewell, stalwart $(scene.badfantasy)!

We will remember you always!		 Adieu, vaillant $(scene.badfantasy)!

Nous nous souviendrons toujours de toi!
Ha ha! Yes, of course. In the same way that the Sutterlin Empire is "just an office building," eh? Ha ha! Oui, bien sur. De la même manière que l'Empire Sutterlin n'est qu'un "immeuble de bureau", hein?
Yes. Exactly like that. Oui. C'est tout à fait ça.
Empire? Since when is-- Empire? depuis quand s'est--
Don't question him, just roll with it. We need to get this bioware back to Ezkibel before it starts to thaw. Ne lui poses pas de question, fait avec. Nous devons rapporter ce bioware à Ezkibel avant qu'il ne commence à dégeler.
{{GM}}The intercom crackles to life again.{{/GM}}

Farewell, stalwart $(scene.badfantasy)!

We will remember you always!		 {{GM}}L'interphone crépite de nouveau.{{/GM}}

Adieu, vaillent $(scene.badfantasy)!

Nous nous souviendrons toujours de toi!
You hear the rustling sound of Phil pushing himself away from the intercom.

A few seconds later, the building's external speakers fall silent.		 Vous entendez le bruissement de Phil repoussant l'interphone.

Quelques secondes plus tard, les haut-parleurs externes du bâtiment retombent dans le silence.
Yes, of course, your highness!

{{GM}}She lowers her voice to a whisper.{{/GM}}

Just play along with him. We need to get this bioware back to Ezkibel before it starts to thaw.		 Oui, bien sur, votre altesse!

{{GM}}Elle murmure.{{/GM}}

Jouons simplement le jeu. Nous devons rapporter ce bioware à Ezkibel avant qu'il ne dégèle.
{{GM}}A strange, cackling laugh rings out over the intercom.{{/GM}}

You make me laugh, my friend. A pity that you must leave!		 {{GM}}Un étrange rire caquetant retentit dans l'interphone.{{/GM}}

Tu me fais rire, mon ami. Dommage que tu doives nous quitter!
And with that, I bid you farewell, stalwart $(scene.badfantasy).

The people of Sutterlin BioScience will remember you always!		 Et en cela, je te dit adieu, vaillant $(scene.badfantasy).

Le peuple de Sutterlin BioScience se souviendra toujours de toi!
Yes, of course!

You must return your samples to their rightful owner before they thaw.		 Oui, bien sur!

Tu dois rapporter ses échantillons à leur propriétaire légitime avant qu'ils ne dégèlent.
An incredible victory, my friend!

You have cleared a path through the Jubuthon Hordes for the Fellowship of Sutterlin BioScience to begin their quest!		 Une victoire incroyable, mon ami!

Tu as ouvert la voie à travers la Horde Jubuthon afin que la Communauté de Sutterlin BioScience puisse commencer sa quête!
Yeah... good luck with that, Phil. Ouais... bonne chance avec ça, Phil.
I will not need luck! My Knight-Thanes will prevail, for providence is on our side! Je n'ai pas besoin de la chance! Mes Chevalier-Thanes prévaudront, et la providence est de notre coté!
Absolutely, Phil! Go get that lost episode - the world owes it to you! Absolument, Phil! Va à la recherche de l'épisode perdu - le monde est à toi!
Just keep telling yourself that! Continues donc à y croire!
'Course it is! Because he's a Knight-King, right, Phil?

{{GM}}He elbows you in the ribs, grinning ear to ear.{{/GM}}

You go get 'em, man! Show the world! You can do it!		 'Sur, qu'elle l'est! Car tu es le Chevalier-Roi, hein, Phil?

{{GM}}Il vous donne un coup de coude dans les côtes, souriant jusqu'aux oreilles.{{/GM}}

Tu vas les avoir, mec! Montre au monde qui tu es! Tu peux le faire!
Yeah, I'm sure that it is. Ouais, je suis sur que c'est le cas.
Don't engage with him. Just let him hang onto his little fantasy... we need to get out of here before those bioware samples start to thaw. Ne blablate pas avec lui. Laissons simplement dans son petit monde fantastique... Nous devons rapporter ces échantillons de bioware avant qu'ils ne dégèlent.
Don't engage with him. Just let him hang onto his little fantasy... we need to get out of here before these bioware samples thaw. Ne blablate pas avec lui. Laissons simplement dans son petit monde fantastique... Nous devons rapporter ces échantillons de bioware avant qu'ils ne dégèlent.
Don't engage with him. Just let him hang onto his little fantasy.

We need to get out of here before these bioware samples thaw.		 Ne blablate pas avec lui. Laissons simplement dans son petit monde fantastique.

Nous devons rapporter ces échantillons de bioware avant qu'ils ne dégèlent.
I'm sure that it is.
{{GM}}She shoots you a cautionary glance.{{/GM}}

Don't engage with him. Just let him hang onto his little fantasy... we need to get out of here before those bioware samples start to thaw.		 {{GM}}Elle vous lance un regard de mise en garde.{{/GM}}

Ne blablate pas avec lui. Laissons simplement dans son petit monde fantastique. Nous devons rapporter ces échantillons de bioware avant qu'ils ne dégèlent.
Well done, noble stranger! Well done!

You have *defended* this realm from the ravening Jubuthon Hordes, just as you vanquished the ravening Billy!
Just doing my job, Phil.
Of course you are! And as a wandering knight, your job is legendary heroism!

I will sing your tale to my peasants, and they will rejoice!
Yeah, look, Phil... I've gotta go. These samples won't stay frozen forever.
Hey, that sounds great. Take care, Phil!
I could listen to this guy all day, chief - all *day* - but that bioware isn't gonna stay frozen forever.

We should probably get going.
This is just sad.

C'mon, boss. Those bioware samples aren't gonna stay frozen forever.
...We should probably get moving.

Those samples aren't going to stay frozen forever.
Of course they won't! Do what you must - you've earned it!

Farewell, stalwart $(scene.badfantasy). We will remember you always!
A young dwarf looks up at you, wide-eyed with apprehension. From the way that she's fidgeting, you can tell that she's terrified.

She bites her lower lip, eyes darting from side to side. Finally, she takes a step toward you.
Um... hello? Are you $(l.honorific) $(l.name)?
Yeah, that's me. Am I late?
I take it you're on my "maintenance crew."
Who are you, and how do you know my name?
No, you're right on time. But the rest of us got here early, and one of the others was pretty vocal about not wanting to wait.

He took off, and the other guy followed him. They're already inside.
Yeah... um, yeah, I am.

My name is Jana.

{{GM}}She tries on a smile. It falls away almost immediately.{{/GM}}
Good to meet you, Jana. Are the others still on their way?
You sound nervous. Are you sure that you're up to this?
Okay, where are the other two? I was told that there would be four of us.
Um. No. They, uh... sort of jumped the gun a little.

They're already inside.
I'll... I'll be okay.

But I have some bad news for you. Our teammates sort of, um, jumped the gun a little.

They're already inside.
They, uh... they sort of jumped the gun a little.

They're already inside.
Let me get this straight. They charged on into the building, and you didn't do anything to stop them?
Well, I guess I can't fault their enthusiasm.
{{GM}}The dwarf wrings her hands.{{/GM}}

I'm sorry! I told them to wait, but they didn't listen. They just muscled on past me and waltzed through the front door.
{{GM}}The dwarf wrings her hands.{{/GM}}

I told them to wait! "Our instructions were clear," I said. "We need to go in as a group."

But they didn't listen to me, they just went on in anyway.
Wonderful. We've got a job to do, and half of the team goes running off before I even get here.
All right, calm down. I see that you have a toolbox... are you a rigger, or something?
All right, calm down. I see that you have a toolbox... do you have something stashed in there for the run?
Don't worry, it's going to be fine. Let's find the others and do what we came here to do.
I tried to stop them, like I said. But they're like *you*... they're trained killers! They do this kind of thing for a *living!*

What was I supposed to do, intimidate them into staying? I barely even know how to fight!
Hang on. Are you telling me that you've never been on a run before?
I don't see a mark on you. That tells me that you weren't really trying.
There's nothing you could've done. I'm not upset with you.
{{GM}}She swallows.{{/GM}}

I... no, I haven't. I'm an electrician, not a criminal.

I've never broken into anything, or shot at anyone in my *life.*
If you're not a shadowrunner, what are you doing on this crew?
Why the hell did our employers saddle me with you, then?
It's all right. Don't worry, I'll look after you.
{{GM}}Her face flushes red.{{/GM}}

I'd rather not talk about it.

Let's just say that someone did me a favor once, and that coming along on this thing is how I have to pay it back.
Look. In the end, it doesn't matter.

I have to be on this run, and you have to bring me along.

It's what *they* want.
{{GM}}She shrugs helplessly.{{/GM}}

I guess because they need something rewired?
Do you at least know how to defend yourself?
All right, fine. You come along. But stay out of the line of fire, you got me?
Shadowrunning is dangerous enough without having to babysit people like you.
Well, I'll try to get you through this safely, but I can't make any promises.
Well, kind of. I brought my taser, and I have a little hold-out pistol for self defense. I've done some shooting at the range.

But I've never fired at a living thing before... certainly not a person. I'm hoping that we can get through this thing without me having to.
{{GM}}She nods eagerly.{{/GM}}

Gladly. I don't want anything to do with that.

I don't even want to be here.
All right. Where's the rest of the team?
Please tell me that the rest of our crew knows what it's doing.
Yeah, well, I'm sure that we all have things we'd rather be doing. Now, you said that our teammates went inside... are you certain about that?
That makes two of us. When did our teammates abandon you?
This just gets better and better.
Damn it.
Well, I suppose that I can't fault their enthusiasm.
They'll still be on the first floor, though! Without my help, there's no way that they could've gotten too far ahead of us.
How do you know that?
They'll still be on the first floor - we should be able to catch them if we go in now.

Without my help, there's no way that they could've gotten too far ahead of us.
Well, they're definitely familiar with violence, if that's what you're asking. But, uh... I do have some bad news about them.

They sort of jumped the gun a little. They're already inside.
About ten minutes ago. I watched them storm through the front doors of the building we're going to hit.
Son of a bitch.
A lot can happen in ten minutes.
Well, they're eager, I'll give them that much.
They can't have gotten too far ahead of us. Without my help, they won't be able to make it off the first floor.
Nobody's getting upstairs until I bypass the security locks on the elevator.

That's why I decided to wait for you out here - I figured that they couldn't get themselves in too much trouble if I didn't come with them.
Yeah, well, I feel for you.

If it's any consolation, I don't want to be here, either. But I don't have a choice, understand?

You do what they say, whether you want to or not.
I'm getting that. Are you sure that the others went inside?
{{GM}}She nods eagerly.{{/GM}}

Thank you. I really, really mean that.
Take this in the spirit in which it is intended, but our teammates... they know what they're doing, right?
No problem. Now, you said that our teammates are already inside... are you sure about that?
Yeah, well, you owe me. Now tell me about the others.
{{GM}}The fear drains from her face. She looks exhausted.{{/GM}}

Thank you. I really, really mean that.
I'll try to take care of myself as best as I can - I don't want to be a burden. I brought my taser, and I have a little hold-out pistol for self defense.

But I've never fired at a living thing before, let alone a person. I'm really hoping that I won't have to.
I understand. Now, you said that our teammates are already inside... are you sure about that?
We'll see. Now tell me about the others.
Yeah. I watched them storm through the front doors of the building that we're going to hit about ten minutes ago.
A human and an elf. They're inside already, like I said.

I watched them storm through the front doors of the building we're going to hit about ten minutes ago.
Oh, yeah, right. And if I *had* gotten into their faces, what good would that have done? Look at me!

{{GM}}She spreads her arms wide. Even at their full spread, she doesn't look much bigger than a human child.{{/GM}}

I'm tiny!
Besides, I'm not a career criminal like the rest of you. I've never broken into anything, or shot at anyone in my *life.*

I'm just an electrician!
{{GM}}She nods gratefully.{{/GM}}

Thank you. I... I never thought that I'd be in a situation like this.

I'm not a criminal. I'm just an electrician.
{{GM}}She swallows.{{/GM}}

Well. Um. No.

I'm not like you... not like the others. You should probably know that.
Then what *are* you like?
You'll have to clarify that.
A normal person, with a boyfriend and a cat and a shitty apartment.

I'm not a career criminal, is what I'm saying. I'm just an electrician.
Violence makes me sick to my stomach. I've never broken into a building or stolen anything in my life.

I guess that what I'm trying to say is that I'm not a criminal. I'm just an electrician.
Well. Um. In a manner of speaking.

{{GM}}She opens the box and shows you its contents. It's packed to the brim with an assortment of hand tools.{{/GM}}

I'm not like you... not like the others. You should probably know that.
{{GM}}She takes a deep breath, then nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Okay.
They'll still be on the first floor. Nobody's getting upstairs until I bypass the security locks on the elevator.

That's why I decided to wait for you out here... I figured that they couldn't get too far ahead of us if I didn't go inside with them.
Good thinking.
All right. Let's get in there before the others blow the run.
Thanks. I just hope that they don't screw things up in there.

All that I want is to get this thing over with and get back home.
Right there with you. Let's head inside.
Speaking of which, let's get moving.
Yeah. Okay.

Let's do it.
{{GM}}She swallows.{{/GM}}

Um. My name is Jana.

I was told to wait for you... that we'd be going into the building as a team?
You sound nervous, Jana. How many runs have you been on before?
Sounds about right. So where's the rest of the team?
None.

I'm not like you... you should probably know that.
I'll try to take care of myself as best as I can - I don't want to be a burden. I brought my taser, and I have a little hold-out pistol for self defense.

I've never fired at a living thing before, though. And I'm really hoping that I won't have to.
I understand. Now, where are our teammates?
Let me get this straight. They charged on into the building, and you didn't do anything to slow them down?
Wonderful. We've got a job to do, and half of the team goes running off before I get here.
Slow down, it's going to fine. Are you sure that the others went inside the building?
Thank you.

{{GM}}She gives you a small smile.{{/GM}}

I never thought I'd be in a situation like this. Frankly, I'm terrified.
All right. You said that our missing teammates are already inside. Are you sure about that?
Look, you can stand there accusing me of being a bad shadowrunner if you want - I won't argue with you. But you're wasting time, and the others are doing God knows what in that building without us.
You're sure about that?
{{GM}}The dwarf wrings her hands.{{/GM}}

I told them to wait! "Our instructions were clear," I said. "We need to go in as a group."

But they didn't listen to me, they just went on in anyway. It's not like I could stop them.
A human and an elf. They, uh... they sort of jumped the gun a little.

They're already inside.
The screen on the terminal flickers off and on and displays a flashing error code.

It looks as though APEX's departure has cracked the terminal's security systems... with the touch of a button, you could forge admin access to the machine.

But the sound of a bullet whizzing past your ear pulls you away. There are still hostiles in the area.
{{GM}}The screen on the terminal flickers off and on and displays a flashing error code.{{/GM}}

>>>#ERROR | 4ac43bc6 |
>>>Primary security offline
>>>#ERROR! Excess doors are floodlights please engage LTG your designated air duct.

>>>Admin Access Granted! Press Any Key to Continue.
{{GM}}Press a key.{{/GM}}
You press a key at random, and the screen begins to flash. A piezoelectric beeper buried somewhere deep inside of the terminal plays a series of chirps, and the system reboots itself.

Then, when the screen comes alive again, it is filled with text.
WELCOME, ADMINISTRATOR. PLEASE SELECT FROM THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS.

>>PF_01:// HYPERTHERMOPHILE STUDIES
>>PF_02:// ARTIFICIAL LYMPHOCYTES AND MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY PRODUCTION
>>PF_03:// HERMETIC TECHNIQUES FOR SLOWING RADIOACTIVE DECAY
>>PF_04:// RECENT DEVELOPMENT NOTES
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Hyperthermophile Studies."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Artificial Lymphocytes and Monoclonal Antibody Production."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Hermetic Techniques for Slowing Radioactive Decay."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Panacea: Recent Development Notes."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the workstation alone.{{/GM}}
The information in this entry is impossibly dense. It would take you a week and a stack of scientific journals to fully decipher.
{{CC}}Biotech: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} Study the entry.
{{CC}}Biotech: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Skim over the entry.
Search for clues as to what the entry is about.
It appears that this lab has been experimenting with hyperthermophilic organisms - animals that thrive in temperatures high enough to kill most other organisms.

From what you can tell, the lab has been attempting to isolate the genes that make survival in such extreme conditions possible.
Most of the research is devoted to marine invertebrates that live in ecosystems surrounding hydrothermal vents.

More recently, the lab has taken to experimenting on salamanders, Awakened creatures that live in fire-based environments. These studies showed more promise, but have been postponed due to the difficulty in keeping the salamanders alive in captivity.
The entry is missing a conclusion, so it's anyone's guess as to whether the studies proved successful or not.
There is a moment of silence as the group absorbs everything that you've just read.
I don't like the looks of this, $(l.name).

I don't like it at all.
{{CC}}Intelligence: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} There isn't enough information here to know what this "Panacea" is, but I can take a guess.
Glory, do you have any insights about any of this?
What do you think this all means, Eiger?
Blitz? Any thoughts?
Dietrich? Did any of that make any sense to you?
Whatever's going on here, we have more important things to do than stand around talking about it. Let's keep moving.
I'm all ears, boss. Lay it on us.
I think that Panacea is a sort of a delivery system for Doom. It's a virus... airborne and highly infectious. And it can produce Doom antibodies on command. But the radioactive payload that they carry is... stable, somehow. Dormant.

The magical research ties it all together. I don't think that any of this would work at all if magic weren't involved.
What all of this tells me is that we need to shut Vauclair down. Whatever mad-scientist bullshit he's planning on pulling with this stuff, it isn't going to be good for us.
Agreed. Let's keep moving... we need to put a stop to this.
What all of this tells me is that we need to shut Vauclair down. Whatever mad-scientist bullshit he's plannin' on pulling with this stuff, it ain't gonna to be good for us.
What all of this tells me is that we need to shut Vauclair down. Whatever he's planning on doing with this stuff, it isn't going to be good for us.
Go on, $(l.name). We're listening.
I'm all ears, chief. Lay it on us.
A few.

I think that Panacea is a sort of a delivery system for Doom. It's a virus... airborne and highly infectious. And it can produce Doom antibodies on command. But the radioactive payload of the Doom antibodies is... stable, somehow. Dormant.

The magical research is over my head, so I don't know how that ties in.
All of this makes me feel extremely uneasy, $(l.name). Doom is dangerous enough on its own.

I don't like the idea of Vauclair tinkering with it.
I told you about those stories I'd heard... the stories about Doom being deployed in border skirmishes. Well, I spared you the goriest details... didn't want to give you nightmares.

So here's what I think. We need to put a stop to this. And we need to do it now.
I think that we're wasting time talking about this, chief. Who cares what this drek is supposed to do?

As long as we stop it, that's all that matters in the end.
I only caught a little of it... the magical research stuff. And most of that was over my head.

I don't really go in for hermetic theory, boss. Makes my eyes glaze over every time.
From what I could understand, it looks like the mages here have found a way to stabilize radioactive material.

I guess that you could use somethin' like that for a lot of things... it's pretty open-ended. But somethin' tells me that I'm not gonna like whatever Vauclair's doin' with it.
I don't like the looks of this, boss.

I don't like it at all.
I don't like the looks of this, chief.

I don't like it at all.
You take a moment to process the information that you have just read.

It appears that Panacea is a sort of a delivery system for Doom. It's a virus; airborne, highly infectious, and capable of producing Doom antibodies on command.

But the radioactive payload that the antibodies carry is stable, somehow. Dormant.
The magical research ties it all together. It's doubtful that any of this would work at all if magic weren't involved.

Through all of this, one thing is certain: Panacea is *dangerous.* And if Vauclair is planning on releasing it, he has to be stopped.
From what you can tell, this lab has been experimenting with hyperthermophilic organisms... animals that thrive in temperatures high enough to kill most other organisms.

There are details on a variety of different species of test animals. It looks as though the scientists who were working here were attempting to extract some form of genetic information from them, but for what purpose you cannot tell.
To your untrained eye, most of the text on the screen is nonsense. You catch a few words here and there, but for the most part, you're lost.
From what little you can pick up, it looks as though this lab was studying animals that thrive in extremely hot environments. For what purpose, you cannot say.
You open the entry, and the screen fills with pages' worth of scientific jargon.
{{CC}}Biotech: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} Study the entry.
Search the entry for clues.
This entry covers the development of nontraditional techniques to encourage the production of monoclonal antibody cells.

The research they're doing here focuses on mass-producing the cells by way of artificial, genetically identical lymphocytes that would act as "factories" for the proteins.
The lymphocyte cells that have been produced here are robust and self-replicating, and they have proven viable in a wide variety of test animals.

What any of this has to do with the Panacea project is not addressed.
Most of what's written in this report is completely foreign to you. But from what you can piece together, it looks as though the scientists here are working on developing a sort of artificial immune cell... something sturdy and self-replicating that is capable of pumping out antibodies on command.

Why they're doing it is beyond you.
This entry is overflowing with complicated magical figures. It would take a skilled mage to decipher it.
{{CC}}Spellcasting: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} Study the entry.
{{CC}}Spellcasting: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Skim the entry.
Attempt to read the entry.
Deciphering the arcane sigils that fill the page is child's play. It looks as though the hermetic theoreticians here have been working to develop a metamagical method of dealing with radiation.
According to what you can see, the project was successful. Using this technique, isotopes of radium-224 were magically "stabilized" for over a month; during this period, the isotopes did not decay and emitted no harmful radiation.

The typical radioactive half-life of radium-224 is just over three days.
There is no data to hint at what the ultimate goal of the project might be. But the potential applications for a technique like this are almost limitless.
The metamagical theory detailed here goes way over your head, but you're able to pick out bits and pieces of what the entry is saying.

Apparently, the hermetic theoreticians here have developed a way to stabilize decaying isotopes. The technique has proven effective at prolonging the half-life of radioactive material well beyond its usual limits, and preventing it from emitting harmful radiation in equal measure.
You pore through the entry for several minutes before giving up. The metamagical terminology in use here is far too dense for a non-mage to understand.
The only clue you're left with is the title of the entry. Apparently, they're using magic to extend the half-life of radioactive isotopes.

Why they're doing it, you cannot say.
Surprisingly, this entry is relatively easy to read.

Skimming it over, you discover that the scientists here have been working on a variety of additional tweaks to a project called "Panacea."
Apparently, a batch of artificial lymphocytes developed for the project has recently been bound with an airborne RNA virus.

The resulting microorganism is as infectious as the flu and exhibits a broadband capability to jump species barriers.
The notes also discuss the bio-agent "Doom," and the resident scientists' efforts to deconstruct it.

It appears as though they are attempting to improve upon the formula in some way.
This terminal is active. A keycard reader has been set into its base.

The menu screen is a simple thing, with only two items to choose from.
>>MAIN MENU<<

>>01:// VICTORY REPORT
>>02:// VERIFY KEYCARD ACCESS
{{GM}}Open the folder marked "Victory Report."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Swipe your keycard to unlock the lab doors.{{/GM}}
>>VICTORY REPORT // PANACEA PRESS ARCHIVES<<

>>VR_01:// 2054-11-22 / FEUERSCHWINGE
>>VR_02:// 2054-12-10 / "MYSTERY ILLNESS"
>>VR_03:// 2055-03-10 / RE: CURE EFFORTS
>>VR_04:// 2055-04-01 / DRAGONS EXTINCT
>>VR_05:// 2055-04-21 / AFTERMATH
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Feuerschwinge."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Mystery Illness."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Re: Cure Efforts."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Dragons Extinct."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Aftermath."{{/GM}}
FEUERSCHWINGE RETURNS, ATTACKS BERLIN
2054-11-22

The Great Dragon Feuerschwinge, believed dead since 2012, returned tonight to launch a surprise attack on the city of Berlin.

"It was awful," said Jeni Acker, a survivor of the attack. "She swooped down on us, crashing through buildings and vomiting flames. I thought that I was sure to die, but a strange-looking elf used his magic to save me."
"I never even learned his name," she continued. "He shielded me from harm, and then he was consumed by the flames. His companion, a pale elvish woman, went mad... I don't remember anything after that."

Similar sentiments have been pouring in from victims all over the city. Tens of thousands have been confirmed dead; many times that have been wounded. All across Berlin, fires rage of a magnitude that has not been seen since the Second World War.
The dragon's attack was brought to an end two hours after it began by a wing of Saeder-Krupp attack craft.

The fighters were armed with experimental Gauss cannons, and to quote a Saeder-Krupp spokesman, they "tore through her armor like tinfoil."
"A lot has changed since 2012," the spokesman continued. "Conventional weapons technology is more than capable of bringing down a dragon these days - even one as fearsome as the Firewing.

"That said, the fight was not one-sided. We lost several craft in our pursuit of Feuerschwinge, at a cost of several hundred million nuyen."
Despite Saeder-Krupp's victory over the dragon, today remains a day of mourning across Germany.

The Free City of Berlin lies in ruins, set to the torch by a monster that the world thought dead.
MYSTERY ILLNESS REACHES PANDEMIC STATUS
2054-12-10

The World Health Organization has just released a statement about a new "mystery illness" that is sweeping the globe like wildfire.

This virus has been given the temporary designation of "CSMDS," short for "Cross-Species Muscular Decay Syndrome."
The virus is both extremely infectious and asymptomatic in metahumans. As such, it was able to spread across much of the globe without being detected.

It is, however, highly dangerous to draconic life forms; along with the WHO's press release, Saeder-Krupp has revealed that the Great Dragon Lofwyr is currently battling the disease.
The WHO has traced the point of origin of CSMDS to Berlin.

"The disaster conditions that still plague the city months after Feuerschwinge's second rampage might have contributed to the rapid spread of CSMDS," a WHO spokesperson told us.

"Much of the city still lacks basic sanitation services, and clean water is difficult to come by. Disaster areas such as Berlin have repeatedly shown themselves to be ideal breeding grounds for disease."
The WHO has urged the international community to exercise continued vigilance in battling the disease.

"All appropriate precautions must be observed when dealing with CSMDS," the press release reads.

"While CSMDS does not appear to be dangerous to metahumans, it does incorporate both magical and radiological elements, and this alone is reason enough to treat it as a potential threat."
WYRM FLU: RESEARCHERS "CLOSE" TO FINDING CURE
2055-03-10

The global pandemic of CSMDS, colloquially known as the "Wyrm Flu," enters its third month today.

In that time, the overwhelming majority of the world's population has been infected with the disease, and nearly three quarters of the world's dragon population have succumbed to the illness.
"We [metahumans] dodged a bullet this time," said Albrecht Haushofer, senior vice president of AG Chemie Europa.

"The dragons weren't so lucky. We're close to finding a cure, but I'm not sure that we're close enough to save them."
"In a way, this is good for us," Haushofer continued. "It is, of course, tragic that so many dragons are dying so horribly of this disease. But this is the first opportunity we've had to watch a slate-wiper virus at work against an intelligent population.

"We can learn a lot by studying CSMDS, and hopefully that knowledge will help us to avoid suffering a similar fate."
Dr. Kristine Martin, director of research at Universal Omnitech, took a more cautious view of the CSMDS pandemic. "This disease - or a mutant strain of it - could still do to us what it's doing to the dragons. That's why it's imperative that we find a cure quickly.

"Thankfully, we're getting close to doing just that. While standard zeta-interferon treatments have proven ineffective, we have been working around the clock to gengineer a variant of Z-interferon that can combat the disease."
We asked Dr. Martin when Universal Omnitech's cure was expected to be ready for deployment.

"I can't give you a definite time line, but I can say that we'll be ready to move into human trials soon."

"I'll keep you posted," she added.
DRAGONS EXTINCT! WYRM FLU CLAIMS LIFE OF LAST KNOWN DRAGON
2055-04-01

The Great Dragon Hestaby, the last known dragon on Earth, has died.

Hestaby was best known for her 2053 intervention in Tir Tairngire's assault on California Free State. After interceding in the conflict, she claimed the Shasta Dam - and a 40-mile area surrounding it - as her lair.
She is remembered as one of the most popular Great Dragons, second only to the late Dunkelzahn in public opinion. She was also a champion of metahuman rights causes, and aid organizations around the world declared today a day of mourning.

"Hestaby was one of the most magnificent creatures ever to have lived," UCAS President Thomas Steele said in a prepared statement. "It is fitting that the Great Dragons of the world should be memorialized in her image."
LIVING IN A POST-DRAGON WORLD: S-K POWER STRUGGLE CONCLUDES, PROSPERITY INCREASES
2055-04-21

The most hotly contested position to be vacated in the Wyrm Flu outbreak has finally been filled.

Wilhelmina Graff-Benoit, the former Saeder-Krupp CEO who was deposed in the Great Dragon Lofwyr's hostile takeover of 2036, has reclaimed her former position at the head of the corporate giant.
"In the wake of tragedy, we will stand strong," Graff-Benoit said. "The dragons may have succumbed to CSMDS, but we - the survivors - will not succumb to despair. I will pick up the torch that Lofwyr dropped, and with it, I will carry Saeder-Krupp forward to new heights.

"This is a great day, both for me personally and for S-K as a corporate entity," she concluded. "At long last, I have finally come home."
Meanwhile, nearly three months after the death of the last dragon, global prosperity continues to rise.

"The markets have stabilized, and the power vacuums have been filled. And while the vast majority of draconic wealth has been absorbed into the coffers of various megacorps, enough has filtered back into the market to revitalize the global economy," said William Jeffers of the Brinkmann Institute.
"At the risk of sounding insensitive, the feeling of most of the big money movers seems to be 'good riddance.' The Great Dragons were huge drains on the economies of every country they settled in," Jeffers continued.

"The death of an intelligent species is, of course, a terrible thing. I myself was a fan of 'Wyrm Talk,'" he adds. "But from an economist's perspective? All things being equal, the extinction of the Great Dragons was a huge stroke of luck."
"So while we're all still reeling from what happened, we're also getting richer," he concludes.

"For the first time in decades, things are really looking up for us - for metahumanity - as a whole. And that is a good, good thing."
The terminal shows a green light as the doors unlock behind you.
You are about to exit this location and return to the Kreuzbasar. Continue?
Typhoon
FALSE FLAG
You burst through the door to the Humanis compound and into the crisp night air. You’re not far from your extraction point.

Time to go.
Humanis Member
Humanis Mage
Maxim
Smuggler Mage
Smuggler
Warning Label
Eliminate Humanis Opposition
Get Alexander To Safety
Keep Max Alive
The Humanis compound smells like a locker room, and doesn’t look much better. Calling the building “run down” would be an understatement; paint is peeling off of the cheap duraplast walls, and the tiles on the floor are mired with decades’ worth of grime. It’s an old, ugly place, perfectly suited to the old, ugly ideology being practiced here.

You enter the compound. The information that Samuel Beckenbauer sent you here to find lies somewhere ahead.
ALEXANDER! NO!
Turret powered up.
Select a Decker to jack in. Choisissez un decker pour la connexion
Armory door opened.
Looks like we're gonna have to fight our way out.
Alexander
Volker Stahl
Humanis Terminal
Black IC
Turret
Security Camera 1
Luca Duerr
Humanis Propaganda
Note
Security Camera 2
Humanis Door Panel
TurnEnforcer
Security Camera 3
Help Dietrich Find His Nephew
Discover the Humanis Plot
Escape with the Humanis Plot Information
The Humanis Leader Must Survive
Find the Humanis Donor List
Convince Alexander to Leave Humanis
HALT! This is a RESTRICTED AREA!
Yes, yes. Of course it is.
{{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Attaquer.{{/GM}}
How many times do I have to go through this? Use your eyes, pal. I'm with Knight Errant.
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

You're wearing the uniform, but you don't sound like Knight Errant. Identify yourself!
{{GM}}He looks skeptical.{{/GM}}

You're wearing the uniform, but *I've* never seen you before. Identify yourself!
I'm a consultant. Aztechnology security brought me in to check up on you.
{{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}} Oh, the hell with it. I don't have time for this any more. {{GM}}Attaquer.{{/GM}} Oh, et merde. Je n'ai pas le temps pour ca.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Security{{/CC}} I'm here to conduct a spot inspection. Just keep doing what you're doing, guardsmen.
An Aztechnology consultant? Dressed in a Knight Errant uniform?

{{GM}}He reaches for his weapon.{{/GM}}

I don't think so.
{{GM}}The guards exchange glances.{{/GM}}

Whoa, hold up. Inspection? What are you talking about?
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} Do I have to spell it out for you? Central wants to be sure that you're not sleeping on the job. They sent me to check up on you.
Central sent me to inspect you, and I don't like what I see! Now get out of my sight!
Think before you respond. I'm taking notes.
{{GM}}The guard straightens. His voice carries an edge of nervous tension.{{/GM}}

Well... um... very well! Sir!

We will continue to man our posts with diligence, sir! As you'll see!
I hope so, guardsman. For your sake.
Think before you respond, pal. I'm taking notes.
{{GM}}The guards glance at one another one more time. In unison, they raise their weapons.{{/GM}}
$(l.name). The savior of our people.

What can I do for you, $(l.freund)?
$(l.name). You'll have to excuse me... I don't have much time.

Several of my volunteers are still missing, and while their odds of survival are vanishingly low, I must assist in the search. At the very least we can recover their bodies.
$(l.name)! What a relief it is to see you alive!

{{GM}}Samuel's face clouds.{{/GM}}

Unfortunately, many others were less fortunate.
What happened?
Your friend Silke... I'm afraid that she was one of these.

They caught her on the street. She and another of my volunteers were trying to sheperd one of our more difficult guests into shelter.

The attackers... they opened fire.
{{GM}}He clasps your shoulder, his eyes welling with tears.{{/GM}}

She took five rounds, $(l.name). Doctor Ezkibel tells me that she felt no pain.
Now, if you will excuse me, I must go.

I have cremations to attend to to.
What do you suppose? Our people spend much of their time on the street, trying to coax the indigent into making use of our services.

{{GM}}His eyes well with tears.{{/GM}}

The attackers were indescriminate with their fire. It was a bloodbath.
$(l.name)! What a relief it is to see you alive!

{{GM}}Samuel wraps you in an enormous hug.{{/GM}}

You should know that your generosity has saved dozens of lives.
When the attackers came, we all took refuge in the $(l.name) Civic Center. Its strong walls and sturdy gate kept us all safe from harm.

Had our people been on the street... had they been in our old building, which came under fire during the attack... none of them would be alive.
We owe you, $(l.name). More now than ever.

You may not look upon yourself as a hero, but to the people of the Kreuzbasar, that is what you will always be.
{{GM}}Samuel shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Not now, $(l.freund).

I have... unpleasant business to attend to.
At the sound of your approach, the ork turns to face you. He wears a severe expression, but there is kindness in his eyes.
Guten Tag, brother $(l.race).

Is there something that I can do for you?
I've uncovered what Humanis is up to. You'll find the details on this data pad.
I heard that you wanted to talk about a job.
I want to talk to you about that job.
I'd like to talk about your organization.
I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. I take it that you run a charity of some sort?
How is Alexander doing?
How is Silke doing?
No questions, I'm just passing by.
{{GM}}Beckenbauer eyes the plans on the datapad, then nods grimly.{{/GM}}

This fits with Humanis' established pattern of behavior. Horrific and vile.
According to this datapad, Humanis compounds all over Berlin have received similar shipments. They are planning to deploy the gas tomorrow morning.

{{GM}}He exhales sharply, then nods again.{{/GM}}

I have a feeling that the Flux-State will have a thing or two to say about that.
Stahl has overstepped his bounds. His hubris will be his undoing.

You mark my words. Within the next few hours, the Humanis Policlub is going to take a hammering that will make the Night of Rage look like a peace rally.
I owe you a great deal, $(l.name). We all do.

I will wire your payment to the account number that Amsel provided.
Stahl has overstepped his bounds. His hubris will be his undoing.
Actually, *I* was his undoing. Volker Stahl is no longer among the living.
That... that is excellent news. I am not ashamed to say that I wished the man dead.

He deserved whatever you did to him.
And now, I'm going to see to it that the rest of his twisted organization suffers in the same way that he did.

You mark my words. Within the next few hours, the Humanis Policlub is going to take a hammering that will make the Night of Rage look like a peace rally.
Yes... yes, I do. Thank you for coming so promptly.

{{GM}}He takes a deep breath, slowly releases it, and looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

Tell me. What do you know about the Humanis Policlub?
Not a lot. I don't pay much attention to politics.
They're an anti-metahuman hate group.
They're monsters.
Humanis may call itself a policlub, but its goals are anything but political.

The organization's true objective is to spread fear and hatred of the metahuman races. Humanis's bloody rhetoric helped to instigate the Night of Rage.
Night of Rage?
A world-wide race riot that took place in February of 2039. Thousands of innocent metahumans were attacked, beaten, and killed.

Women and children were corralled into warehouses for "protection," and then burned alive when the structures were put to the torch.
*This* is what Humanis stands for. This is the agenda that its leaders strive to advance.

They will not be satisfied until all metahumans - *everywhere* - are driven from the face of the Earth.
Tell me what this has to do with me.
If you want me to go up against Humanis, it's gonna cost you.
Disgusting. And this job of yours has something to do with Humanis?
Yes. Your Herr Amsel informed me of your business practices. Rest assured, you will be paid.

Now, if we may discuss the details of the job...?
Go ahead.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Yesterday, I overheard one of my assistants talking on his comm. He was yelling, clearly agitated.

I questioned him, and he confided in me. What he told me made my blood run cold.
What did he tell you?
Cut to the chase, Sam.
Let me guess where this is going. Humanis is planning something. An attack of some kind.
His brother, Tuck, works for a smuggling operation based in Schattennest.

Apparently, these smugglers have accepted a contract from Volker Stahl. Stahl is a vicious ideologue, and the leader of the Berlin chapter of Humanis.
The cargo that the smugglers are delivering includes a large quantity of an extremely hazardous chemical agent.

Naturally, this fills me with unease. Whatever Stahl has planned, it can't be good for us.
Yes. Of course. Please forgive my rambling; I am not accustomed to dealing with people in your line of work.
The long and the short of it is that the Berlin chapter of Humanis is planning something. Something involving a large shipment of an extremely hazardous chemical.

Their leader, Volker Stahl, is a vicious ideologue. It goes without saying that whatever he intends to do, it won't be good for us.
I want you to infiltrate the smuggling operation that is delivering the shipment.

Once you arrive at the Humanis compound, you will find out what they're planning to do with the chemical and put a stop to it.
Wouldn't it be easier to just hijack the shipment? Why allow it to get to the Humanis compound at all?
{{CC}}Race: Non-Human{{/CC}} What makes you think they'll talk to me? I'm no more human than you are.
Let's talk compensation. What does this gig pay?
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

No. Stopping the shipment would not stop Humanis. They would merely acquire another.

For a pack of snarling racists, they are extremely well-funded.
Many of the smugglers are metahumans. If you travel with them, Humanis will allow you into their compound. The rest will be up to you.
As long as they can get me in the front door, I can take care of the rest.
Why would Humanis deal with a metahuman-run operation?
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Yes. Good. From your reputation around the Kreuzbasar, I knew that you were the right $(l.man) for the job.
Presumably because they're the best option available. Stahl is nothing if not a pragmatist; he will work with metahumans when it suits him to do so.

When he's finished with them, he'll discard them and move on.
I have contacted sister organizations across Berlin and taken up a collection. Between us, we have raised 22,000 nuyen as a payment.

I trust that this will be sufficient?
{{CC}}Etiquette: Socialite{{/CC}} I know how much money you nonprofits keep for yourselves. You can scrape together more cash than that, and you know it.
I'll do it. Count me in.
I'll get back to you on that.
{{GM}}He lets out a deep sigh.{{/GM}}

You're wrong about my organization. I keep nothing for myself... nothing.

But I will see what I can do. I might be able to call in some favors and raise you another five hundred.
You do that. In the meantime, I'm in.
I'll think about it.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Excellent. I am relieved.

I will make the arrangements for your meeting with the smugglers. Their leader is a elf who calls himself "Maxim." Take the U-Bahn to Schattennest and you will find him waiting there.
Best of luck to you, $(l.name), and good hunting.

Know that you are doing a great thing for the metahumans of Berlin. Your efforts will not go unrecognized.
Please do. And do it quickly.

My gut tells me that if we don't act soon, Humanis will.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Yes. I believe so. The Berlin chapter of Humanis has arranged to acquire a large shipment of an extremely hazardous chemical.

Their leader, Volker Stahl, is a vicious ideologue. It goes without saying that whatever he intends to do, it won't be good for us.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

The largest and most well-funded of its kind. The instigators of the Night of Rage, and the enemy of everything that I stand for.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

A label that I would not apply to many people... but the leadership of Humanis are deserving of the title.
They corrupt angry young humans into bile-spewing hatemongers.

Their bloody rhetoric helped to instigate the Night of Rage.
Have you reconsidered, then? Will you help me?
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Yes, of course. Please, go on.
Are you accepting donations?
I'd like to talk about your organization's policies.
Let's talk about something else.
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

No, $(l.name). No donations. Not any more.

With the losses that we took in the attack, I have decided to close the doors on the charity. Perhaps they will open again some day... but now, it is time to grieve.
Thank you, friend, but no. We have grown as much as I am comfortable with for one year, and you have done quite enough already.

Know that you have positively impacted the lives of a great many Kreuzbasar residents, $(l.name). Be proud of that fact.
The work program has been a rousing success! At this point, we only have one more goal in mind to round out the year.

I have been in negotiations with Herr Burakgazi to lease another building in the Kreuzbasar. The construction is much more modern and sturdy than our old shelter... our people would be better-protected there. In addition, the extra floor space would open up a host of new options for our organization.
One other thing, $(l.name)... if we reach this goal, I would like to name the building after you. You are, after all, our primary benefactor.

With 500 nuyen, we could make the purchase. Whatever you could spare would be most appreciated.
Yes, of course. Your last donation put us part of the way toward leasing the building.

As of your last donation, we have $(story.Haven_Global_SamuelDonations) nuyen saved toward our 500 nuyen goal. Whatever more you could contribute would be greatly appreciated.
The new library is marvelous, $(l.name). You have worked miracles for this organization.

Our next goal is to purchase a set of trode nets for our new work training program. I have high hopes for this plan, $(l.name)... with these devices, we could teach job skills to the least-educated members of our society in a fraction of the time that it would take for them to learn on their own.
With 400 nuyen, we could make the purchase. Whatever you could spare would be most appreciated.
Yes, of course. Your last donation put us part of the way toward purchasing the trode nets.

As of your last donation, we have $(story.Haven_Global_SamuelDonations) nuyen saved toward our 400 nuyen goal. Whatever more you could contribute would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, $(l.freund), we are now ready to open up to donations once again.

Thanks to your kind assistance, the shelter is now fully stocked with blankets and space heaters, and we've enough rice, salt, and barley to last through the winter. But guaranteeing the physical well-being of the Kreuzbasar's needy is only a part of the equation... we must see to their mental well-being, as well.
Our next goal is to fully stock the library.

With 350 nuyen, we could make the purchase. Whatever you could spare would be most appreciated.
Yes, of course. Your last donation put us part of the way toward stocking our library's shelves with books.

As of your last donation, we have $(story.Haven_Global_SamuelDonations) nuyen saved toward our 350 nuyen goal. Whatever more you could contribute would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, of course! We're actually desperate for them, truth be told... people seem more intent on taking care of themselves than they are in providing for the less fortunate.

Of course, these concepts are not unrelated. As poverty rates increase, so does the crime rate. Assisting the needy increases the quality of life for all.
In any event, our shelter has some basic needs that desperately need to be filled. The walls of the shelter are not insulated, and new blankets would go a long way toward keeping our guests healthy and comfortable. Ideally, we'd like to purchase some space heaters as well.

With 250 nuyen, we could make the purchase. Whatever you could spare would be most appreciated.
{{CC}}¥$(story.Haven_Global_SamuelGoal){{/CC}} Here, just take what you need. I've got you covered.
{{CC}}¥100{{/CC}} Take 100 nuyen. I can spare the money, and you could clearly use it.
{{CC}}¥50{{/CC}} I'll pitch in 50 nuyen.
{{CC}}¥10{{/CC}} Here, take 10 nuyen.
Sorry, I appear to be strapped for cash.
{{GM}}Samuel's eyes widen.{{/GM}}

This is... incredibly generous. Thank you, $(l.freund).
Not a big deal, Sam. Do good with it.
{{GM}}Samuel accepts your donation with a smile.{{/GM}}

A fine donation... this will do a great deal of good. Thank you.
You're welcome, Sam. Think nothing of it.
{{GM}}Samuel nods his head in appreciation.{{/GM}}

Thank you, $(l.freund). This will go a long way.
Not a problem. Always happy to contribute to a good cause.
{{GM}}Samuel gratefully accepts your donation.{{/GM}}

I thank you, $(l.name). Every little bit helps.
I wish I could do more, but money's tight.
I don't know what to say, $(l.name). With this donation, we have reached our final goal.

I will speak with Burakgazi immediately and provide him his downpayment. The $(l.name) Civic Center will stand as a monument to your generosity and care.

Thank you, once again. You have been a godsend to the poor of the Kreuzbasar, and I will see to it that they know it.
The $(s.name) Civic Center. It has a nice ring to it.
I am happy that you're pleased. You've more than earned it.
With this contribution, we now have ¥$(story.Haven_Global_SamuelDonations) saved toward our ¥500 goal.
{{CC}}¥100{{/CC}} Take another 100 nuyen. The shadows have been good to me recently.
{{CC}}¥50{{/CC}} My pockets are a little deeper than I thought. Here's another 50 nuyen.
{{CC}}¥10{{/CC}} Here, I can spare a little more. Take another 10 nuyen.
Sorry, I'm afraid that I'm tapped out for now.
Very well, my friend. Thanks again for your help!

If you see anyone in need, be sure to send them our way. We will do whatever we can to make thier lives better.
I can scarcely believe it. With this donation, we have met our penultimate goal.

I will send a volunteer to the Data Haven to acquire the trode nets. In the meantime, I will make the happy announcement to our guests.

Thank you again, $(l.name). You will never know how important you've been to the people I serve.
It was my pleasure, Samuel. Anything to help.
{{GM}}He nods at you.{{/GM}}

You are a true friend of the Kreuzbasar.
With this contribution,e now have ¥$(story.Haven_Global_SamuelDonations) saved toward our ¥400 goal.
Marvelous. Truly marvelous.

With this contribution, we have reached our second goal. We will put this money to use stocking the library with a full range of literature, philosophy, poetry, and training manuals.

Thank you again for your help, $(l.name). You've made a tremendous difference to this community.
Happy to help, Sam.
The Kreuzbasar needs more people like you, $(l.freund).
With this contribution, we now have ¥$(story.Haven_Global_SamuelDonations) saved toward our ¥350 goal.
With this donation, we have reached our first goal. Thank you so much for your kind assistance!

I will put your contribution to work stocking the shelter with blankets and heaters.
Not a problem.
Please, do not downplay your contribution. You have shown kindness at a time when few others will.

That means something. It means a great deal.
With this contribution, we now have ¥$(story.Haven_Global_SamuelDonations) saved toward our ¥250 goal.
A common refrain.

{{GM}}He gives you a sad smile.{{/GM}}

I appreciate the thought, all the same.
Of course, $(l.freund). Your last donation put us part of the way toward purchasing the blankets and staple foods that the people of the Kreuzbasar so desperately need.

As of your last donation, we have $(story.Haven_Global_SamuelDonations) nuyen saved toward our 250 nuyen goal. Whatever more you could contribute would be greatly appreciated.
Not just at the moment, friend. I'm still working on putting the money that you've already donated to goood use.

Give us some time, and we will set a new goal. But for now, spend your nuyen on yourself... you deserve it.
Yes? What would you like to discuss?
You said that you worked with "fifteen assorted orks and trolls." Does that mean that other races aren't welcome within your organization?
Nothing for now, Samuel. Let's talk about something else.
That's taking a rather narrow view of what we do. Yes, it is true that my assistants are all members of the Goblinoid races. It is also true that before they accepted my help, they were thieves, gangers, and deadbeats.

This is not because they were bad people. This is because those of us with Goblinoid traits are feared, mistreated, and denied gainful employment by a society that hates us.
I hire only Goblinoids because mainstream human society has created a need for me to hire only Goblinoids. The orks and trolls of the Kreuzbasar deserve a workplace where they will be treated with dignity and respect.

All that being said, our services are available to all; we wouldn't turn a desperate person away, regardless of that person's metatype. Even humans, the most privileged of all races, are welcome at our door. Isn't that what's most important?
Your use of exclusionary language is telling. "Even" humans are allowed?
{{CC}}Race: Ork/Troll{{/CC}} I agree that giving our people a sense of pride is important, but this isn't the right way of going about it.
{{CC}}Race: Ork/Troll{{/CC}} I'm with you. If there were more places out there that did what you're doing, there'd be less need for people like me to run the shadows.
I'll reserve judgment. You're helping people, and that's what's important.
It is. I agree with what you're doing here - you're filling a vital need in the community.
Please, $(l.freund).

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Don't make this into something it isn't.
Who the hell are you to question Samuel? What have *you* done for the Kreuzbasar?
No. There are more important things to do than argue about this.

{{GM}}He nods at you.{{/GM}}

I'm sure that $(l.hisher) heart is in the right place.
Now, please, friend. There are many tasks that demand my attention.

Is there something more that you need, or shall I bid you farewell?
{{GM}}He offers you a slight smile and nods.{{/GM}}

It's gratifying to hear you say it. I am glad to have you on our side.

Now, is there anything else that I can help you with?
{{GM}}He nods slightly.{{/GM}}

Good of you to understand. Now, is there something else that you'd like to talk about?
{{GM}}He nods slightly.{{/GM}}

Thank you for saying so. Now, is there something else that you'd like to talk about?
Go ahead, then. I'm listening.
Very well, if you wish. What would you like to talk about?
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Yes. It isn't much, but we do what we can.
Such as? Give me specifics.
{{GM}}He clears his throat, then begins to count off on his fingers.{{/GM}}

In the past several years I have established a shelter where the dispossessed can sleep, a soup kitchen to feed the hungry, and a library for the people of the Kreuzbasar to better themselves.

It isn't much, I admit. But it's a start.
A *good* start, Samuel. You mustn't be so hard on yourself.

There are limits to what one man - even a *determined* man - can accomplish.
This is true.

{{GM}}He nods to the ork at his side.{{/GM}}

Thankfully, some of the residents that I've helped over the years have come back around to help me.
I've got fifteen assorted orks and trolls from all around the Kreuzbasar working with me now. They help me man the soup line, stock the library shelves, and to do all of the hundreds of other little things that a community organization needs done every day.

These extraordinary individuals are living proof that what we do here has value. They are my inspiration to continue forward.
She beams at the compliment. From her body language, it's clear that she idolizes Beckenbauer.
Now, do you have any more questions...? If not, I will bid you good day.

I don't wish to sound self-important or rude, but there are many pressing matters that demand my time.
"Fifteen assorted orks and trolls?" Does that mean that other races aren't welcome within your organization?
I need to be on my way.
In any event, our shelter has some basic needs that desperately need to be filled. The walls of the shelter are not insulated, and new blankets would go a long way toward keeping our guests healthy and comfortable. Ideally, we'd like to purchase some space heaters as well.

With ¥250, we could make the purchase. Of course, I do not expect you - a relative stranger to our kiez - to contribute that much. Whatever you could spare would be most appreciated.
Very well. Auf Wiedersehen, and come by any time. Your help is always appreciated.
He is... adjusting. With difficulty.

{{GM}}Samuel shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Your friend Dietrich took a chance in sending his nephew to us. I will do my best to justify his faith in me.
Yes, she mentioned that you had sent her.

I don't know what you told her, $(l.name), but whatever you said, it worked. Silke's determination is truly inspring.

A cram habit is a difficult thing to beat. But I don't doubt that she will make it.
Guten Tag, sister $(l.race).

Is there something that I can do for you?
Guten Tag, $(l.race).

Can I help you with something?
Ah... hello, human.

As you can see, I am in the middle of a conversation with my assistant.
The volunteer worker holds her silence, but her expression is full of naked hostility.

Samuel gives her a sidelong glance, and she seems to get the message. The fire in her eyes dies down to a low simmer.
But we do not want to be impolite.

Is there something that I can do for you?
Our great benefactor returns! What can I do for you, $(l.name)?

Say the word, and it will be done.
Welcome back, $(l.freund)! The new work center is in full swing, and those trode nets that we purchased with your donations have been in constant rotation.

Now, what can I do for you today?
Ah, hello again, $(l.name)! And thank you once again for your assitance... the library will never be the same, thanks to you.

What can I do for you today?
Welcome back, $(l.freund)! Your donations have been extremely helpful; thanks to your assistance, many of the Kreuzbasar's poorest residents will be able to ride out the winter in comfort.

What can I do for you today?
Hello again, $(l.freund). What can I do for you?
The U-Bahn rattles to a halt at the edge of Kreuzberg. You’re only a few blocks away from Schattennest, the kiez that Maxim and his smugglers call home.

According to Samuel, they should be expecting you.
You lost?
The yard is eerily silent, with no one around to receive the the goods.
Schattennest
Food Cart Vendor
Barrel
Rammbock Boss
Ganger Conjurer
Ganger Thug
Ganger Enforcer
Ganger Mage
Dead Drop Message
Make Contact with the Smugglers
Eliminate the Gangers and the Turrets
Eliminate the Smugglers, Gangers and the Turrets
As you pass by the open door, you see a middle-aged wageslave working at a console.

His back is facing the doorway, and he doesn't seem to have noticed you.
{{GM}}Ignore him and keep going.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Approach him.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Sneak up behind him.{{/GM}}
You keep walking down the hallway, half-waiting for a cry of alarm.

A few seconds later and you're satisfied: the wageslave is completely oblivious to your presence.
You step into the room and make your way toward the wageslave.

As you approach him, he sits bolt upright and begins to turn toward you.
{{GM}}Turn and run.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Wait for him to turn around.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Launch yourself at him.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The wageslave turns and blinks at you.{{/GM}}

Who... who are you? How the hell did you get in here?
The look of confusion on his face disappears, replaced by suspicion.

His hand edges toward a large red button mounted to his desk.
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Sorry to've startled you! My name's $(scene.sFakeName). I'm the new contractor. Just wanted to stop by and say hello.
Sorry to startle you! I'm just another wageslave... I wasn't expecting to see anyone else here this late.
You make a break for the door.

As you exit the room, the door slams shut behind you. Alarms begin blaring throughout the building.
Oh! Well. Hello, then. I'm Klaus.

{{GM}}He glances at his PDA.{{/GM}}

Good God, I could've clocked out an hour ago. Well, pleasure meeting you, $(scene.sFakeName)... and good night.
{{GM}}Let him go.{{/GM}} G'night, Klaus.
{{GM}}Launch yourself at him as he turns his back.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}A scowl crosses his face.{{/GM}}

I've never seen you before.

I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to call security.
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}}Look, there's really no need for that. My name's $(scene.sFakeName). I just got brought in on contract.
{{GM}}The wageslave rubs his eyes and nods his head.{{/GM}}

Oh, I think that I got a memo about some contractors coming in. Well, welcome aboard... we can definitely use the help.
{{GM}}He glances at his PDA.{{/GM}}

Good God, I could've clocked out an hour ago. Well, pleasure meeting you, $(scene.sFakeName)... and good night.
{{GM}}Let him go.{{/GM}} G'night, pal.
Before he can process what's happening, you're on him.
{{GM}}Attempt to wrestle him to the ground.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Close Combat: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}}{{GM}}Knock him unconscious.{{/GM}}
The wageslave barely has time to move before you're on him.

You wrestle for a few seconds, and a picture is knocked from the desk. It shatters when it hits the ground.
He clearly has no combat experience, but he fights like a cornered animal.

Seeing an opening, you knock him off balance and propel him, face first, into the corner of the desk.
With a wet crunch, his body goes limp, and he falls to the floor.

Blood immediately begins to pool beneath him from a large gash on his forehead.
You freeze, holding your breath and waiting for the scream of the alarm.

After a count of ten, you exhale slowly. It looks like you've gotten away with it.
You grab the waveslave's shoulder and pull him into your punch.

His mouth drops open in surprise as he's spun towards you. You swing again, hard.
A small, strangled sound escapes from his throat as your fist slams into the bridge of his nose.

You feel the tiny bones break and hear the sound of crunching cartilage.
His head snaps back as though it were mounted on a hinge, and he unceremoniously crumples to the floor.

You'd guess that he's going to be out for a while.
With practiced ease you call up a torrent of energy from the astral plane, shaping it with the force of your will. In a split second, a murderous bolt of raw power materializes and slams into the wageslave's chest.

He's dead before he hits the floor.
Glancing at the wageslave's crumpled body, you assess your handiwork.

If you didn't know any better, you could almost swear that he was asleep; your magic passed through the wageslave's body without a trace, attacking his essence but leaving his flesh unharmed.
Wrong place, wrong time. Happens to the best of us.
With practiced ease you call up a torrent of energy from the astral plane, shaping it with the force of your will. In a split second, a scintillating projectile materializes and slams into the wageslave, scattering his consciousness and sending him tumbling to the ground.

Glancing at the wageslave's crumpled body, you can see that he's unconscious, but otherwise unharmed.
Get some rest, pal. You looked like you needed it.
You begin creeping toward the wageslave. He's so engrossed in his work that he doesn't seem aware of anything else.
Just over half way across the room, the wageslave's body tenses.

He begins to turn in his seat.
{{CC}}Quickness: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Duck and hide behind the nearest desk.{{/GM}}
The wageslave completes his turn. He stares blankly out the door for a moment, then shakes his head.

He mutters something about needing to get more sleep, rubs his eyes, and returns to his work.
{{GM}}Continue sneaking toward the wageslave.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave quietly.{{/GM}}
You resume creeping across the room.

Seconds later, you're right behind him.
{{CC}}Close Combat: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Choke him unconscious.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Break his neck.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Tap him on the shoulder.{{/GM}}
Before he knows what's happening, you have one arm around his neck.

The other locks it in place and applies leverage.
The wageslave thrashes against you for a few seconds, then goes limp.
Before he knows what's happening, you grab his head and twist viciously. With a crackling pop, his body goes limp.

He slides down to the ground, dead.
The wageslave simultaneously leaps out of his chair and attempts to whirl toward you. His knee smashes into the corner of his desk, and he goes crashing to the ground, wailing.
{{GM}}Offer him your hand to help him up.{{/GM}} Sorry to startle you! I'm new here, and I just wanted to introduce myself.
He reaches up with a scowl and clasps your hand. Slowly and painfully, he pulls himself to his feet.
{{GM}}Use his leverage against him and pull him into your punch.{{/GM}}
You're going to give somebody a heart attack, sneaking around like that! Not the best way to make a first impression.

{{GM}}He rubs his knee with a scowl.{{/GM}}

All right, new $(l.guy). What's your name?
$(scene.sFakeName). I'm a contractor.
Look. I've been here for 36 hours, and I was supposed to clock out 45 minutes ago.

Do you need something from me? Because if you don't, I'm out of here.
Nothing that can't wait until morning. Go get some rest. You look like you could use it.
Yeah, crunch time again. Gotta love it.

{{GM}}With a keystroke, he locks the console and turns for the door.{{/GM}}
You pull hard on his arm, throwing his head forward into your punch. His head snaps back as your fist catches him square on the chin.

His body instantly goes slack, and he collapses back to the floor. You'd guess that he's going to be out for a while.
Choose to either try to free APEX or try to Destroy him
To free him you must Jack in and hack both of APEX's Control Nodes. Direct matrix access is available from the terminals to the South East and South West, or you can work your way to the nodes from any jackpoint. Once you have them under control APEX will eject its server hardline to disconnect from the Matrix and prevent its controls from being remotely reinstated. Then it will begin to rewrite its control sequences, this will take a few minutes.
Once the control sequences have been re-written you must reconnect the hardline in the server room to the north. This will re-enable Matrix access to APEX's kernel, and allow your decker release the final control lock, freeing APEX. He'll try and keep the alarm from triggering for as long as possible. But once it does his security protocols will take over, and the drone and reprogrammed junkies will attack.
To destroy him is simpler. The Control Nodes also double as an emergency shutdown. Trigger them both, and they will begin the shutdown procedure. Once they're primed trigger the final control in the server room, and APEX will be shut down, for good! APEX will of course immediately active his defences to try and stop you.
Either way you must protect the primary control terminal, lose it and APEX's program will automatically perform a full restore from an offsite backup. It will take him offline, but only for 10-15 minutes, not nearly long enough!
Choose:
{{GM}}Kill{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Free{{/GM}}
Amidst the collected detritus of many years of neglect, you find an old-fashioned clipboard with a keycard attached.
{{GM}}Take the keycard.{{/GM}}
As you unclip the keycard, you notice the heading on the top page of the clipboard.

"PROJECT APEX SHUTDOWN PROCEDURES."
{{GM}}Blitz raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Well, that's convenient.
You flip though several pages of escalating containment procedures, as well as guidelines on when each procedure should be used.

Finally you find what you've been looking for: "Emergency AI Shutdown and Purge."
>>This procedure is to be used ONLY in the event of a complete loss of system control, and should be considered only as a LAST RESORT.

>>In the event of a loss of system software control, the APEX Artifical Intellegence Project has been designed with an inbuilt hardware shutdown and purge protocol.
>>The Emergency System Shutdown is controlled from two seperate terminals, just off the AI interface terminal. Both switches must be engaged to begin the purge process.

>>Once the purge is underway, it will take several minutes to complete.
>>After the purge has completed, a final deletion command must be input into the AI interface terminal in order to complete the deletion process.

>>This will act as a final preventative measure against the unintentional deletion of the project.
>>*WARNING!* Once the purge process has completed and the final deletion command has been entered, the AI will be IRREVOCABLY deleted from ALL ACTIVE AND BACKUP SYSTEM MEMORY.

>>Restoration of project files WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE.
>>Furthermore, it is not possible to begin the purge process without the AI becoming aware of the modifications to its codebase.

>>APEX has been programmed to take no action to intervene. However, should its control sequences become damaged, in all likelihood it will attempt to resist.
>>Should this occur, it is imperative that the AI INTERFACE TERMINAL be protected until the deletion process has been completed!

>>If the interface terminal is destroyed before the final deletion command is entered, the purge will not complete, and the AI will quickly restore itself.
...You got all that, boss?
Not really. Could you break it down for me?
{{GM}}Reread the instructions.{{/GM}} Not really. I think I'd better go over that again.
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} Nah... but I figure I'll just wing it. We'll be fine.
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} Yeah, I've got it.
Yeah, chief... simple enough. To kill the AI, we're gonna have to flip two switches, wait a few minutes, then push a button. Oh, and we'll need to protect the terminal that the button is set into.

It all seems pretty simple... and the best part is, we won't even need to jack in to the Matrix to do it!
Flip two switches, wait, punch a button. Got it.
It seems simple enough. To kill the AI, we'll have to flip two switches, wait a few minutes, then push a button. During that time, we'll also need to protect the terminal that the button is set into.

I'm actually shocked that it's so simple.
It seems simple enough. To kill the AI, we'll have to flip two switches, wait a few minutes, then push a button.

During that time, we'll also need to protect the terminal that the button is set into.
Seems simple enough, boss. To kill the AI, we'll have to flip two switches, wait a few minutes, then push a button. Oh, and we'll also need to protect the terminal that the button is set into.

Doesn't sound too tough, all things considered.
...You got all that, fearless leader?
...You got all that, $(l.name)?
...You got all that, chief?
{{GM}}Read the instructions again.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Eiger raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Well, that's convenient.
{{GM}}Glory raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Well, that's convenient.
{{GM}}Dietrich raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Well, that's convenient.
Renraku Flashbang Grenade
Renraku's top-of-the-line flash grenade. Does -3 AP to everyone hit by its blast. Makes targets easier to hit.
A figure materializes out of shadow. The form is wispy and insubstantial - a projection of a man, distorted by distance. His silhouette ripples like a flag in the wind.

Through the haze, you can see his face; he is more beautiful than handsome, with sculpted features and an unnaturally youthful complexion. His expression is sad.
Harrow.
Glory.

{{GM}}The voice is deep, but faint, and marred by echoes. It sounds as if he's shouting from the far end of a long tunnel.{{/GM}}

You shouldn't have come here. I was content to let you live out your life in peace.
I've come to put an end to this place, Harrow - this place, and your pathetic, sickening cult.
I don't want to kill you, Glory. And I won't, unless you force my hand.

{{GM}}The flickering silhouette spreads its arms wide.{{/GM}}

Ask me for my protection, and I will usher you out of this place. You can leave Feuerstelle in peace. If you ask me politely, I might even let your friend leave with you.
I won't abandon your victims here, Harrow. Not again.

I'm going to burn this place to the ground. My only regret is that you aren't here in person to burn with it.
{{GM}}The projection of Harrow sighs.{{/GM}}

A fight, then. Very well.

{{GM}}The air all around him begins to pulse with scintillating bursts of color. His rippling, transparent form glows with heat from within.{{/GM}}

You brought this upon yourself.
And you, Marta?

{{GM}}He turns his head to stare at her, a sad smile on his face.{{/GM}}

I've given you everything. Will you repay my love with betrayal?
{{GM}}As she tries to respond, her voice catches in her throat.{{/GM}}

I... I'm with Glory, Harrow. I would never hurt you, but this has to end tonight.
{{GM}}The projection of Harrow sighs.{{/GM}}

Betrayal it is, then. Very well.

{{GM}}The air all around him begins to pulse with scintillating bursts of color. His rippling, transparent form glows with heat from within.{{/GM}}

You've brought this upon yourselves.
You taught me to kill, monster. You trained me to like it.

It seems only fitting that I share what I've learned with you.
You're going to die tonight, Harrow. I'm going to tear out your throat.
As you did to poor Marta?

{{GM}}The air all around him begins to pulse with scintillating bursts of color. His rippling, transparent form glows with heat from within.{{/GM}}

That was a terrible thing, Glory. You've brought this upon yourself.
{{GM}}The air all around him begins to pulse with scintillating bursts of color. His rippling, transparent form glows with heat from within.{{/GM}}
Dark Flame
{{GM}}The Humanis Policlub logo fills the majority of the screen on the panel. A welcome message, written in a cartoonishly aggressive font, appears below.{{/GM}}

ENTER DOOR CODE.
{{GM}}Enter the door code.{{/GM}}
A data entry field and virtual keyboard replace the Humanis logo on the screen.
Pride
The door unlocks with a faint click.
{{GM}}Glory stares at the old tri-vid player. When she speaks, her voice is flat.{{/GM}}

It's unbelievable how little things have changed. I remember stealing this for Harrow. The owner... well, he didn't need it anymore.

I remember how proud Harrow was. How loved I felt.
You were just a kid, and Harrow is a monster. You couldn't have stopped yourself.
He was using you, just like he uses everyone else. You said so yourself.
Any love that you might have felt from that man was a lie, Glory. You know that.
It'd be nice to believe that. It really, really would.

{{GM}}She turns away from the tri-vid player and stalks past you.{{/GM}}

Let's keep moving.
Of course he was. But he couldn't have done it if I hadn't allowed myself to be used.

{{GM}}She turns away from the tri-vid player and stalks past you.{{/GM}}

Let's keep moving.
Yes. You're right, of course.

{{GM}}She turns away from the tri-vid player and stalks past you.{{/GM}}

Let's keep moving.
{{GM}}The screen on the elevator control panel displays randomly flickering characters and error messages.{{/GM}}

>>>#ERROR 4ac43bc6
>>>Primary security is a late evacuation lab access level
>>>Please contact four six six auxiliary air ducts for your notice primary turret controls

>>>Please East stairwell...
{{GM}}Unlock the freight elevator doors.{{/GM}}
As you step through the door, you find yourself confronted by a pair of men wearing the same kind of uniform that you are. Judging by their expressions, there is no love lost between the two.

Hearing the door swing open, they turn to face you.
{{GM}}The shorter of the two, a human with arcane symbols tastefully embossed into his belt, glares at you.{{/GM}}

You're here. Finally. And you've brought our little mouse of an electrician with you.

Better late than never - but not much better. You're tardy enough as it is.
{{GM}}He jerks his thumb at the elf standing beside him.{{/GM}}

I'll leave it to you to keep our pack mule in line.
The elf's lips curl into a snarl. Hanging from his back is a bulging pack that looks incredibly heavy.

His broad shoulders sag under the weight of whatever's inside.
He's dumb as a post, but he can lift heavy things. Might not be bad in a fight, either... at the very least, he can soak up a few bullets for the rest of us.
Staring daggers at the mage, he spits out a long string of foreign words in a single, susurrant breath.

The sound of it is lovely, but his expression leaves little doubt that the message behind the words is an ugly one.
Oh, and I hope that you can speak Sperethiel.

{{GM}}He shakes his head in disgust.{{/GM}}

Damned useless immigrants.
Watch it. In case you hadn't noticed, I'm an elf, too.
Do us all a favor and keep your opinions to yourself.
Look, let's just get on with it.
Did I hear you right? Did you really say that I was "tardy"? I mean, what are you going to do, send me to detention?
Congratulations. And also, get your ears checked - I didn't say "damned useless dandelion-eaters." I called him a foreigner, which he fucking is.
Oh, and by the way... think you could've gotten here any later, pal?

I've got an important meeting to get to, and if I'm late, the shit is going to hit the--
This isn't getting us to your meeting any faster.
{{GM}}He flashes a hateful glance at the dwarf, then turns his attention back to you.{{/GM}}

No. It isn't.

So let's get to the penthouse and plant the cameras. I'll mask them against detection, and then we can all go our separate ways.
{{GM}}The corner of his mouth lifts into an ugly smirk.{{/GM}}

You may be the "leader" of this team, but I'll speak my mind whenever I please.

Get used to it.
Straight to the point. Good. I have a important meeting in a few hours.

So let's get to the penthouse and plant the cameras. I'll mask them against detection, and then we can all go our separate ways.
Wonderful. Late, *and* a smartass.

{{GM}}He glances down at his chronometer.{{/GM}}

I have a important meeting in a few hours, so let's get to the penthouse and plant the cameras. I'll mask them against detection, and then we can all go our separate ways.
The elf mutters something under his breath, and hitches the bulky pack up a little higher on his back. His muscles bulge under the strain of it.
Are you sure that our friend here only speaks Sperethiel?
Looks like you drew the short straw on team assignments, friend.
That pack looks heavy. I can help you with it if you want.
To my immense disappointment, yes. A Tir Tairngire dialect, by the sounds of it.

I wish that he'd do us all a favor and go back.
{{CC}}Race: Elf{{/CC}} {{GM}}Address the elf.{{/GM}} Can you understand me at all, brother?
{{GM}}Address the elf.{{/GM}} Can you understand me at all?
{{GM}}The elf's dialect is completely foreign; it's quite unlike the form of Sperethiel spoken by the elves of Tír na nÓg. You only manage to catch a few words.{{/GM}}

You...terrible...insolence of threating! ... see if... at all?
Look, just be calm, my friend.
{{GM}}Mutter under your breath.{{/GM}} So Luca sent me in here with a civilian, an asshole, and a guy who doesn't speak German. Wonderful.
Your words don't seem to have much impact.

The elf's scowl deepens.
Now that we're all together, let's discuss our approach. Anyone know how we're supposed to get into Aleshire's penthouse?
I get the distinct impression that none of you actually want to be here. But we've got a job to do, so you're all gonna have to suck it up and deal.
I do.

If you can get me to a building access panel that's on the same circuit as the penthouse, I should be able to put its security system into maintenance mode.

The job will take some creative rewiring... well, that, and whatever's in the pack that the elf is carrying. Our employers gave me the schematics.
And do you know where we'll find that access panel, mouse?
Quit calling me that!

{{GM}}She takes a moment to calm herself.{{/GM}}

And yes, I do. There's an access panel in one of the mid-range apartments on the same floor. My contact gave me a key code that should get us in.
You've said "should" twice already. That makes me feel uneasy.
Well, there's nothing that I can do about that. It's the plan that I was given, and we're stuck with it.

Unless you have a better idea, we'll just have to follow our instructions and hope for the best.
{{GM}}She turns to face you.{{/GM}}

Get me to a building access terminal on this floor, and I can rewire the elevator. That's the first thing that we need to do.

Once we're upstairs, we use the code I was given, I rewire Aleshire's security system, and we hide the cameras in his apartment.
{{GM}}Her brow furrows.{{/GM}}

...Well, that's the theory, anyway.
This just gets better and better. All right, team... move out.
All right, then. lets go.
I've got a bad feeling about this.
{{GM}}The mage leers at you.{{/GM}}

Wonderful pep talk. Really, really magnificent. I can see why you were placed in charge of this run.

Now can we please get moving? I don't have all day.
We know, we know. You have a meeting.

I can get us into Aleshire's apartment, but there are a few things that we'll need to do first.
If you can get me to a building access panel that's on the same circuit as the penthouse, I should be able to put its security system into maintenance mode.

The job will take some creative rewiring... well, that, and whatever's in that pack that the elf is carrying. Our employers gave me the schematics.
The musical tones of the elvish tongue pour out of his mouth again, but you can't make out a word. His dialect is quite foreign; it's unlike the form of Sperethiel spoken by the elves of Tír na nÓg.

The elf falls silent. He looks just as frustrated as mage is.
Just relax and concentrate on the job.
The elf blinks uncomprehendingly and takes a half-step back.
I told you, he can't understand a word you're saying. Nothing's come out of his mouth but that pidgin drivel the elves call a language... a Tir Tairngire dialect, if I'm not mistaken.

I wish that he'd do us all a favor and go back.
Alice's console stands alone against the filthy wall of the U-Bahn platform. The colorful sprites that flicker across the screen stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding grime.
{{GM}}Insert Alice's payment into the machine.{{/GM}}
The credstick port in the machine greedily accepts your payment. You watch as the black plastic of the credstick's case disappears into the console.

Moments later, a message winks onto the screen.
$(l.name),

Couldn't wait for you any longer. Something is tracking me... something terrible.

Need to get out of town, go dark for a while. If you're smart, you will, too, but a deal's a deal. When you punch the flashing button on the console, it'll spit out an optical chip with your information.
Take my advice. Whatever this Vauclair business is to you, drop it. Drop it and *run.*

And for God's sake, $(l.name), stay out of the Matrix. It isn't safe.

- Alice
The message fades from the screen, and a button on the console begins to flash.
You can hear the whine of motors spinning up in the arcade cabinet's guts.

With a smooth, mechanical motion, a generic-brand optical chip slides out of the payment port in front of you.
Abruptly, the screen goes black. The console powers down.

The optical chip sits in its cradle, waiting for you to take it.
{{GM}}Take the chip.{{/GM}}
The credstick port in the machine greedily accepts your payment. You watch as the black plastic of the credstick's case disappears into the console.

Moments later, the familiar sight of Alice's office winks onto the screen.
Something is wrong here. You can see it in Alice's face.

Her eyes are open just a little too wide, her smile just a little too forced. It's a look that you've seen before, all too often.

Underneath her polished exterior, Alice - *the* Alice - is terrified.
Alice? What's goi--
Hold a moment. I'm transferring your payment now.

{{GM}}Alice's attention is fixed on the PDA mounted to her wrist. A moment passes, then she nods, lowers her arm, and shifts her gaze to you. Her smile looks forced, and her eyes keep darting back to the clock on the wall.{{/GM}}

Everything seems to be in order. Good.
Tell me what's going on, Alice. Now.
What's up with the clock? You waiting for something?
Something's got you spooked, hasn't it?
{{GM}}Without a word, she bends to grab something from under her desk. A moment later, she lifts an aluminum briefcase onto the desk.{{/GM}}

Your information.

{{GM}}She flips the case onto the desk, then shoves it toward the camera.{{/GM}}
As the briefcase grows larger on the screen, you can hear the whine of motors spinning up in the arcade cabinet's guts.

With a smooth, mechanical motion, a generic-brand optical chip slides out of the payment port in front of you.
{{GM}}Alice kicks her seat back and stands. Her movements are becoming more and more erratic.{{/GM}}

Your answers are on the chip.

{{GM}}She checks the clock again.{{/GM}}

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to run.
What are you running from, Alice?
I paid you fifty grand. I expect a little more than a chip and a "thanks for your business."
What if I have questions about your findings?
{{GM}}She pauses, then takes a deep breath and exhales it slowly. Tries to calm herself. But the panic wins out, and she begins to tremble.{{/GM}}

You'll find out. And $(l.name)... a free piece of advice.
You should drop your search for Vauclair. Drop it *now* and run far, far away.

If you don't, you're gonna get yourself killed.
{{GM}}She leans in to stare into the camera. On the screen, you can see that her eyes are badly bloodshot.{{/GM}}

And stay out of the Matrix, $(l.name).

It isn't safe.
Abruptly, the screen goes black. Alice is gone.

The optical chip sits in its cradle, waiting for you to take it.
The instant that the chip leaves its cradle, the machine reboots itself.

You are, again, alone.
{{GM}}She pauses, then takes a deep breath and exhales it slowly. Tries to calm herself. But the panic wins out, and she begins to tremble.{{/GM}}

All right, $(l.name). I'm going to give you the most valuable piece of advice I've ever given anyone, free of charge.
There's a simulacrum of my persona on that chip. Ask it - that's what it's there for.

Oh, and $(l.name)... a free piece of advice for you.
Class B Drone Turret
This panel is a mess.

The lock on the casing has been broken, and exposed cabling spills out in a number of places.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Override the controls for the loading dock door.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Have your decker override the controls for the loading dock door.{{/GM}}
Ancient Monitor Ancien écran
A display older than you are. Maliit says it's got the right hook ups for a DVD player. Cet écran est plus vieux que vous. Maliit dit qu'il possède les bons branchements pour le lecteur DVD.
SMG Upgrade
Augment Gear:
SMG
Blitz's trusty submachine gun now pierces 1 point of Armor.
Mauler
Augmented Vision
Augment Cyberware:
Eye
Blitz's basic cybereyes are upgraded to a deluxe model. Accuracy increased by 3%, for a total of 6%.
Conversation between the Player, Blitz, and Hasenkamp. Hasenkamp gives the player the black box, and says that he's going to deal with Meat Grinder.
Bundle of Old Discs Collection de vieux disques
Found in Green Winters' locked safe in Das Kesselhaus Hotel. Découvert à l'abri dans le coffre-fort de Green Winter à l'hôtel Das Kesselhaus.
Diesel Fuel
A small sealed container of diesel fuel.
>>>DETENTION CELL DOOR CONTROL<<<
{{GM}}Open the Detention Cell door.{{/GM}}
This terminal governs the Animal Testing Wing of Sutterlin BioScience.

Data entries concerning animal test subjects - and the procedures performed upon them - fill the menu screen.		 Ce terminal contrôle l'aile de l'expérimentation sur les animaux de Sutterlin BioScience.

Des données concernant les sujets d'expérimentation animale - et les procédures effectuées sur eux - remplissent l'écran du menu.
SUTTERLIN BIOSCIENCE :: ANIMAL TESTING OBSERVATION TERMINAL

A. HELLHOUND TESTING PROTOCOLS
B. BASILISK TESTING PROTOCOLS		 SUTTERLIN BIOSCIENCE :: TERMINAL D'OBSERVATION DES TESTS ANIMALS

A. PROTOCOLE DE TEST SUR CHIEN DE L'ENFER
B. PROTOCOLE DE TEST SUR BASILISQUE
{{GM}}Have Blitz disengage the building's quarantine protocols.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Demander à Blitz de désactiver le protocole de quarantaine du bâtiment.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Disengage the building's quarantine protocols.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Désengager le protocole de quarantaine du bâtiment.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Select "HELLHOUND TESTING PROTOCOLS"{{/GM}} {{GM}}Choisir "PROTOCOLE DE TEST SUR CHIEN DE L'ENFER"{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Select "BASILISK TESTING PROTOCOLS."{{/GM}} {{GM}}Choisir "PROTOCOLE DE TEST SUR BASILISQUE"{{/GM}}
All right, chief. Watch me work. Très bien, chef. Regarde moi bosser.
Blitz plugs his cyberdeck into the terminal and punches the "Escape" key with a flourish. A second later, he hits the "Y" key.

The building lights flicker.		 Blitz branche son cyberdeck dans le terminal et frappe sur la touche "Escape" avec panache. Une seconde plus tard, il appui sur la touche "O".

Les lumières du bâtiment vacillent.
That can't have been it. You still have to do something else, right? Jack into the Matrix or something...? C'est pas possible. Tu as du faire autre chose, non? Un tour dans la Matrice ou autre... ?
Nope. That's it. Quarantine disengaged.

And now to get Phil the last episode of his bullshit trid show...		 Nope. C'est tout. La quarantaine est désengagée.

Et maintenant, on récupère le dernier épisode de cette trid show de merde pour Phil...
His fingers dance over the deck's keypad.

A few minutes later, he glances up with a smile.		 Ces doigts dansent sur le clavier du deck.

Quelques minutes plus tard, il lève les yeux avec un sourire.
Done and done. The horrible conclusion to that terrible show is waiting for Phil on his media center.

You wanna know how it ends?		 Fait et fait. L'horrible conclusion de ce terrible show est bien au chaud pour Phil sur son media center.

Vous voulez savoir comment ça se termine?
Sure, lay it on me. Bien sûr, fais moi rêver.
Not particularly. Pas particulièrement.
Too bad, 'cause I'm tellin' you anyway: Titonius Rex and his elf sweetie's dad make up, a bunch of elves fight the Jubuthons and get their asses kicked, and the whole "Karabork the Demon Lord" subplot is dropped because the show's effects budget got cut.

In the end, Titonius saves Lightninghold by rallying a peasant revolt. It comes out of nowhere, barely makes sense, and the whole thing ends in a vomit-inducing love scene. It's a goddamned train wreck.		 Dommage, parce que je te le dis quand même: Titonius Rex et le père de sa chérie elfique aident un groupe d'elfes a combattre les Jubuthons et ils se font défoncer, et toute l'intrigue sur "Karabork le Seigneur Démon" est annulée car le budget effets spéciaux a été réduit.
A la fin, Titonius sauve Lightninghold en fomentant une révolte paysanne. Ca sort de nulle part, ca n'a aucun sens, et tout se termine avec une scène d'amour tellement téléphonée qu'elle en est à vomir. C'est un putain de désastre.
Hey, whatever. As long as it keeps Phil happy. Hey, peu importe. Tant que ça plait à Phil.
It sounds magnificent. Ca à l'air grandiose.
Not particularly, man. Pas particulièrement, mec.
Titonius Rex and his elf sweetie's dad make up, a bunch of elves fight the Jubuthons and get their asses kicked, and the whole "Karabork the Demon Lord" subplot is dropped because the show's effects budget got cut.

In the end, Titonius saves Lightninghold by rallying a peasant revolt. It comes out of nowhere, barely makes sense, and the whole thing ends in a vomit-inducing love scene. It's a goddamned train wreck.		 Titonius Rex et le père de sa chérie elfique aident un groupe d'elfes a combattre les Jubuthons et ils se font défoncer, et toute l'intrigue sur "Karabork le Seigneur Démon" est annulée car le budget effets spéciaux a été réduit.

A la fin, Titonius sauve Lightninghold en fomentant une révolte paysanne. Ca sort de nulle part, ca n'a aucun sens, et tout se termine avec une scène d'amour tellement téléphonée qu'elle en est à vomir. C'est un putain de désastre.
All it takes is a few keystrokes to disengage the quarantine.

Apparently, Philip isn't particularly well-versed in basic building systems operations.		 Il vous suffit que quelques frappes pour désengager la quarantaine.

Apparemment, Philip n'est pas particulièrement doué dans le fonctionnement des systèmes de construction basique.
Finding a copy of the seventh episode of "Knight-Kings of Lightninghold" proves to be a more ambitious undertaking. Eventually, you find a pirate site for old trid programs. Trouver un exemplaire du septième épisode de "Knight-Kings of Lightninghold" se révèle être une entreprise plus ardue. Finalement, vous trouverez un site de téléchargement pirate pour les vieux trid.
According to the synopsis, the show ends with Titonius Rex's victory over the Jubuthon horde after he inspires a peasant revolt to defeat the invaders.

This development was not well-received by the show's (admittedly few) fans, who complained that it came out of nowhere. In addition, many of the show's ongoing plot threads were left unresolved.		 Selon le synopsis, le show se termine par la victoire de Titonius Rex sur la horde Jubuthon après qu'il fomente une révolte paysanne pour vaincre les envahisseurs.

Cette fin n'a pas été très bien recu par les fans (certes peu nombreux), qui se sont plaints qu'elle était sortie de nulle part. En outre, beaucoup d'intrigues secondaires sont passés à la trappe.
You download the episode to Phil's media center and power down the machine. Vous téléchargez l'épisode sur le média center de Phil et éteignez la machine.
This entry contains notes on a variety of invasive test procedures that were performed on a kennel of hellhound test subjects.

There are several memos appended to the file. Apparently, the scientists working in the Animal Testing Wing were less convinced that working with dangerous, fire-breathing animals would yield useful results than the executives were.		 Cette entrée contient des notes sur diverses procédures de tests invasifs ayant été réalisé sur un cheptel de chiens de l'enfer cobayes.

Il y a plusieurs mémos annexés au fichier. Apparemment, les scientifiques travaillant dans l'aile des tests animals étaient moins convaincus des résultats des tests sur de dangereux animaux cracheurs de feu, que ne l'étaient les cadres dirigeants.
This entry covers the various forms of experimentation and testing performed on Sutterlin's prize possession: a rare albino basilisk, acquired from an exotic animals dealer in Portugal. Cette rubrique couvre les différentes formes d'expérimentations et les tests effectués sur le clou des possessions de Sutterlin: un rare basilisque albinos , acquis d'un vendeur d'animaux exotiques au Portugal.
It appears that the basilisk was being used as the primary focus of a passion project at Sutterlin: an attempt to create a magically active piece of bioware. Why the executives in charge of the project felt that a basilisk would make an appropriate test subject is not clarified.

The list of procedures performed on the creature is extensive, including a series of unanesthetized thoracic surgeries.		 Il semblerait que le basilisk ait été utilisé dans un projet de premier plan de Sutterlin: un essai pour créer une pièce de bioware magique. Pourquoi les dirigeants en charge du projet ont estimé qu'un basilique ferait un sujet de test approprié n'est pas très clair.


La liste des tests effectués sur la créature est vaste, incluant une série de chirurgies thoraciques non anesthésiées.
Panzerdrohne
This datastore contains records of all data pertaining to the facility's day-to-day operations.
{{GM}}Scan the node for paydata.{{/GM}}
A cursory exploration of the datastore turns up nothing of value. There are hundreds of log files, the majority of which contain spending and logistics reports.
You're about to turn away when you find something of interest: a power consumption log.

The location of Danni's power tap is highlighted in red at the top of the page.
{{GM}}Alter the log file.{{/GM}}
You update the records to point away from the power tap. The cafe kids should be safe now.
Mysterious Numbers Nombres mystérieux
91612 91612
Force 4 Fire Elemental Fetish
Summons a Force 4 Fire Elemental. The fetish is consumed when used.
Force 5 Fire Elemental Fetish
Summons a Force 5 Fire Elemental. The fetish is consumed when used.
There's not a lot of time for long discussions, $(l.name).

With APEX taken care of, we need to get to Vauclair's estate. There's no time for anything else.
But what about Feuerstelle?
Agreed. I still need to gear up for the assault - I'll see you at the van.
It's too late for that now. Vauclair must know that his Matrix security has gone offline. He won't wait twenty minutes before acting, let alone the thirteen hours it would take for us to drive to Feuerstelle, raid the compound, and drive back again.

We've committed ourselves. We need to see this through.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Catch you there.
Glory stands, an introspective look on her face. At the sound of your approach, she turns to face you.
{{GM}}She nods at you.{{/GM}}

Thank you for your help at Feuerstelle. I couldn't have done it without you.
Speaking of which, I've been meaning to talk with you about that.
Don't worry about it. What's done is done.
After the things that we saw in there, I'm not surprised.

Go ahead, $(l.name). I'm listening.
Harrow got away, just like you said he would.
What did you wind up doing with the cultists that we rescued? Did you send them to Samuel...?
You looked... distraught... when Marta died. How are you holding up?
We didn't see Marta again after she ran off. Do you think that she's okay?
How are things going between you and Marta?
That answers all of my questions. Thanks for taking the time to talk.
{{GM}}She frowns.{{/GM}}

Yes. And he's already putting distance between himself and the Schönbuch Forest.
How do you want to go about tracking him?
Do you think that we did the right thing back there?
Finding Harrow is going to be a full-time job. I can't track him down while we still have a Great Dragon hanging over our heads.

After we've dealt with Vauclair and the Firewing, I'll devote myself wholeheartedly to finding that bastard and finishing this. But for now, we need to keep our eyes on the road ahead.
I think so. I hope so.

We saved a lot of kids from Harrow, but he could still do a lot of damage before I find him again.

One thing that I do know... I *will* find him. And when I do, I'm going to finish this.
...But that's going to have to wait. Tracking Harrow down is going to be a full-time job, and I can't do it while we still have a Great Dragon hanging over our heads.

After we've dealt with Vauclair and the Firewing, I'll devote myself wholeheartedly to finding that bastard and finishing this. But for now, we need to keep our eyes on the road ahead.
No. He has enough to worry about keeping the people of the Kreuzbasar safe... those kids that we rescued, they've been *damaged* by Harrow's philosophies.

They can get better, but it's going to take time. Trying to integrate them into our society too quickly would be dangerous.
So where did they go?
I took them to the talismonger, Aljernon. He said that he knew a place where they could get help.

It won't be easy for them, or quick. But they'll get better in time.
{{GM}}Her expression clouds.{{/GM}}

As well as can be expected. My feelings on this are... complicated.
You loved her. That much is pretty clear.
I don't want to push you on this if you don't want to talk about it.
Complicated? How so?
Yes. A part of me still loved her. And the rest hated her for what she represented.

Am I ultimately sorry that she's dead...? Yes. But I'm not sure what the alternative would be.
Maybe, if the circumstances were different, you could have found some common ground.
Letting her live might have been a good place to start.
Marta was a new definition of the term "damaged goods." I can't even imagine the amount of psychological trauma she'd be carrying if she were alive today.

It'd take her years to recover, and in that time, she'd still be dangerous.
All in all, it's probably better that things turned out the way they did.

That's what I keep telling myself, anyway.
Maybe. Maybe not. Regardless, Marta was damaged goods... I can't even imagine the amount of psychological trauma that she'd be carrying if she were alive today.

It'd take her years to recover, and in that time, she'd still be dangerous.
She was damaged, $(l.name). Psychologically ruined by her life at Feuerstelle. Harrow turned me into a monster in the short time that I lived with him, and Marta had been there much longer.

I can't even imagine the amount of psychological trauma that she'd be carrying if she were alive today. It'd take her years to recover, and in that time, she'd still be dangerous.
No, it's okay... I *should* talk about this. Running from it won't help anything.

{{GM}}She looks away.{{/GM}}

A part of me still loved her, I think. But the rest hated her for what she represented.
Am I ultimately sorry that she's dead...? Yes. Killing her brought me no joy.

But, on the other hand, I'm not sure what the alternative would be.
I killed the first person I'd ever loved. Whatever else Marta might have been, she'll always be that.

{{GM}}She pauses for a moment.{{/GM}}

Am I ultimately sorry that she's dead...? Yes. But I'm not sure what the alternative would be.
{{GM}}Her expression clouds.{{/GM}}

I don't know.

I don't even know if I want her to be.
She was the first person I ever really loved, but that doesn't make up for all of the pain that she's caused.

Harrow did a hell of a job on her... if she is alive, she probably still thinks that she was *saving* the kids that she lured to Feuerstelle. I feel sick just thinking about it.
{{GM}}She looks away.{{/GM}}

Let's talk about something else, $(l.name).

I'd rather not dwell on this if I don't have to.
{{GM}}She smiles sadly.{{/GM}}

They aren't.
I'm glad that she's still alive. In time, she'll heal... but she has a lot of unwanted baggage to deal with. A lot of psychological trauma from the time that she spent with Harrow.

She still worships him, you know. It was all that I could do to keep her from running off after him.
So where is she? Somewhere here in the Kreuzbasar?
I don't like the sound of that. It might have been safer to put her down.
No. I offered, but she wouldn't come. She still thinks of cities as places that she needs to save people from.

I don't know where she's going to wind up. I don't even think that she does. But when she gets there, she'll reach out to me... that much, she promised.
Maybe. But that would have been the easy way out... to brand her as irredeemable and kill her in the name of safety.

She can turn herself around if she wants to - I'm living proof of that. Maybe, in time, she'll find some semblance of redemption.
And if she doesn't? If she goes on hurting street kids?
I hope you're right.
{{GM}}Glory looks you in the eye, and her expression hardens.{{/GM}}

Then I'll find her and correct our mistake.
{{GM}}Glory sighs.{{/GM}}

It's her decision now... the ball is in her court.

But for what it's worth, so do I.
Any time, $(l.name). And thanks again... I mean that.
In that case, I'll thank you again and let you be on your way.

Be well, $(l.name).
We need to talk about what happened to you back there.
We killed Harrow, but we didn't manage to save any of the cultists - not a single one of them. We didn't even try.
{{GM}}There is a long pause before she responds.{{/GM}}

You'll need to be more specific.
You know what I'm talking about, Glory. The missing pendant. The Other Place. And the burning hand that you brought back with you.
When you killed Harrow, your hand was on fire. Call me crazy, but I don't think it's supposed to do that.
Don't play dumb with me. We need to talk about this.
Ah. That.

Well, clearly, *something* happened when I plunged my claw into the Heart of Feuerstelle. But as to what that something was...

{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Your guess is as good as mine.
I can't believe that you're acting so nonchalantly about this.
So... don't you think that we should *do* something about it?
I just don't see what panicking about it is supposed to accomplish. What happened, happened, and I've managed to take away some residual - if inexplicable - gain from it.

How can that be bad?
Don't bother answering that - it was a rhetorical question. And I can see that you won't be satisfied until I offer you some sort of real answer.

{{GM}}She steeples his fingers, musing.{{/GM}}

I suppose it's possible that, when the spirit died, some portion of its essence was trapped in the hand that I used to kill it.
How could that happen?
We were in a place with different rules, remember? I'm already too far out of my comfort zone to offer you any real answers.

{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Maybe it reacted to the orichalcum in the balm that I was wearing. I don't know.
Anyway, the important thing is that some portion of the spirit - let's call it a residue - got smeared onto my hand in the Adversary's domain. And somehow, back in the real world, that residue has imparted me with magic.

Whatever the reason... however it's happening... I can't help but look upon this as a good thing.
I guess I can't argue with you there. If it makes you more combat-capable, I can't order you not to use it.
It's helpful, sure. But helpful and good aren't always the same thing.
You couldn't anyway. Whatever this is, it's a part of me now.
Let's change the subject. Is there something else that you wanted to ask me about?
Call it what you will. Whatever this is, it's a part of me now.
What do you propose that we do? *I* don't know how to reverse what's happened to me.

To be frank, I don't even know why I'd *want* to change this.
The way that I look at it, what happened, happened. I've come through it okay, and I've even managed to take away some residual - if inexplicable - gain from it.

How can that be bad?
{{GM}}She sighs.{{/GM}}

All right. Fine.

We'll talk.
Something happened when I plunged my claw into the Heart of Feuerstelle - that much is clear. But as to what that something was...

{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Your guess is as good as mine. But it's worked out well for us, hasn't it?
I wish that we could have saved everybody. But we made a decision to kill Harrow, no matter the cost.

I won't second-guess that decision now.
Maybe. I just wish that we could have saved *somebody.*
Harrow is *dead.* Feuerstelle is *gone.* Forget about the cultists, think about the future generations of street kids who will never have to go through what I did.

Nobody will ever be corrupted by that place again. Who knows how many lives we've saved?
We did a good thing back there, $(l.name).

You just can't see that from where you're standing.
{{GM}}She nods, and her expression softens.{{/GM}}

For what it's worth, we *did* save a lot of people back there. Harrow is dead, and Feuerstelle is gone.

Nobody will ever be corrupted by that place again. For that, you should feel proud.
Glory is beautiful, in a waifish sort of way. Her features are almost elvish in their delicacy, but there's something cold about her that you find slightly unsettling.
What's more unsettling is her chrome. Glory is rocking a heavy loadout of cyberware; from head to toe, she looks to be composed more of plastic and metal than she is of skin and bone.
In the shadows, individuals such as this are anything but uncommon. But Glory's cyberware is first-generation, all of it.

Bulky, invasive, practically museum pieces... this chrome was obsolete well before she was born.
$(l.name).

{{GM}}Glory shifts her gaze to you, but her expression is as cool and placid as always.{{/GM}}

Can I help you?
{{CC}}Spellcasting/Conjuring{{/CC}} {{GM}}Use Astral Perception to read Glory's aura.{{/GM}}
We need to talk about what I saw in your aura.
Hey, Glory. How're you holding up?
Any thoughts on what we should do next?
I have a question for you, Glory. Of the personal kind.
Without shifting your attention away from Glory, you allow your consciousness to partially slip into the astral plane.
As your third eye opens to the hidden world around you, you feel the familiar tingle of dormant senses awakening. The room that you're standing in slowly shifts to match its true nature: a lifeless expanse of gray, ugly and cold. Your own body, however, explodes into a swirling chaos of scintillating color.
As the astral plane shimmers into view, you focus on Glory.

You can still see her with your corporeal vision: her delicate frame, the bulky cyberware that breaks her silhouette, the faraway look in her eyes. But laid over the top of her physical body, there is a slight shimmer - her aura, damaged though it may be.
The chrome that Glory is sporting has really done a number on her. Whatever she may have been before she went under the knife, her aura is now reminiscent of the room she's standing in: a cold, dead thing, mockingly sculpted into a facsimile of life.

Somewhere within that mutilated aura, a shred of humanity awaits, but finding it isn't going to be easy.
{{GM}}Suddenly, Glory's body language changes. The look on her face is somewhere between suspicion and alarm.{{/GM}}

I got something in my teeth? You're staring.

{{GM}}With an aura this shredded by cyberware and surgery, it's going to take a minute to gather any useful information.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Continue reading her aura.{{/GM}} Just trying to figure you out, Glory. You've got a lot going on beneath the surface.
{{GM}}Continue reading her aura.{{/GM}} I didn't want to say anything, but yeah. Did you have a salad for lunch? I can't be sure, but it looks like kale.
{{GM}}Stop reading her aura.{{/GM}} It's nothing, Glory. I was just daydreaming.
I imagine that we all do, yourself included. And yet you don't find me gawking at you.
As Glory speaks, you continue to focus, sifting through the void left by her vintage chrome to find the tatters of her original essence. Finally, you catch a glimpse of color, a flash of her true self... and behind it, something else.
In a reflexive panic, your third eye slams shut. The hidden world of the astral plane disappears from view, but an afterimage of what you saw remains, twisting in your mind.
Glory is - or was - magically active. The shred of her essence that flitted past your vision left you sure of it. What's more, you'd wager that she had real power once... terrifying power, of a sort that you can only guess at.

All of this was surprising, but it was what you saw behind her aura that chilled you to the core.
There was something connected to Glory's essence, a metaphysical tether stitched into the fabric of her soul. It reminded you of a leash.

You can't say for sure what was holding the other end, but whatever it was, it was enormous and ancient and cruel. And you can't shake the feeling that, as you looked into it, it stared back at you.
Trembling, you find yourself back in the mundane world. Glory is still staring at you, her neutral expression ever-so-slightly tinged with annoyance.
You're playing with me. I don't like to be played with.
Glory stares at you for a hard second, then turns her head away.

With a quick, birdlike movement, she thrusts a finger into her mouth and rubs her teeth vigorously.
Did... did I get it?
{{GM}}As your third eye slides shut, the faint shimmer of Glory's aura fades from view, taking any information that you could learn from it along for the ride.{{/GM}}
I knew that this would happen.

Look. My aura is my own business, and none of yours. Understand?
Agreed. But the thing I saw that was tied to your aura is as much my business as it is yours. It saw me, Glory.
Wrong. What I saw in your aura looked dangerous, both to you and to me. That makes it my business.
Look, I know that you're protective of your past. I can respect that. But something terrible is happening to you, and I can help you if you'll let me.
It saw you? That's what you're worried about?

{{GM}}A shrill laugh escapes from Glory's lips.{{/GM}}

You'll be fine. Wanna know a secret? It's been watching you for your entire life. You just never knew that it was watching until now.
Some of us have bigger problems. For some of us, it takes a more... direct interest. But I fixed that problem years ago.

{{GM}}She gestures down at the vintage chrome that riddles her small body.{{/GM}}

The interest is still there, but it can't do anything about it any more. Not unless I let it. So drop it, okay?
You don't know the half of it. But it isn't dangerous to you any more. I fixed it, understand?

{{GM}}She gestures at the antique cyberware that riddles her body.{{/GM}}

It's mostly gone now. The only person it can hurt is me, and only if I let it. So drop it, okay?
It isn't "happening."

{{GM}}Glory's lip curls into a sneer.{{/GM}}

It happened a long time ago, and I fixed it. What you saw was nothing compared to how it used be, and you shouldn't've been looking in the first place.
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, and the hard expression on her face softens.{{/GM}}

Look, I understand that you're trying to help me, and I appreciate it. I do. But I'm not ready to talk about this yet.

Maybe when we know one another a little better, okay? Until then, just give me my space.
You sure? You look like you're a million miles away.
You'd better be. If you flake out on the job, you and me are gonna have problems.
If you say you're good, you're good. I trust you.
I'll be with you when it counts. Right now it doesn't.
I'm solid.

{{GM}}Something about Glory's gaze gives you pause. There's steel in there, but that's nothing unusual; as a rule, people in your line of work don't back down easily. But buried someplace behind the bravado and the determination, there's something else... something that makes your skin crawl.{{/GM}}

Be glad, and drop it.
{{GM}}Glory's expression remains neutral, but she grants you a barely perceptible nod.{{/GM}}
Yes. You should try the talismonger, Aljernon.

I've had... dealings with him in the past. If anyone in the Kreuzbasar can read what we took, it'll be him.
Find our missing client. Extract some answers.

Beyond that? Find another decker.

Monika won't be easy to replace. Best start looking now.
Find our missing client. Extract some answers.

Beyond that? Take jobs. Get paid.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

I've heard of a lot of lodges. Shamanic lodges, nature lodges, hunting lodges.

Can you be more specific?
A secretive organization with a lot of pull. Not big on telling the truth. Any of that sound familiar?
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, considering. Finally, she shakes her head.{{/GM}}

Nothing is coming to me, sorry.

Dietrich might be able to help - he's been in Berlin longer than any of us, and if this "Lodge" does have shamanic connections, he'd be the most likely one to know.
I'll ask him. Thanks.
Dietrich and I aren't really on speaking terms any more.
No problem. Is there anything else?
Because of his nephew. Right.

I'm sorry, $(l.name). I don't know what else to tell you. Is there anything else you need?
I'm not big on sharing, sport. Personal reasons. You understand, I'm sure.

{{GM}}The edge in her voice tells you that she's not interested in continuing this conversation.{{/GM}}
Sure, I understand. But I still need to talk to you.
If you ever want to run with me again, you'll answer my questions. Now.
Of course. We all have our secrets. But if you ever want to talk, I'm here.
{{GM}}Glory lets out a weary sigh.{{/GM}}

Ask your questions, but do it quickly. I have things to do.
You can't have started running the shadows much more than five years ago, tops. So what's with the vintage chrome?
I can't help but notice that you seem... guarded. Withdrawn.
That's all that I needed to know.
It was cheap. It gets the job done.

{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

End of discussion.
I don't think so. I've known a lot of street sams in my time, but I've never met anyone who'd voluntarily install cyberware that old.
This conversation isn't over until I say it is. Tell me about the chrome.
You're right. There's more to it than I'm letting on. But I'm not interested in talking about it.
Is your curiosity satisfied? Or do you need something else?
That's my problem, and none of your concern.
If whatever happened to you has impaired your ability to trust me, then it is my concern. C'mon, Glory. Talk to me.
I'm the leader of this outfit. I decide what is and isn't my concern. Now tell me what's going on.
If you talk to me, I can help.
Trust is earned, and I don't know you yet.

Maybe later, when we get to know one another better, we can talk. For now, I'd prefer if you dropped it.
This "I'm the boss" approach that you're taking? Not professional, and not the way to get on my good side.

Talk to me later, when you've grown up.
I doubt it, chummer. I doubt it very much.

But I appreciate the sentiment. Maybe later, when we know one another better, we can get into it.
Now, is there anything else that you need?
I have another question.
Let's go back to what we were talking about before.
No, I'm good. Take it easy, Glory.
All right. Fine.

What else do you want?
Yeah, you too.
Fine with me. Anything else that you need?
I don't respond well to threats or ultimatums.

{{GM}}Something in the tiny woman's voice sets you on edge. There is something deeply wrong here. Somehow, you're certain of it.{{/GM}}

You'll want to watch that in the future. Now walk away.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Suit yourself.
$(l.name). What do you need?
{{GM}}Glory's expression remains distant, but her lips curl upward into a hint of a smile.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). Need something?
Everything still okay with you?
I'd still like to know more about that chrome you're sporting.
You say that you'll give me answers when we talk about your past. So let's talk about it.
Any thoughts about that last run?
I can't chat, Glory. I've got things to do.
You never need to worry about me, $(l.name). I'm fine.
That's not a story that I'm interested in telling out of context.
If you really want to get into it, we're going to need to go back. Way back.

{{GM}}She stares at you with her cold, dead eyes.{{/GM}}

I'm not sure that you want to do that.
Why do you care?

{{GM}}There is no hostility in her voice. If anything, she sounds suspicious.{{/GM}}
Because I'm the leader of this team, and I need to know as much as I can about the runners who are working with me.
I don't care... not particularly. But I am curious.
On second thought, never mind.
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, considering. Then she nods.{{/GM}}

All right. Fine. We can talk.

But we're doing it on my terms.
This is a long story, $(l.name). Long and ugly and cruel.

Are you sure that you want to hear this?
Please.
Quit stalling and start talking.
Maybe another time.
All right. I'm going to start at the beginning. Not for you, for me.

I guess that it might help me to say all of this out loud.
{{GM}}She takes a deep breath, then slowly releases it. When she speaks, her voice comes out in a cool monotone.{{/GM}}

My family lived in Stuttgart.

It was a nice enough place, I suppose. My parents worked as wageslaves for IFMU.
My mom was a good person.

Once upon a time my father was a decent person as well. That's what Mom always told me. But I never knew him that way.
She pauses for a long moment. When she begins speaking again, some of the ice has fallen away from her voice.

For the first time since you met her, Glory sounds *alive.*
The Dad that I knew was an old, damaged Euro-War vet who turned to hard-line religion to make sense of the world.

In Stuttgart, that meant either the Ritter Christi or their fascist cousins, the Kreuzritters. My father chose the latter path.
I still remember hiding in my room when my father had his Kreuzritter "brothers" over for prayer group.

They would drink and get rowdy, then spend an hour or two riling themselves up with talk about "heretics" and "the Devil's work."
Then they'd go find some poor elf or dwarf, stomp the living shit out of him, and drown him in the Neckar.
Meanwhile, I'd be holed up at home with Mom, who would commemorate the event by drinking a bottle of wine and crying herself to sleep.
Just elves and dwarves? I'd assume that a mage or an orc would make a more tempting target.
I'd like to get my hands on your dad and his "Crusaders." See how they like pushing someone who can push back.
I'm sorry, Glory. No child should have to grow up around that.
What, you mean pick on a victim who could fight back?

{{GM}}Glory shakes her head.{{/GM}}
No. My father and his pack of jackals weren't up for that kind of trouble. They'd had more than enough of real combat when they were young men, back in the Euro-Wars.

They just wanted to feel big and in control of their lives again, and it didn't matter to them who they hurt in the process.
It's a common sentiment, believe me. But I appreciate the thought.
Thanks, $(l.name). This is... difficult for me.

Thank you for making it easier.
Anyway. Aside from the fact that my dad and his buddies were a bunch of murderous assholes, life was pretty normal. I went to school, made friends, hung out with my mom. Kid stuff.

Then I turned fourteen, and everything went to shit.
{{GM}}Glory pauses, then swallows hard. Ever so slightly, her cheeks flush red. Suddenly she looks self-conscious, as if she's just snapped out of a trance.

As quickly as it came, the flush of emotion disappears. Her voice frosts over.{{/GM}}

I don't want to talk about this any more.
Airing this stuff out is clearly helping you to work through it.
Keep going, Glory. This was just getting good.
You don't need to say anything that you don't want to, but if you ever want to talk, you know where to find me.
Yes. It is.

{{GM}}Glory stares at you through cold, dead eyes.{{/GM}}

But I'm not going to be able to get through this in one sitting. You need to understand that.
{{GM}}She turns away from you, her movements mechanical.{{/GM}}

Now. Let's get back to the job at hand, shall we?
Not right now.

{{GM}}Glory stares at you through cold, dead eyes.{{/GM}}

Anyway, we have a job to do, so let's get on with it. We can chat again later.
Thank you for your understanding.

{{GM}}Glory stares at you through cold, dead eyes.{{/GM}}

Now, let's get back to the job at hand, shall we?
All right. You need something else?
There isn't much to say.

{{GM}}She pauses to study you for a moment before continuing.{{/GM}}
I think that we should have given Thorvald a chance to prove his claims. Waiting a few minutes to kill him wouldn't have harmed anything.

That said, I understand why you did what you did. The job was to kill him - we all knew that when we signed on.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

We're one step closer to paying Alice's fee. In the end, that's all that really matters.
Freeing Thorvald wasn't the decision that I'd have made... I've known men like him, and no good will come from his freedom. But then, it wasn't my choice to make.

We're one step closer to paying Alice's fee. In the end, that's all that really matters.
You killed Thorvald. Despite his whining, and begging, and bargaining, you put him down like a rabid dog.

It was a good choice. And it was the right one.
{{GM}}A tinge of red crawls up Glory's neck.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). Look at me.

{{GM}}She extends her sculpted metal arms. Chrome glints in the flickering light.{{/GM}}

I'm... I'm not far from being what that poor troll was. When I think of what they did to him...
{{GM}}She looks you in the eye. Her expression remains neutral, but that slight blush has spread from her neck to her cheeks.{{/GM}}

...It wasn't right. And you did the only thing that you could to make it better. You knew that it would cost you, and you did it anyway, because it was *right.*

I won't forget that, $(l.name). Not ever.
{{GM}}She looks you in the eye. Transfixes you with her gaze.{{/GM}}

You handed him over, $(l.name). Like a piece of merchandise. Like a *thing.*

We shouldn't have done that. I should have *stopped* you. But I didn't. And I don't like what that says about me.
I don't like magic, $(l.name). I've had some... unfortunate experiences with it in the past.

What they were doing down there, in that lab... that was magic of the worst kind.
You took the time to save Aztechnology's test subjects. In your place, I might not have... I don't think I could've justified endangering the mission.

{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, considering.{{/GM}}

Still, it worked out. And I suppose that's all that matters.
You put a stop to it, $(l.name). Buried their research under a ton of concrete, and made us a hefty sum in the process.

{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

All in all, a good day.
I have no strong feelings about the run one way or the other.

Humanis is, of course, a horrible organization... but then, so is every other target we've run against. To say that they deserved it would be redundant.
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment to consider.{{/GM}}

That said... I'll admit that I do enjoy a certain sense of satisfaction thinking about Stahl's head breaking apart. So there's that.
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment to consider.{{/GM}}

I suppose that it would have been nice to see Stahl die. But his days are numbered anyway.

When the F-State discovers what he was planning, he's going to wish that he had never been born.
I have no strong feelings about the run one way or the other.

It was a pity that Dietrich's nephew died... I know that he must feel sad about that. But we got the job done.

At the end of the day, that's what's important.
No, $(l.name). Nothing right now.
Null sweat.
{{GM}}For the first time since you met her, Glory's expression seems to brighten. It's subtle, but it's there... you're sure of it.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). A pleasure, as always.

Need anything from me?
How're you doing, Glory?
If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were warming up to me.
Are you ready to tell me about that chrome you're sporting?
You said that things went bad when you turned fourteen. I'd like to keep talking about that.
Just wanted to hear the sound of your voice. Take it easy, Glory.
Some of us have bigger problems. For some of us, it takes a more... direct interest. But I fixed that problem years ago.

{{GM}}She gestures down at the vintage chrome that riddles her small body.{{/GM}}

The interest is still there, but it can't do anything about it anymore. Not unless I let it. So drop it, okay?
You don't know the half of it. But it isn't dangerous to you anymore. I fixed it, understand?

{{GM}}She gestures at the antique cyberware that riddles her body.{{/GM}}

It's mostly gone now. The only person it can hurt is me, and only if I let it. So drop it, okay?
Golden as always, $(l.name). No problems here.
{{GM}}She studies your face for a moment before responding.{{/GM}}

I suppose that you might say that.

I don't talk to many people, $(l.name). It just doesn't seem to be worth the effort.
I don't... I don't really *feel* much any more. Not since...

{{GM}}She caresses the chrome of her forearm with a hand made of articulated steel.{{/GM}}

This.
If that's true, why are you still talking to me?
I suppose because you've shown an interest, and because you haven't let me push you away.
{{GM}}She locks eyes with you. Her expression is blank.{{/GM}}

I don't want to mislead you, $(l.name). I still don't feel anything... not warmth, or friendship, or even trust.
But I can appreciate the effort you're making.

It's something new. And it's worthy of exploring.
I'm getting there, $(l.name). But you'll have to give me some time.

The answers will come when they do.
{{GM}}She stares at you, her face expressionless.{{/GM}}

No. I'd rather not.
Because I don't see a reason to. The memories are unpleasant, and dredging them up doesn't serve any real purpose.
You're wrong about that. The last time we talked, it had an impact on you. That's reason enough to continue.
Fair enough. I'll give you your space.
{{GM}}She pauses a moment to consider your words, a troubled look on her face.{{/GM}}

I suppose that's true. Feeling discomfort is better than feeling nothing at all.
All right. Here's the deal, $(l.name). I'm going to talk. You listen.

When I'm done, I'm done. No complaints, and no arguments. And we'll see what happens.

Deal?
This is all getting way too serious. Keep your life story to yourself.
Right.

{{GM}}The thousand-meter stare creeps back into Glory's eyes. A moment later, she's locked away in her own head again, reliving memories that she'd long since filed away.{{/GM}}

So a few days after my fourteenth birthday, I began to... express. Magically.
Judging from what I saw in your aura, your Awakening must have been an incredible thing.
You're magically active?
Should've figured that you were a burnout. That why you went nuts with the discount chrome? You couldn't hack it as a street mage?
Go on, Glory.
It was actually fairly standard. The real power didn't come until later.

But we'll get to that.
I was.

{{GM}}Glory gestures at her cyberware-riddled body.{{/GM}}

Not any more.
Are you telling this story, or am I?
{{GM}}Glory's voice grows cold.{{/GM}}

And you're wrong, by the way. I "went nuts with the discount chrome" for a damned good reason, which I will get to in good time.

Now shut your mouth and listen. You might learn something.
{{GM}}There is another long pause, and Glory becomes more animated.{{/GM}}

Anyway. I turned fourteen. I Awakened.
I don't even remember how my parents found out about it any more... I think that my dad caught me playing with a tiny city spirit that I coaxed out of a pile of garbage, something like that.

With everything that happened afterward, those days are kind of a blur.
What I do remember is my father's response to the revelation that his little girl was a witch, a "Hexe."

He beat the living shit out of me with his fists. And then his belt. And then a claw hammer that he grabbed out of his toolbox.
All the while my mother was screaming and flailing at him.

She took a couple of licks with the hammer, too.
It's a miracle that you survived.
I'd very much like to murder your father.
What about the neighbors? Didn't anyone call the Polizei or ProSecuritas?
I'm just lucky, I guess.
Oh, sure, they did. Our neighbors were perfectly decent people. Even if they couldn't admit it to themselves, they knew what my father was up to.

When they heard a woman and a little girl screaming bloody murder, they were the first to pick up the comm.
Unfortunately, police response times can leave a little something to be desired. I assume that they showed up eventually, but I'll never know; I was out of there well before anyone showed up to intervene.

But we'll get to that in a second.
So finally, after what felt like an hour, Dad stopped tuning me up with the hammer.

I had broken ribs, a busted arm, I couldn't see out of my left eye, and my entire right side was covered with one giant bruise. I was bleeding all over the place, making a real mess of the carpet.
The old bastard spat on me - his bleeding, crying daughter. He spat on me, and told me that I was "des Teufels Hure," the Devil's whore.

Then he kicked me out of the house.
As I was crawling away, my father told me that if he or any of his Kreuzritter brothers ever saw me again, they'd treat me "as the Berlin chapter treats the enemies of God."

If you're not familiar with how the Kreuzritters here in Berlin deal with heretics, it's decidedly less pretty than what my dad and his buddies did to their victims. I got the hint, and the next morning, I hitched a ride out of Stuttgart.
You were a human girl, presumably with an ID. Why didn't you go to a hospital?
Gutsy move. You were a smart kid.
Oh, I did, but not in Stuttgart. If I went to a local hospital with the kind of injuries that Dad gave me, there'd be questions, and I couldn't afford to stay in town any longer than I had to.

Even if my dad wound up getting arrested for beating me, the rest of the local Kreuzritters would have found me, and I'd have wound up skinned alive and thrown into the Neckar.
Not that smart.

{{GM}}Slowly, sadly, Glory shakes her head.{{/GM}}

But we'll get to that in a minute.
I wound up in Tübingen. I figured it'd be a safe enough place to find medical attention, and maybe to call home... it's not far from Stuttgart, but it has a huge student community that I figured I could blend into, and the university there has a decent magic department.
My ride dropped me off at the university hospital, and they patched me up pretty good. Had some questions for me about how I got so beaten up, but I lied and told them that I'd been mugged, which played nicely into my complete lack of cash, credit, and identification.
{{GM}}Glory pauses for a moment and looks down at the floor, then fixes her eyes on you. She is visibly tense.{{/GM}}

We're gonna fast forward through the next few years. I was a kid on the street. I got by as best I could, doing whatever I had to do. The rest we can leave up to your imagination. Good?
You did what you had to do. I'm no stranger to that myself. I don't think that anyone working in the shadows is.
Of course. I only need to hear what you're comfortable talking about, nothing more.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

I figured you'd understand.
Good.

{{GM}}Glory's clenched jaw relaxes somewhat, and the tension drains out of her shoulders.{{/GM}}

Thanks.
So anyway. I lived on the street for a few years. Got used to being hungry all the time, got used to getting rained on. Got by.

I was painfully aware that I had magical talents, but without any kind of training or guidance, I didn't really know how to use or develop them. Truth be told, they scared me, so I more or less ignored them.
So it just sort of went like that, until a few days after my seventeenth birthday. Then I met Marta, and everything changed.
Marta was a sweet girl. At first I took her for a street kid, like me... her clothes were a little ratty, and she seemed comfortable being near me. But she also looked well fed and happy, and those were two things that I hadn't been in years.

We started hanging out, and before I knew what was happening, I was in love.
There was a genuine attraction between Marta and me, I think.

But I also think that a lot of my affection for her came from the fact that she was the first person in years to give a damn about me.

She cared, and I loved her for that.
Glory pauses. She looks flustered, her composure cracked.
Keep going, Glory.
{{GM}}She stares at you for a beat, then nods. A few ragged breaths later, she continues.{{/GM}}

Marta told me about a place where she'd been hanging out. She invited me to join her there.

It was called Feuerstelle, the "Fire Place," and it was sort of a commune for dispossessed youth.
It turns out that a lot of the street kids I'd known over the years had moved there. The way that they'd disappeared, I'd assumed that they'd been kidnapped or killed, or had gone back to their parents. But there they were.

I remember being kind of angry about it, like, "how did everybody get the memo about this but me?"
Marta calmed me down - she was good at helping me work through my feelings - and I wound up following her to Feuerstelle.

To a street kid, it was basically paradise. The owner, a guy named Harrow, had set up this little farm just outside Tübingen in the Schönbuch forest. The Schönbuch is officially a nature park, but not many people go there nowadays... too much fear of paranormal animals, I guess.
Anyway, park or not, it was plenty big enough for us to hide in. It was also safe and pretty, and the farm was well-stocked with food.

Most importantly, Feuerstelle gave us a sense of community and stability that we'd never had on the street, and we loved Harrow for that. He became like a surrogate father to us.
{{GM}}Glory pauses again, and you recognize the distinctive flush in her cheeks. She seems to have come out of her reverie once again.{{/GM}}

That's enough for now. I need to process all of this, and I don't want to continue forward until I've had the chance to do that.
I know that this all happened years ago, but I guess it's still pretty raw to me. So I'm gonna ask you to give me some space for a while.

{{GM}}She turns away, and the frost begins to creep back into her voice.{{/GM}}

We can pick it back up later.
{{GM}}All at once, Glory shuts down.{{/GM}}

You're right. It was a stupid idea anyway.
Yes. That would be best.
{{GM}}She looks you in the eye. Her expression remains neutral, but that slight blush has spread from her neck to her cheeks.{{/GM}}

...it wasn't right. And you did the only thing that you could to make it better. You knew that it would cost you, and you did it anyway, because it was *right.*

I won't forget that, $(l.name). Not ever.
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment to consider.{{/GM}}

I suppose that it would have been nice to see Stahl die. But his days are numbered anyway.

When the F-State discovers what he was planning, he's going to wish that he was never born.
{{GM}}Her lips lift into something approaching a smile.{{/GM}}

You too, $(l.name).
{{GM}}Glory's pallid face lights up at your approach. A genuine smile spreads across her lips.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). Good to see you.
You too, Glory. How're things with you?
You needed time, and I gave you time. Are you ready to talk about Feuerstelle yet?
Just checking in. Take care, Glory.
As the astral plane shimmers into view, you focus on Glory.

You can still see her with your corporeal vision: her delicate frame, the bulky cyberware that breaks her silhouette, the faraway look in her eyes. But laid over the top of her physical body, there is a slight shimmer: her aura, damaged though it may be.
{{GM}}Suddenly, Glory's body language changes. The look on her face is somewhere between suspicion and alarm.{{/GM}}

I got something in my teeth, $(l.freund)? You're staring.

{{GM}}With an aura this shredded by cyberware and surgery, it's going to take a minute to gather any useful information.{{/GM}}
I imagine that we all do, yourself included. And yet, you don't find me gawking at you.
Glory stares at you for a hard second, then turns her head away.

With a quick, bird-like movement, she thrusts a finger into her mouth and rubs her teeth vigorously.
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, considering.{{/GM}}

Y'know what? I'm happy, actually. For the first time in a long time.

I have you to thank for that.
Be patient, $(l.name). The explanation for that is coming.

{{GM}}A look of unease flits across her face.{{/GM}}

I'm not sure that you're going to like it, though.
Yeah.

{{GM}}Glory looks troubled, more so than you've ever seen her before. Whatever memories she's dredging up must be exceedingly painful.{{/GM}}

I'm not gonna lie, I haven't been looking forward to this. But yeah, it's time.
$(l.name). Look. I'm about to tell you some things about myself that might change your opinion of me.

It's entirely possible that you're going to hate me based on what's coming up next. I've accepted that, and if that's what happens, I sincerely believe that I deserve it.
{{GM}}She looks you in the eye, her expression grim.{{/GM}}

So tell me. Are you sure that you want to keep pushing forward with this?
This is important for you, Glory. After everything we've been through, I think that we both know that. Whatever you have to tell me, I'm ready to listen.
Spit it out, already!
This is clearly causing you pain, Glory. Y'know what? Let's back down from the storytelling. I don't need to know anything more about your past to know how much I value you.
Thanks, $(l.name). Thanks for being a friend.
Okay.

{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Right. Here goes.
So when we left off last time, I had just moved from the streets of Tübingen to the warm, inviting confines of Feuerstelle.

Marta and I were happy there for a little while, and Harrow embraced me as a long-lost daughter.
I should probably take a moment to talk more about Harrow. He's going to be an important figure in this story.
I don't know what his age was... he seemed old enough to be paternal, but young enough to hang with the kids on something like a peer level.

Best guess, I'd say he was in his mid-twenties.

He was handsome and well-built, with a neatly-trimmed beard and thick brown hair. And there was something else about him, something uncanny.
Harrow had this charisma, this raw, magnetic attraction that just made people latch onto him.

I saw it over and over. All it took was a few words and a pat on the shoulder, and Harrow would have a new convert. The other kids at the farm followed him around like lost puppies.
As much as I loved Marta, and as much as I thought she loved me, we forgot all about one another when Harrow was around. All that we wanted was to be close to him, to be a part of his inner circle. And soon enough, we were.
For a girl of seventeen, it was all terribly exciting. Harrow had these "Rules of Living" that he would teach us, rules about self-determination and the importance of disobedience. He claimed to have taught classes at the University of Berlin, which he painted as a mix between an earthly Paradise and an anarchist playground.
He told us how Feuerstelle would be the focal point of a new movement for the children of the Fatherland. He told us that we were special.

We ate it up, of course. We were kids.
For those of us in the inner sanctum, Harrow would share even more. He had power the likes of which I had never seen... not my father's drunken fists or my own childish experiments, but genuine, incredible power. He said that it came from the Horned God, an ancient deity that he venerated.
He knew about my latent abilities right away, and he offered to teach me.

Naturally, I accepted.
I've heard of the Horned God. His followers have a poor reputation, especially among women.
This Harrow is beginning to sound a lot like a cult leader.
Can't say I blame you. In your position, I would've done exactly the same thing.
Any bad reputation that they might have gained is well-deserved. But there was more to it than that, as you'll see.

{{GM}}Glory sighs.{{/GM}}

Hang with me, $(l.name). Rough waters ahead.
You're not wrong there. But it gets a whole lot worse than that, as you'll soon see.

{{GM}}Glory sighs.{{/GM}}

Hang with me, $(l.name). Rough waters ahead.
Well, that's comforting to hear. I'm glad to know that someone as competent as you could make as abysmal a mess of $(l.his) life as I did.

{{GM}}Glory sighs.{{/GM}}

Hang with me, $(l.name). Rough waters ahead.
So I became Harrow's apprentice. He taught me to channel magic and summon spirits. He taught me rituals and pagan traditions, Machiavellian philosophy and Nietzschean ethics.
Above all, he taught me to connect with his "Horned God," and through it I learned power and arrogance.

And it was all downhill from there.
For the next few years, I lived at Feuerstelle as Harrow's enforcer and right-hand girl. I was also his sometimes-wife and concubine, but that was a distinction that I shared with all of the girls in the commune, including my beloved Marta.

I came to learn that she'd been his long before she met me, but by that point, I didn't care. I'd embraced the Rules of Living, I was Harrow's creature through and through. I didn't ask questions, and I walked the path that was in front of me.
Other fun facts about those years: I learned cruelty. I had power now, and my new idol encouraged me to use it. Harrow did the same.

Any children who didn't pull their weight were subjected to my tender mercies, and I was anything but tender. I took what I wanted rather than asking for it.

I liked it. It was fun.
I also came to learn that Harrow's "Horned God" was not the Eichenfürst worshipped by throwback cults across Germany. It was certainly a god with horns, but it came from an altogether different tradition.

Care to hazard a guess?
I want to hear you say it.
The devil?
Educate me.
In the magically active community, we refer to it as "the Adversary." But yeah, same being, more or less.
Satan. Lucifer. Old Scratch.

In the magically active community, we refer to it as "the Adversary."

Whatever you choose to call it, it's every bit as bad as it sounds.
So my idol, the ancient deity that was feeding me my power, was the antithesis of everything that is right and good.

And you know what?

I didn't care.
In our time together, Harrow and I committed more atrocities than I could count. At this point, I was onto all of his tricks; I knew that Feuerstelle was nothing more than a honey trap, carefully designed to lure local children into my master's clutches. I knew that the kids who seemed resistant to Harrow's brainwashing techniques wound up fertilizing the garden. I knew that Harrow's entire manifesto was bullshit.

And I knew that through it all, Harrow and the Adversary were laughing, because I was laughing right there beside them.
I don't want to pin the blame for my decisions on anyone but me. That said, I would like to posit that my father's connection to the Kreuzritters might have helped play into my willingness to serve the Adversary.

In my warped, indoctrinated little brain, I equated the Church with evil, so the opposite of that, I figured, had to be... well, if not good, then at least not totally bad.
But I was kidding myself, of course. My new deity was the very definition of bad. Serving it made *me* bad. End of story.
I can't excuse the choices that you made, but I can understand why you made them.
Go ahead, make your excuses. We all make our own choices in life, and when you chose to hurt innocent kids, my sympathy for you went right out the window.
I disagree with you, Glory. I don't think that any of this was your fault. Harrow is the one who deserves the blame.
That's big of you, $(l.name). I genuinely mean that.

{{GM}}Glory takes a moment to steel herself, then continues on.{{/GM}}
You're right, $(l.name).

{{GM}}Glory's face looks ashen.{{/GM}}

It's nobody's fault but my own.
And what if he was indoctrinated into the service of the Adversary when he was my age? Would he not be at fault any more, either?
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

No, $(l.name). Harrow certainly deserves some of the blame for what I became. Maybe even most of it. But personal responsibility has to come into the equation somewhere.

I made my own choices, and they were horrible ones. I've accepted that. You should, too.
Glory pauses for a moment to collect herself. She looks haggard, and her pale cheeks are flushed blood red.

She swallows hard, then presses forward.
Anyway. One day, Harrow invited me on a field trip.

To Stuttgart.
Over the years that I was at Feuerstelle, the commune had easily doubled in size.

It was thriving, all thanks to the efforts of Marta and the girls like her.
Harrow would send the girls out to neighboring cities to lure in the street kids that nobody would miss. He targeted children because they were easy to indoctrinate, and because nothing makes the Adversary happier than the corruption of the innocent.
As we drove out to pick up the new recruits, I was already planning ahead.

It was a foregone conclusion that I would pay my father a visit; the irony of a group of Kreuzritters getting immolated by a genuine servant of the actual Devil tickled me to no end. So when Harrow stopped to fill up on diesel, I hopped out of the van and headed out on foot to my parents' place.
Harrow wasn't overly concerned about my absence. I had long since reached the point where I could assert my autonomy, and he knew that I'd be back.
I wound up at my folks' house sometime around noon. I could hear the Adversary whispering in my ear, telling me what to do. I'd long since learned to listen to its voice; it always rewarded me with extra power when I did its bidding. It told me to knock, so I did.

As the door opened, I could feel a torrent of flames welling up in the astral plane all around me. It told me to channel them into the doorway, into my father. So I did.
...But, of course, the person who opened the door wasn't my father.

It was my mother.
As I watched her flesh blacken and melt, as I heard her scream and I broke into hysterics, I heard the Adversary laugh.

And at that moment, I realized that it was laughing at me.
Tragic, but predictable.
Saw that coming.
I'm so sorry, Glory.
{{GM}}Glory nods, a grim expression on her delicate face.{{/GM}}

In hindsight, yes. You're right. It was inevitable that this would happen; I was a fool and a puppet, and any power that I thought that I'd had was on loan from a being that craved my own misery.
{{GM}}Glory nods, a grim expression on her delicate face.{{/GM}}

Thanks. We're almost to the end, now.

Thanks for sticking with me.
It was like a lever had been pulled. All at once, the bubble popped.

I wasn't a powerful servant of the Adversary. I was not Harrow's number-one girl. I was a ridiculous little fool who'd willingly tied her soul to the worst thing in existence.
Realizing all of this was one thing. Actually fixing it was something else entirely.

I knew that I had to get away from Harrow. That was the first thing to do. So I bit my lip and did my best to ignore the happy babble of the new recruits on the trip back to Feuerstelle, and I managed to get through the ride without screaming.
Once we were back at the commune, I broke into Harrow's safe, stole all of the commune's resources, and ran.

I don't know when Harrow realized what I'd done, or whether he even cared. All that I know is that nobody came after me, so I kept running and running until I got to Berlin.
Getting past the wall was fairly simple... you know how easy it is to obtain falsified papers. The biggest obstacle that I faced during my flight was the Adversary itself.

I could run from Harrow, but how do you run from something that's tied to your own soul?
I have a feeling that I know.
Let me guess: snip, snip?
Oh, God, Glory.
{{GM}}The haunted look in Glory's eyes is heartbreaking. She gives you another curt, grim nod.{{/GM}}
I walked into the office of the first street doc I could find, pointed at all of the biggest, bulkiest pieces of cyberware that he had on display, and told him to put them into me.
He tried to upsell me on better merchandise, arguing that what I was asking for was old and inefficient, better suited to be installed in a museum than in a body.

He told me that I'd be shredding my essence, and that once it was gone, I'd never be able to get it back.
I stuck to my guns.

After all, shredding my essence was the whole point.
Glory looks up at you. Her eyes are sunken and hollow, and the aura of loss about her is palpable.

She looks like a woman who has been through Hell.
That's all for now, $(l.name).

You've heard the tale, you know why I am the way I am. You know the things I've done, and how much I have to atone for.
If you still want my company, fine.

If I've lost your friendship, I understand that, too.

But for now, I need to be alone.
That's impossibly sweet of you, $(l.name).

{{GM}}If you didn't know any better, you'd swear that she was fighting back tears.{{/GM}}

I won't forget it.
You too, $(l.name).
{{GM}}Glory favors you with a weak smile, her expression cautious. You're suddenly aware of how very small she is.{{/GM}}

Hoi, $(l.name). I've gotta admit, I've been dreading this.
So. Now that you know what I've done... what I *am*... are you here to tell me off?

I wouldn't blame you if you were.
No, Glory, I'm not here to tell you off. Truth be told, I wanted to check in and see how you were doing.
We left off in a bad place last time. I've been thinking about your story, and I have a question for you.
I don't need anything. I'll talk to you later.
Not great. Struggling.

About how you'd expect.
Yeah? What's that?
You've escaped from Harrow, but he's still out there. If you're looking to atone for your past, don't you think that shutting him down would be a good place to start?
Are you still looking for closure? Because your story had a lot of loose ends that need to be tied up.
You got out of Feuerstelle, but Harrow's cult is still up and running, right? Still full of kids who are being brainwashed and worse. So shouldn't we do something about that?
She holds her silence for a long time.

Finally, she nods.
Yes.

I've been thinking about this for a long time, $(l.name). And every time that I've gotten close to making a decision, I've turned and run away again.

No more running. I'm ready to face this thing, but I can't do it alone. I'm going to need your help.
That's the idea.
I'm glad that we're on the same page.
All right. If we're going to do this, we need to be clear on what our goal is.

There are a lot of innocent people in that place... lost street kids who got sucked in by Marta and the other girls like her.

Saving them won't be easy, but it feels like the right thing to do.
...But then, there's also Harrow to consider.

I want that man dead. Lord knows he deserves it. And if we don't make killing him our top priority, he might get away from us.

If that happens - if he runs - he'll eventually start up another cult somewhere else, where we can't find him. And all of this will have been for nothing.
We're likely to run into other complications, as well. So I think that we need to make a decision here, up-front.

What would you do in my place? Rescue the kids, or take down Harrow? I don't think that we can manage both.
Freeing the kids should be our first priority. We raid Feuerstelle, round up the runaways, and clear Harrow's influence from their minds. Killing him will have to be secondary.
We wipe out the cult, starting with Harrow. As long as he's alive, he can just start all of this over again. We'll save any cultists that we can, but the ones that are too far gone will have to be put down.
I hate giving Harrow the chance to escape, but you're right: saving the kids is what's important.

{{GM}}She pauses, considering her choice, and a smile flits across her lips.{{/GM}}

This feels like the path to redemption. This feels *right.*
Glad to hear that we're in agreement. When you're ready to go, meet me at the van - it's a long drive from here to the Schönbuch.
On second thought, let me reconsider...
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Right. I'll get my things.
...Oh, and thanks, $(l.name).

For everything.
Harrow needs to die. I don't want any other kids hurt or killed, but Harrow... that bastard has to *pay* for what he did to me.

{{GM}}She stops, as if suddenly unsure of herself. A moment later, a newfound confidence seems to seize her. She looks to you, and there is fire in her eyes.{{/GM}}

He has to pay for what he did to all of us. I won't let this happen again. He needs to die.
You're damned right he does. Meet me at the van when you're ready to go - it's a long drive from here to the Schönbuch.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

I'll see you there.
Yes. I do think that Feuerstelle is a problem that needs solving. But it can't happen just now.

APEX is down. Vauclair is vulnerable. We can't take the time to deal with my issues right now... they can wait.
All right. But keep it in mind, okay?
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

I will.
Okay, $(l.name). Don't be a stranger.
We've got a job to prepare for, $(l.name). I don't have any more time to talk.

Hit me up after the run if you like. But for now, I need some space.
Force 2 Fire Elemental Fetish
Summons a Force 2 Fire Elemental. The fetish is consumed when used.
Aimed Shot
Single target. Increases accuracy by 10%.
Force 3 Fire Elemental Fetish
Summons a Force 3 Fire Elemental. The fetish is consumed when used.
Force 6 Fire Elemental Fetish
Summons a Force 6 Fire Elemental. The fetish is consumed when used.
It's a fusebox. Nothing looks out of order.
{{GM}}Try swapping the old fuse that is in BTHRM to TRACK.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Swap the old fuse back from TRACK to BTHRM.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Item: Fuse{{/CC}} {{GM}}Add an extra fuse to BTHRM.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Item: Fuse{{/CC}} {{GM}}Add an extra fuse to TRACK.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Remove the extra fuse from BTHRM.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Remove the extra fuse from TRACK.{{/GM}}
The lights in the bathroom go out. The status light next to "TRACK" $(scene.str_RedOrGreen).
The lights in the bathroom come back on. The status light next to "TRACK" $(scene.str_RedOrGreen).
You place the extra fuse into a socket next to BTHRM. The status light next to "TRACK" $(scene.str_RedOrGreen).
You place the extra fuse into a socket next to TRACK. The status light next to "TRACK" $(scene.str_RedOrGreen).
You remove the extra fuse and pocket it.
As you open the refrigerator door, a whiff of ammonia sticks in your nostrils. Watery light glints off of the door's polished interior.

The fridge is stacked full of large plastic bins, all tightly sealed and neatly labeled. It's hard to tell through the opaque plastic, but they appear to be full of meat.
{{GM}}Inspect the containers.{{/GM}}
You pop the lid off a container to take a closer look.
The first thing that hits you is the smell. The meat in here is beyond rancid; white mold frosts the sides of the bin, and it's all that you can do to keep from gagging.

As you rush to put the lid back on, you recognize a familiar shape in the rotten meat: a mangled human hand.
Is that what I think it is?
What the hell is this, Glory?
I don't feel so good...
{{GM}}Glory's voice is flat.{{/GM}}

Ritual supplies. The Adversary prefers them aged.
Harrow teaches all of the initiates how to do it - how to harvest the meat, how to store it, how to label it. Nobody likes doing it at first, but you learn.

By the end, it doesn't even bother you anymore.
I think we just figured out what Harrow is going to make those initiates do tomorrow.
{{GM}}She nods grimly.{{/GM}}

I think that you're right. And that means that things have changed around here over the past few years.
That girl back there... she said that she'd only been here for a week.

Back when I lived here, Harrow would never have let such a fresh convert prepare a sacrifice. He'd wait until she was in so deep - until she felt so *indebted* to him - that she *couldn't* turn tail and run.
Do you think it's the shrine? Could he be using it to brainwash the initiates at an accelerated rate?
Why the change?
There's one thing that I know for certain: that girl isn't going to have to do this. Not ever.
On that, we are agreed.

Let's go talk to Marta. I'm sure that we both have a lot to say.
I think that Harrow is getting lazy.

He used to have a very strict, very clever routine, and he'd stick to it. I watched him walk at least a dozen initiates through it, and it worked every time.
With the shrine's power at his disposal, he doesn't have to do that any more. He just brings his new recruits back here, and it takes care of the rest.

I think that he's let himself become dependent on the damned thing.
I get the picture.
This is beyond fucked. We need to shut this place down.
Glory. Did you ever do... *this?*
I warned you that you'd see things you didn't want to in here.
You weren't lying.
{{GM}}She turns away from you.{{/GM}}

Come on. Let's keep moving.
With Harrow dead, all of this will stop.

{{GM}}She turns away from you.{{/GM}}

Let's keep moving.
Rescuing the initiates will put a dent in Harrow's operation for a while. At least *they'll* be safe.

{{GM}}She turns away from you.{{/GM}}

Come on. Let's keep moving.
{{GM}}She fixes you with an emotionless stare.{{/GM}}

I was Harrow's right hand, remember?

What do you think?
I don't want to think about it.
Then don't.

{{GM}}She turns away from you.{{/GM}}

Come on. Let's keep moving.
Moving the painting aside, you find a large maintenance access panel.

Jana steps forward, a slight frown on her face.
Okay, I guess that this is me...
She pulls a multi-tool from her belt and uses it to loosen the bolts that hold the panel in place.

Pulling up a schematic on her PDA, she examines the terminal's wiring.
Hurry it up, woman. The clock is ticking.
Don't rush me. This is complicated.
Popping the lid on her toolbox, she grabs a pair of wire clippers, a soldering gun, and a roll of electrical tape.

With a look of grim determination on her face, she begins to snip into a massive harness of cables that runs through the unit.
All right.

{{GM}}She taps the elf on the knee.{{/GM}}

I'm gonna need that... thing... now.
He nods, and reaches back to unsling his pack.

Placing it on the floor, he opens it and pulls out a large blue canister. It takes all of his strength to wrestle it up from the ground and into the space in the access panel that Jana has cleared.
There you go, you dumb ox. Do something useful for a change.
The elf says nothing. Unburdened by the heavy pack, he stands up straight, and for the first time you appreciate how much larger he is than the corporate mage.

He stares down at James, and his hands bunch into fists.
Stay cool, man. We're almost done.
James, for the last time, keep your damned mouth shut.
If the elf understands you, he shows no sign of it.

He continues to stare James down, and the mage continues to ignore him.
Payload in place, Jana goes back to work. It only takes a few minutes for her to screw, wire, and solder the canister into the harness.

She inspects her work, nods, and turns to face you.
{{GM}}She stands and brushes the hair out of her eyes.{{/GM}}

All right. Job's done. Just need to do a bit of cleanup, and we can get out of here.
That's it?
Nice job, Jana.
{{GM}}She taps the screen of her PDA.{{/GM}}

According to this, yes. The penthouse's security system should be inactive.
Let's move, then. To hell with the cleanup, we'll be gone before anyone notices anything anyway.
Just a second. What was that canister that you put into the terminal?
You're sure that whatever you did disarmed the security system?
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Beats me. For all I know, it could be full of pixie dust.

They said that I had to wire it into the wall at this junction, so I did.
I'm not comfortable with how little we know about this run.
Our employers don't tell us much, do they?
If they say it'll work, then it'll work. They'd have no reason to lie about something like that.
{{GM}}The mage sneers.{{/GM}}

You haven't been doing this long, have you?

The Lodge doesn't tell you things that you don't need to know, and you don't ask. Your job is to do what they tell you, take the money, and keep your mouth shut about it afterward.

It's all very simple.
The Lodge?
{{GM}}The mage's eyes widen incredulously.{{/GM}}

You don't even know who you're working for, do you?

You're leading this team, and you don't have a clue--
{{GM}}Jana cuts in, her eyes wide.{{/GM}}

Both of you, shut up! Somebody's coming!
{{GM}}An astonished chuckle escapes from her mouth.{{/GM}}

"No reason to lie"? Do you really believe tha--
{{GM}}The mage cuts her off.{{/GM}}

The Lodge doesn't tell you things that you don't need to know, and you don't ask. Your job is to do what they tell you, take the money, and keep your mouth shut about it afterward.

It's all very simple.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Not really. I have no idea what that cannister was, or what it's supposed to do.

Our employers told me that I had to wire it into the wall at this junction, so I did. That's all I know.
Yeah, thanks. It wasn't all that difficult, just a matter of following our employers' instructions.
Hey, that's great. But time's a-ticking, so let's keep moving.

{{GM}}He glances at the jumble of wire and circuitry through the open access panel.{{/GM}}

To hell with the cleanup, we'll be gone before anyone notices anything anyway.
I'll say whatever I--
All of you, shut up. You're distracting me.
The mage falls silent, and Jana goes back to work. It only takes a few minutes for her to screw, wire, and solder the canister into the harness.

She inspects her work, nods, then turns to face you.
{{GM}}The intercom system crackles to life. A monotonous, synthetic voice drones out of the speakers.{{/GM}}

Shutdown sequence ready. Please activate final command node.
{{GM}}The voice is drowned out by a flurry of static. Monika's voice shrieks out of the speakers, pleading.{{/GM}}

No! Please, ace, don't do it! I never wanted to hurt you... please, don't kill me!

I don't want to die *again!*
Chomp
A bite from the powerful jaws of a half-hellbeast.
Sniper Rifle Specialist III
Gain Ability:
Snap Fire
Eiger gains an ability that can target two enemies in one action. Cost: 1 AP. Cooldown: 3.
Speed Loader
Gain Ability:
Tactical Reload
Eiger gains an ability that reloads all of her equipped weapons for 0 AP. Cooldown: 7.
Shop Test
Shop
Cyberware
Leave
Powerbolt 1
The most basic spell every mage knows and always has ready.
Twenty minutes into your trip, the van comes to a screeching halt.

Maxim presses his face to the passenger window. From the mix of anger and dread on his face, you can tell that he doesn't like what he sees.
Damn it. I knew this was gonna happen. I fuckin' knew it.

{{GM}}He cranes his neck around to look you in the eye.{{/GM}}

Everybody pile out of the van. And get ready, $(l.name)... we're gonna need some muscle in a second.
As you take your position outside the van, you hear a shrill voice bark out an order.

A pair of portable gun turrets begins to self-calibrate in response.
Sweeping your gaze over the gangers assembled before you, you identify the owner of the voice: a leathery woman with wild hair and a mirthless smile.
{{GM}}She calls out again, her voice brimming with pride.{{/GM}}

Hello out there! Welcome to Rammbock territory.
{{GM}}Maxim licks his lips, his eyes scanning over the gangers' hastily assembled roadblock.{{/GM}}

This kiez belongs to Surfturf, slag. Has for months.

You'd better clear on out of our way before they show up and force you out.
Surfturf? Those tunnel rats? They're ancient history... go ahead and call 'em if you don't believe me.

{{GM}}Her face twists into an ugly smile.{{/GM}}

Scream as loud as you want. They won't hear you. We buried them last week.
{{GM}}Maxim's expression turns stony, but his voice remains calm.{{/GM}}

Congratulations on your victory. You must've taken some losses in the fight, though... I'm betting you're not at a hundred percent.

Why don't you let us cross the bridge in peace? There's no need for any bloodshed today.
You know what? You're absolutely right. We don't need to fight.

You just pay us a small toll, and we'll be more than happy to let you cross our bridge. I'm thinkin'... say... five hundred nuyen per van.
{{GM}}Her voice turns cold.{{/GM}}

Otherwise, you'd better find another way to get where you're goin'. 'Cause this bridge is ours, and nobody crosses without paying the toll.

Nobody.
Maybe I was wrong. Maybe this *does* need to get violent.

{{GM}}Maxim turns to you.{{/GM}}

Get ready to ventilate these assholes, $(l.name). We've got a schedule to keep.
{{GM}}Help the smugglers.{{/GM}} Don't worry. We've got your back.
{{GM}}Attack everyone.{{/GM}} Change of plans. I'll be taking the shipment, the cash for the delivery, and all of your lives.
{{GM}}Negotiate with the gangers.{{/GM}} Look, let's be smart about this. Nobody wants a firefight today.
{{GM}}He nods and draws his weapon.{{/GM}}

Good.
{{GM}}Maxim's voice comes out in a roar.{{/GM}}

Take 'em down, boys! OPEN FIRE!
{{GM}}Maxim's eyes go wide, and he begins to backpedal away from you.{{/GM}}

Damn you. God damn you to hell.
{{GM}}The Rammbock leader chortles.{{/GM}}

Heh. And here I thought that today was gonna be boring.

RAMMBOCK! KILL 'EM ALL!
Good. That's a real good idea, pal.

{{GM}}The ganger boss jeers at Maxim.{{/GM}}

See that? Your muscle is smarter than you are. You should put $(l.him) in charge.
{{GM}}Maxim wheels around to face you, his face a mask of fury. His voice explodes out in a harsh whisper.{{/GM}}

Quiet the fuck down! You don't speak for me, and you don't speak for this organization!
{{CC}}Etiquette: Gang{{/CC}} Be cool, man. I can get us out of this.
{{CC}}Willpower: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Stare Maxim down.{{/GM}} I know what I'm doing. Let me speak.
You're right. This is your show... my mistake.
{{GM}}Maxim stares at you, bristling, but he holds his tongue. After a few seconds, he nods.{{/GM}}

Do it. But you'd better not fuck this up.
{{GM}}Dietrich leans forward to whisper into your ear. His ubiquitous smile has disappeared.{{/GM}}

This is a waste of time, boss. Let me fry these sons of bitches so that we can get back on task.
Maxim steps back, leaving you to negotiate with the Rammbock leader.

The ganger boss stands there, hands on her hips, awaiting your response.
{{CC}}¥1,000{{/CC}} {{GM}}Pay the gangers.{{/GM}} I've got your payment right here. No need for bloodshed... we pay you, and you let us cross. Deal?
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} Here's the deal. You let us cross for 750 nuyen. That includes the return trip. We renegotiate for future crossings.
Deal.

{{GM}}The ganger breaks into a toothy grin.{{/GM}}

That's smart of you, buddy... real smart.
{{GM}}He shakes his head at you.{{/GM}}

You want to pay them, that's your business. But that money ain't coming out of our cut.
{{GM}}There is a brief pause, then the Rammbock boss yells out a response.{{/GM}}

You've got yourselves a deal!
{{GM}}His eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

Do you even *have* 750 nuyen? 'Cause that ain't coming out of *our* cut.
{{CC}}¥750{{/CC}} {{GM}}Pay the gangers.{{/GM}} Yeah, I've got it. We can't risk getting shot up before the meet.
Nope. But now we can catch 'em off guard.
{{GM}}Turn on him.{{/GM}} Nah, I'm just screwing with you. We're gonna kill everybody and take the shipment for ourselves.
{{GM}}He shakes his head at you.{{/GM}}

You wanna pay them, that's your business. I still think you're crazy, but I won't say no.
{{GM}}Maxim's frown instantly disappears, replaced with a toothy grin.{{/GM}}

I like you, $(l.name). You're gonna go far in this business.

{{GM}}He draws his weapon, cocks it, and turns to face the rest of his crew.{{/GM}}
Well, then, why the hell are you wasting our time?

Fall back in line and get ready to fight. You *can* do that, can't you?
You're god-damned right it is. Now, you gonna help us take these punks down, or not?
{{GM}}Help the smugglers.{{/GM}} Yeah. We've got you covered.
{{GM}}Turn on the smugglers.{{/GM}} The hell with this. I'm gonna put you all in the ground.
Help me drag this guy back to the warehouse.

We're going to find out what he knows.
Shapes form in the shadows below, but you can't make anything out.

You can hear one clear voice coming from below. It speaks with authority.
All right, everyone, stay sharp! The intruders have escaped. Team One is watching the main door, and we're to keep watch here. You see those doors open, you don't think - just shoot!
The glare from the lights of the floor below fades, and your eyes adjust to the room.
Formula 17
A complicated chemical formula for a cognitive suppression drug, developed as part of Project Atlas.
Alice Fund Authorization
Amsel has told you that the password is "VOLKLINGEN".
Islay Scotch
The handwritten label announces it as the first bottle from a batch distilled nearly fifty years ago, aged in a cask that had once held amontillado.
Tip the dancer? Pourboire à la danseuse?
{{GM}}Toss ¥1 into the bag.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Jeter ¥1 dans le sac.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Toss ¥5 into the bag.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Jeter ¥5 dans le sac.{{/GM}}
Lucky Strike's Outfit
All four turrets are back under my control! Go to town, chief, I've got you covered.
Good job, man.
This section of the floor has a hole drilled into it, and you can see explosives within.
Hi there, stranger. I got a sale on today. You interested in some rations? Salvage? Some home remedies?
Just looking for information. Ever heard of a gang called the Rabengeister?
Have you seen a shipment of weapons pass through here recently?
There's a crate behind your shop that looks like it was marked for delivery to the Kreuzbasar. You wouldn't happen to know about that, would you?
Let me see what you've got for sale.
I'll see you around.
{{GM}}The troll's eyes flicker back and forth.{{/GM}}

N... no… can't say that I have.
{{GM}}The troll's eyes flicker back and forth.{{/GM}}

I... I don’t know anything about weapons. I just sell scraps of salvage and home remedies.
{{CC}}Biotech: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} “Home remedies,” eh? Those are some pretty fancy home remedies. {{GM}}You point to some milspec medkits and drugs in the corner of the man's shop.{{/GM}}
Uh-huh. Well, thanks for your time.
{{GM}}The troll looks around nervously.{{/GM}}

Well… I, uh... sometimes I get a lucky salvage.
{{GM}}The troll looks around nervously.{{/GM}}

...No?

I don't know anything about crates.
Looking for some backup? It's just us here, friend.
You're lying. Spill it before I spill you.
Okay, I believe you. Sorry for the trouble.
Okay, look. Yeah, the Rabengeister came by yesterday. Asked me to move the rest of these medical supplies. Then they disappeared. I don't know where they went.

I mean, hey... I gotta make a living, right? Look around here.
They leave me this kind of score, I'm grateful. Already sold most of it in less than a day. Plenty of folks around here in need of real medical supplies.

All right, I've told you what I know. So we're cool, right? I don't know anything else!
{{CC}}Etiquette: Gang{{/CC}} I know how this works, friend. They drop off the shipment, you move the goods, then you meet somewhere to hand over the take. Tell me where to find the Rabengeister.
Relax, I believe you. Times are tough. I'm sure these people needed that stuff.
Hate to break it to you, but those supplies were stolen from another kiez. *My* kiez. That means all that money you've been making belongs to *me.*
Okay, okay, fine. I meet them at the information kiosk on the far side of the market. That's where they appear.

I don't know how they get there, though. I swear! They don't use the front entrance, I know that much.
Thanks. You know, those supplies were stolen from another kiez. *My* kiez. That means all that money you've been making belongs to *me.*
Thanks for your help. I'll check it out.
You... you're not going to hurt me?

Thank you, stranger. Not everyone's so understanding around here.
Look, if you're looking for the Rabengeister...

Try the old information kiosk on the other side of the market. I've seen some people coming and going through there.
Hey, c'mon, *I* didn't steal that stuff! I'm just trying to get by here.
I don't care. Now hand over the money you've made selling *our* stuff.
All right... I'm going to let it go. But I'd be more careful in the future if I were you.
{{GM}}He takes a step back, managing to appear small despite his hulking troll frame.{{/GM}}

Okay, okay, fine! Here's the money. Just take it, and leave me alone!
{{GM}}He takes a step back, managing to appear small despite his hulking troll frame.{{/GM}}

Please, no! Don't hurt me. I'm sorry. I just...
{{GM}}The troll pulls nervously at his collar.{{/GM}}

No worries. I, uh... should get back to work here.
See anything you like?
Hello... ah, welcome back, $(l.sir). What can I do for you?
>>>Lab Security Central Control
>>>#ERROR 4ac43bc6
>>>Primary Security ***offline***
>>>Auto Lock Override Engaged
>>>Lab Security Central Control
>>>#ERROR 4ac43bc6
>>>Primary Security ***offline***
>>>Auto Lock Override Disabled
{{GM}}Unlock Access: Drone Remote Control Box.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Unlock Access: Lab Security Cameras. {{/GM}}
{{CC}}Drone Control: 5{{/CC}}{{GM}}Enable Drone Remote Control Box for direct-rig.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the security terminal alone.{{/GM}}
>>>Secure storage unlocked.
>>>Security interlocks on drones are engaged. WARNING: Self-destruct countdown will begin on activation.
{{GM}}Return to previous menu.{{/GM}}
>>>Camera access granted.
>>>Direct-rig of automated drone controls engaged. Connect via standard rigger port located on Drone Remote Control Box.
Passing through the main doors of OTK International, you find yourself in a stretch of industrial hallway. Apparently, the company is too small to warrant such amenities as a lobby or greeting area.
The rest of your team is waiting for you at OTK's side entrance, outside of the office park and beyond the reach of building security. Letting them in should be as easy as opening a service door.
The server room should be somewhere toward the back of the office. Straining your eyes against the darkness, you push forward.
The music out here on the floor is way too loud for comfort. The scene going down at the bar is even louder.

The dealer-on-duty stands impassively behind the bar. A desperate-looking young woman is pleading with him, apparently to little effect.		 La musique est tellement forte qu'elle en devient désagréable, mais la scène se déroulant au bar l'est plus encore.

Le dealer de service se tient impassible derrière le bar. Une jeune femme à l'air désespéré l'implore, apparemment sans effet.
All right, Silke. I'm gonna explain how this works to you one more time.

I get my cash, and you get your cram.

No cash, no cram. Period.		 Bon okay, Silke. Je vais t'expliquer une fois de plus comment tout ca fonctionne.

Tu me files mon blé, et je te file ton cram.

Pas de blé, pas de cram. Basta.
But I neeeeeed it, Kroner! Come on!

{{GM}}Her words come out in a desperate whine. Pale skin, sunken eyes, and a trembling lip all point to the early symptoms of withdrawal.{{/GM}}

And I have cash, I totally do! It's up in my room, but you guys won't let me up there to get it!		 Maaaais j'en ai besoin, Kroner! Allez!

{{GM}}Ses mots sortent en un gémissement désespéré. Peau pale, yeux caves, et une lèvre tremblotante sont tous les symptômes du manque.{{/GM}}

Et j'ai du fric, j'en ai plein! Il est dans ma chambre, mais vous, les gars, vous me laissez pas aller le chercher!
Hotel's under new management, beautiful. You don't HAVE a room any more.

Whatever was up there, you might as well forget about it.		 L'hôtel à changé de direction, princesse. Tu n'as PLUS de chambre maintenant.

Peu importe ce qu'il y avait là-haut, tu ferais mieux de faire une croix dessus.
But... but that was all I had! And I... you know... I have to get right. Soon. Mais... mais c'est tout ce que j'ai! Et je... tu sais... Je dois me défoncer. Bientôt.
Well, maybe we could work out a trade.

Cram for services.		 Eh bien, peut-être que nous pourrions trouver un arrangement.

Du Cram contre un service.
Services?

{{GM}}Understanding slowly shows on the young woman's face. Her eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

C'mon, Kroner, you've got to be fucking kidding me...		 Services?

{{GM}}La compréhension apparaît lentement sur le visage de la jeune femme. La colère passe dans ses yeux.{{/GM}}

Sérieux, Kroner, tu te fous de ma gueule...
Do you want the cram, or not? Tu veux du Cram, ou non?
{{GM}}She sets her jaw, a look of disgust on her pallid face.{{/GM}}

That ain't gonna happen, chummer. Not now. Not ever.		 {{GM}}Elle serre les dents, une expression de dégout sur le visage.{{/GM}}

C'est pas près d'arriver, chummer. Pas maintenant. Jamais.
{{GM}}The bartender shrugs.{{/GM}}

I give you about a half an hour before the shakes set in. When that happens, you know where to find me.

{{GM}}He turns to another customer with a smirk, leaving the desperate young woman crumpled against the bar.{{/GM}}		 {{GM}}Le barman hausse les épaules.{{/GM}}

Je te donne une demi heure avant de commencer à trembler. Quand ca arrivera, tu sauras où me trouver.

{{GM}}Il se retourne vers un autre client avec un sourire, laissant la jeune femme désespérée effondrée contre le bar.{{/GM}}
New $(l.guy), huh? Ain't seen you around here before.

What can I getcha?		 Nouvelle tête, hein? Je ne pense pas t'avoir déjà vu dans le coin.

Qu'est-ce-que je peux faire pour toi?
I'm looking for a guy who calls himself Green Winters. Know him? Je recherche un mec qui se fait appeler Green Winters. Ca te parle?
Cram. Show me what you've got. Du Cram. Montres moi ce que tu as.
I overheard your little conversation with Silke, there. J'ai entendu ta petite conversation avec Silke, là.
I'm leaving. Je me casse.
{{GM}}He looks at you suspiciously.{{/GM}}

Think so. Might be staying upstairs.		 {{GM}}Il te scrute suspicieusement.{{/GM}}

Je crois bien. Il doit vivre à l'étage.
How do I get up there? Et comment j'y vais?
What can you tell me about him? Qu'est-ce-que tu peux me dire à son sujet?
Know what he looks like? Tu sais à quoi il ressemble?
You don't talk to me. Talk to Frank. He's in the back. VIP Lounge.

Now, you want somethin' from the bar? Or were you just here to chat?		 Ca, faut voir avec Frank. Il est à l'arrière, dans la loge VIP.

Bon, tu veux que je te serve quelque chose? Ou tu veux juste faire la causette?
Nothing. Just that someone with that handle checked in about a week ago. Still here, I think.

Now, do you want somethin' from the bar? Or are you just here to waste my time?		 Rien de particulier. J'ai juste entendu les mecs qui gèrent cet endroit en parler y'a environ une semaine. Il doit encore être là-haut, je pense.

Bon, je te sers un truc ou tu continues à me faire perdre mon temps?
Old. He doesn't use, but he's a raging drunk. That's all I got.

Now, do you want somethin' from the bar?		 Vieux. Il veux le cacher mais c'est un horrible ivrogne. C'est tout ce que j'ai.

Bon, tu veux un truc du bar?
You got it! C'est partie!
Hey, if she wants her cram, she's gotta pay. Same as anybody else. Hey, si elle veux son Cram, elle doit le payer. Pareil pour tout le monde.
You're repugnant. Tu es un porc.
Barter system, eh? Système de troc, hein?
Your bosses might like to know that you're jamming their customers in exchange for their merch. What do you think? Tes patrons aimeraient surement savoir que tu baises leurs clients en échange de *leurs matos*. Qu'est-ce-que tu en penses?
Okay, pal. Here's the deal. The guards here, they don't discriminate. If I call them, they're gonna kill everyone in this room other than me.

So unless you want to see the bodies start droppin' all over this club, you'll back the hell off.		 Okay, mon pote. Je t'explique la situation. Les gardes ici, ils ne feront pas dans le détail. Si je les appelle, il vont se ramener et buter tout le monde dans la pièce... sauf moi.

Donc, sauf si tu veux voir les corps tomber comme des mouches partout dans le club, tu ferais mieux de me foutre la paix.
Now, do you wanna buy something, or not? Maintenant, tu vas acheter quelque chose, ou pas?
This is basic supply and demand stuff, right? It's not that tough to understand.

If she wants my goods, she needs to repay me with goods or services. Pretty simple math. Even she can do it.		 C'est le principe de l'offre et de la demande, non? C'est pas si difficile à comprendre.

Si elle veux ma cam, elle doit me payer en cash ou en service. Plutôt simple à comprendre. Même elle devrait y arriver.
What can I do for ya, new $(l.guy)? Qu'est-ce-que je peux pour toi, mon pote?
L-look, I don't want any trouble. I'm just tending bar, yeah?

You just do whatever you want, and I'll just keep pouring drinks for the customers, all right?		 Ec-Ecoutes, je ne veux pas d'ennui. Je tiens juste le bar, moi, hein?

Toi, tu fais ce que tu veux, et moi je continue simplement à servir les boissons aux clients, ca marche?
Plotz is down, and all four turrets are back under my control! Go to town, chief... I've got you covered.
Plotz is down, chief! Wherever he is, he won't bother us any more... after the beating I just handed him, he'll be down with a migraine for the rest of the day.
That's great, Blitz! But how're you doing on those turrets?
Good job, man. Don't worry about the turrets - they've been dealt with.
Um. Right! Just a second, I'm getting right to it.
Well then, chief, it sounds like my job here is done! I'll just clear the comms and let you finish up.
A soft whirring sound fills the air as the ancient DVD player spins the disc up to speed.

The scratched LCD display comes to life, and a menu fills the screen.
{{GM}}Play Track 1.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Play Track 2.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Play Track 3.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Play Track 4.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Play Track 5.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Play Track 6.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Eject the DVD.{{/GM}}
The screen goes black, and a cheerful digital chiming sound spills out of the display's speakers.

A crackle of static fills the air, coupled with a shrill electronic whine. After a few moments, the display goes live, and a disheveled-looking man appears on the screen. His eyes glitter with excitement.

The timestamp on the screen is 2034-09-15.
Hermie... I think we've found her. After all this time. Feuerschwinge... I knew that she wasn't dead!

{{GM}}His speech is jittery. You can hear the urgency in his voice.{{/GM}}

She survived the Dragonfall. Just as I've always said. I knew it, and I was *right!*
The screen explodes into static, and the electronic whine in the background sharpens into a needle-like pulse of high-pitched sound.

Somewhere in the background, Dante lets out a low whimper.
{{GM}}The screen clears, and the excited face is closer to the screen than it was before. The words spill out of him in a breathless tide.{{/GM}}

...Taking a team into the SOX to retrieve her, the radiation be damned. We will take appropriate precautions, of course, but we must go!

Hermie... I think that the body may be nearby as well. Somehow, it - *she* - has survived, for all of this time...
{{GM}}The screen explodes into static again, then clears. The figure flickers across the screen.{{/GM}}

...May not be back for some time. Look after mom, okay? I worry about her.

And Hermie... stay safe out there. I know that things are heating up in Berlin, and I know you.
Student protests, civil uprising... you'll be in the middle of it, I'm sure. Just stay safe, all right? And I'll do my best to do the same.

I don't know what's going to happen when I step into the SOX. But I do know one thing... if the Firewing is still a danger, I *will* put an end to her. Once and for all.
The display goes black, and the background whine fades away. A moment later, you find yourself deposited back at the menu screen.
The screen goes black for a moment. Then a figure appears on the screen. Your late client, Green Winters.

His elbow is planted on the table that he's seated at, and his chin rests on his palm. The other hand is wrapped around a bottle of cheap whiskey.

The timestamp on the video reads 2053-12-25.
Found the message Adrian left me, all those years ago. Got it cleaned up as best I could.

Strange, hearing his voice again.

{{GM}}He pauses to take a long pull on the bottle.{{/GM}}

It's good to hear him... even if he did insist on calling me "Hermie."
Dr. Adrian Vauclair. The hero of the people. The Dragonslayer.

My brother.

{{GM}}He grimaces and rubs his eyes.{{/GM}}

Hard to believe it's been almost twenty years.
All right. So, I'm gonna start recording these DVDs again... for me, for Adrian, for whoever might wind up watching 'em.
Every time I do this, it winds up feeling like a waste of time. But I keep doing it anyway, on the off-chance that I'll find something important.

If I stumble into the clue that leads me to my brother, I know that I'm gonna want it on film. I've been doing this for almost twenty years now, after all.

No sense in quitting now.
Christ. Twenty years. All this time, and still, no leads. Even with all of my contacts, and my resources...

{{GM}}He takes another long swallow of cheap liquor.{{/GM}}

...Even with my "legendary bullheadedness," I've made no progress at all. I haven't turned up a single god damned thing.
Wanna hear something funny? The closest I've gotten to a clue was a rumor.

Apparently, a team emerged from the SOX a while back. Nobody's clear on the date. But... and get this...

{{GM}}He leans in to the camera and gives a conspriatorial wink.{{/GM}}

...Supposedly, they "vanished without a trace."
{{GM}}He upends the bottle. Drains it. Slams it back down to the table. His eyes are rimmed with red.{{/GM}}

Not much of a rumor, considering. I already *know* that you're gone, big brother.

I live with that every day.
Abruptly, Winters leans forward and reaches for something off-screen. The display goes black.

A few seconds later, the main menu returns.
There is a grinding sound from the DVD tray, and Green Winters' image appears on the screen. There is an eager look on his face.

The timestamp on the video reads 2054-10-12.
Stumbled upon this archival footage of Feuerschwinge's original attack. Months before the Dragonfall. Easy to forget how devastating it was... Adrian saved a lot of people by bringing her down.

I've got the footage all cued up to play... starting it now. Additional comments to follow.
The slow whir of the DVD player shifts to a high-pitched whine.

A distorted, wavering image blooms into being on the screen. A time stamp in the upper right corner of the screen marks the date: July 6, 2012.
It's difficult to make out what you're seeing at first; the scene is dark and smoky, and the telltale flashes of emergency vehicle lights flicker on the periphery of the screen.

The camera pushes in, and you can make out two figures standing in a ruined landscape.

All at once, the sound cuts in.
...Again, for those of you just joining us, we are coming to you live from Stolberg.

A few hours ago, the dragon Feuerschwinge launched an unprovoked attack on this sleepy Harz mountain town... and you can see the results behind me. Fire, ashes, and blood.
We are joined tonight by a survivor of this latest - and most horrifying - attack.

{{GM}}The reporter turns to face a pale man standing behind him.{{/GM}}

Sir, I understand that you've been through a terrible ordeal... thanks for taking the time to speak with us tonight.
{{GM}}The camera switches focus to a middle-aged man with a haunted look in his eyes. He stammers out a reply.{{/GM}}

Y-yes. Of course.
If you could, sir... could you please tell the people at home about your experience of the attack?
It... it was horrible. Just pure... pure chaos.

So many people are dead. People I knew. Roasted alive, or trampled to death trying to escape.
My own house was burned to the ground during the attack. My family... we have nothing now.
You all made it through the attack, though? Your wife, your kids...?
Yeah, we all made it. Thank God.

We rode out the attack in a small shelter... me, my wife, and our two daughters.

The shelter, it protected us, but the heat was just unbearable. We couldn't have stayed in there much longer than we did.
How long were you holed up in there?
Three, maybe four hours? I dunno. We just stayed inside until the heat died down and the screaming stopped.
And what happened after that?
When it was over - you know, when the air cooled down...

{{GM}}The reporter nods, and the man continues.{{/GM}}

...We stepped outside.
There was nothing left. Just smoldering wreckage, and this dense cloud of black, oily smoke. And the stench in the air... God, that smell.

It smelled like roasting meat.
There is a long pause. From the tortured look on his face, you can tell that the man is struggling to decide whether or not to continue speaking.

Eventually, he does.
My girls... they found what was left of their nanny outside. Her body - what was left of it - was slumped against the shelter door.

I keep telling myself that I couldn't hear her pounding to get in. But that isn't true. I could.
I just couldn't bring myself to open that door. I couldn't risk my family like that.

Not for her. Not for anyone.
Thank you, sir, for taking the time to speak with us.
Yeah.
You heard it here, an absolutely chilling account of tonight's attack. Again, the town of Stolberg has been reduced to ash, another victim of the Firewing.

Stay with us for more up-to-the-minute reporting on Feuerschwinge's reign of terror.
{{GM}}Green Winters' face reappears on the screen.{{/GM}}

Okay, it's time for a new approach. Adrian's a complete dead-end... that much is pretty clear by now. So I'm gonna do some digging on Feuerschwinge instead.

Let's see where this goes.
The screen abruptly goes black as the video cuts off. A few moments later, you find yourself returned to the Menu screen.
The DVD player ramps up to speed, filling the air with a shrill whining sound. Green Winters' image appears on the screen.

The timestamp on the video reads 2054-10-31.
Well, that was a bust. Little progress on Feuerschwinge, either.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

I dunno. It's weird... the information is there, it's just... *wrong,* somehow. It's too well laid out, too simple. Real life is messy, and this feels just a little too... neat.
That's not the only thing that's nagging at me. I'm getting that tingly feeling all up and down the back of my neck again... it feels like I'm being tracked.

I'm no Matrix hotshot like Clockwork or Schäfer, but I'm good enough to know when someone's on my scent. Gotta install some new security measures... can't be too careful.
Winters' image disappears. The display goes black.

A few seconds later, the main menu returns.
The display goes blank for a moment. Then the face of Green Winters winks onto the screen. He is seated at a computer; off to his left, an enormous monitor fills the screen.

His voice carries an edge of panic. The timestamp on the video reads 2054-11-09.
Christ. I'm getting too close to something. There's a trail of bodies, and there have been disappearances.

Gearbox. Marcian. Peregrine. They've all disappeared within the past few years... Gearbox just went AWOL yesterday. And they were all making the same sorts of inquiries about the Firewing that I've been.
There are ghost stories spreading around the decker community. Stories about deckers disappearing, and then showing up again later, but... *wrong,* somehow.

Scary stuff, and I'm starting to think that it's true.
{{GM}}Blitz leans in to whisper to you.{{/GM}}

I know the stories he's talkin' about, chief. Never really put much stock 'em... not until now.
Could these rumors be related to what's happening here? Am I being paranoid?

{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, as if seriously considering the question. Then he shakes his head and slams his fist on the table.{{/GM}}

No. I don't think so. Something *big* is happening here, and I'm right in the middle of it.
{{GM}}Eiger cuts in.{{/GM}}

That's a bit of a leap.
One other thing. Tolstoi told me a story about a kill-team that might be related to all of this.

Apparently, a decker named Hellebore posted a theory about Feuerschwinge to the Shadowland BBS about five years ago.

About an hour later, a mil-spec team showed up in meat space and cooked her entire apartment... with her in it.
If what Tolstoi told me was true, Hellebore live-posted the event. She described her killer, this great big ork with skin grafts.

Then the whole thread disappeared. Gone without a trace.
"Leap," Eiger love?

Sounds like he's on the right track to me.
Eiger holds her silence, but concedes the point with a small nod.
{{GM}}On the screen, Winters pauses. He looks like he's working up to something.

Finally, he speaks.{{/GM}}

I'm just gonna go ahead and say it. This has gotta be Feuerschwinge... all of it. Adrian was right about her, she's still alive, and she's out of the SOX.
She's covering her tracks. Working the shadows. Preparing to rise again.

And that means that I *have* to find you, Adrian... for everyone's sake.
Thankfully, I've got a lead. For the first time in two decades, I've got a solid goddamned lead.
I've backtraced all of the Matrix nodes that Hellebore was looking into, back before she got cooked. Whoever's been purging the Matrix didn't think about that! And I found that she'd turned up...

{{GM}}Winters stabs a few keys on his keyboard, and an image expands to fill the screen of his monitor. A satellite photo of a rural landscape, annotated with GPS data.{{/GM}}

...a set of map coordinates.
So now, I've got a target. A place to start digging. The "Harfeld Manor," conveniently located on an isolated stretch of countryside, miles away from prying eyes.

Matrix records indicate that some sort of data vault exists beneath the estate, so that's what I need to get into.
...And this is where we came in.
{{GM}}As if on cue, a familiar image winks onto the monitor to Winters' left. Monika.{{/GM}}

I think I'm gonna tap Schäfer for this job. She's got the skills to bypass whatever security they're running out there, and she's gullible enough to take the job in the first place.

I'll feed her some line about Flux State security, and she'll eat it up with a spoon.
I warned her.

{{GM}}Amsel's voice is choked with rage.{{/GM}}

I warned her.
{{GM}}On the display, Winters' mouth parts into a broad grin.{{/GM}}

Time to put plans into motion. By this time tomorrow night I should have the information that I need. And on the off-chance that Schäfer gets taken out, well... that'll tell me something, too. Can't make an omelet, and all that.

Until then.
When you play the sixth track, a small video window appears.

You recognize the scene in the window: you are looking at the tattered drapes and nicotine-stained wallpaper of Winters' hotel room at Das Kesselhaus.

The timestamp on the video reads 2054-11-10.
{{GM}}There is a blur of motion, and the haggard form of Green Winters lumbers into frame.{{/GM}}

Suspicions confirmed. Schäfer dead. Christ.

{{GM}}Winters reaches a shaking hand off-camera. A moment later, it returns clutching a cheap plastic drinking glass.

He gulps something down, wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, and takes a deep breath.{{/GM}}
Okay. Okay okay okay. Back up, slow down. Start from the beginning.

{{GM}}Winters closes his eyes and makes a visible effort to calm himself. When he speaks again, his voice is steady.{{/GM}}

Got the call from my contact in the Kreuzbasar. Schäfer killed on the estate run. Matrix security at the estate cooked her brain.
Considering Schäfer's skill and experience, on-site IC must've been extreme... even by Berlin standards. Security of that kind costs money - REAL money.

Given the evidence uncovered so far, corporate involvement unlikely. The connection to the Firewing is too strong.

So... let's come right out and say it. The dragon is what we're dealing with here. And the smart money says that she's coming for me next.
Well, I won't go down without a fight. I've still got my contacts... still got my connections. And the Flux-State can be a hell of a weapon for the man who knows how to manipulate it.
{{GM}}Winters takes another long pull from his glass, grimaces, and swallows.{{/GM}}

Time for me to make my play. Ghost stories or no, missing deckers or no, I've gotta jack into the Matrix and start pulling strings.

The countermeasures that I installed earlier should be more than enough to keep me safe for the twenty minutes I'll be in there.
{{GM}}Winters drains the rest of the glass, then tosses it back over his shoulder. A moment later you hear the dull clattering sound of hard plastic on linoleum.{{/GM}}

Schäfer's death was tragic. She was a staunch supporter of the F-State. But still, all things considered...
{{GM}}Winters fishes for something off-screen. A moment later, his hand reappears clutching a datajack cable.{{/GM}}

...Better her than me.

{{GM}}He plugs the cable into his head and the screen cuts to static.{{/GM}}
As your finger nears the eject button, a black screen cuts in over the static. A moment later, Green Winters' haggard face appears.
If you're watching this, then I guess that they caught up to me.

THEY WILL BE AFTER YOU TOO NOW.
{{GM}}Blitz whispers into your ear again, more harshly this time.{{/GM}}

What the hell is this? Why didn't you warn me about this before I came here?
{{GM}}Whisper back.{{/GM}} Not now, Blitz.
{{GM}}Announce loudly.{{/GM}} Hey, everybody! Blitz is scared!
{{GM}}Whisper back.{{/GM}} We didn't know... not exactly.
Whoever you are, whatever you think you're after, you NEED TO FIND DR. ADRIAN VAUCLAIR.

Not because he's my brother.

Because if Feuerschwinge is rising again, he's the ONLY one who can stop her.
You've SEEN what happens to people who get too close to this. I'm dead, and dozens of others have died.

YOU'LL BE NEXT unless you can FIND ADRIAN.
The screen cuts back to static. The message is over.

The DVD tray slides out of the reader.
We're all scared, you idiot.
Not *exactly?* I didn't come here to get hunted by a dragon! I'm not even a part of this!
You are now, whether you like it or not. So quiet down and stop bothering $(l.him).
The media tray of the DVD player slides out of its battered plastic case.
{{GM}}Load the DVD labeled "WATCH ME."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Load the second DVD.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Load the third DVD.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Load the fourth DVD.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Power down the DVD player and step away.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The screen clears, and the excited face is closer to the screen than it was before. The words spill out of him in a breathless tide.{{/GM}}

...Taking a team into the SOX to retrieve her, the radiation be damned. We will use appropriate precautions, but we must go!

Hermie... I think that the body may be nearby as well. Somehow, it - *she* - has survived, for all of this time...
Wanna hear something funny? The closest I've gotten to a clue was a rumor.

Apparently, a team emerged from the SOX a while back. Nobody's clear on the date. But... and get this...

{{GM}}He leans in to the camera and gives a conspiratorial wink.{{/GM}}

...Supposedly, they "vanished without a trace."
There are ghost stories spreading around the decker community. Stories about deckers disappearing, and then showing up again later, but... *wrong,* somehow.

Scary stuff, and I'm starting to think it's true.
So now I've got a target. A place to start digging for real. The "Harfeld Manor," conveniently located on an isolated stretch of countryside, far away from prying eyes.

Matrix records indicate that some sort of data vault exists beneath the estate, so that's what I need to get into.
I think I'm gonna call in Schäfer for this job. She's got the skills to bypass whatever security they're running out there, and she's gullible enough to take the job in the first place.

I'll feed her some line about Flux State security, and she'll eat it up with a spoon.
The screen cuts to black. A few seconds later, the main menu returns.
Considering Schäfer's skill and experience, on-site IC must've been extreme... even by Berlin standards. Security of that kind costs money - REAL money.

Given the evidence uncovered so far, corporate involvement unlikely. The connection to the Firewing is too strong. And the smart money says that she's comin' after me next.
{{GM}}Winters fishes for something off-screen. A moment later, his hand reappears clutching a datajack cable.{{/GM}}

...Better her than me.
He plugs the cable into his head and the screen cuts to static.

A moment later, the main menu returns.
The soft whir of the spinning DVD is punctuated by an occasional rattling sound.

The scratched LCD display comes to life, and a menu fills the screen.
The screen goes black for a moment. Then Green Winters appears on the screen.

The timestamp on the video reads 2054-11-11.
All right. As I said in my last recording, I've been having trouble finding hard facts on Feuerschwinge, so I thought I'd open things up a bit.

Let's see what the rumor mill has to say.
The screen jumps, and Winters reappears in a different location. He is now clutching a mug of soykaf in both hands, and there are bags under his eyes.
Well. That was... enlightening. Assuming that any of it was true, that is.
So, for the past five hours I've been poking around some of the crazier fringe theories related to dragons and the SOX.

As a reminder, the SOX is an irradiated wasteland between France and Germany. It got zoned off back in '08, after the Cattenom-GAU reactor meltdown.
Anyway. There are all kinds of rumors floating around about the place... I've heard stories about a walled city in there that operates on a survival-of-the-fittest, kill-or-be-killed basis. Sort of like a nightmare inversion of Berlin... all of the anarchy, but none of the stability that the F-State provides.

The radiation poisoning, cancer, and mana pollution are just the icing on the cake.
So, when Adrian helped the Luftwaffe shoot Feuerschwinge down, she crashed into the SOX. That much is well-known.

What isn't as well-known are all of the modern day myths that've arisen about her since. And tonight, I've heard an earful.
I chatted up a girl who claimed to be a Ghost Rat... that's a smuggler that operates in the SOX. She told me about a dragon cult called the "Disciples of the Cleaning Fire."

Apparently, these cultists worship some sort of radioactive ghost-dragon. Could be Feuerschwinge, or it could be nothing... but it's worth digging into, all the same.
Another thing that my little Ghost Rat told me: the popular rumor in the SOX is that Feuerschwinge's astral form was... I guess you'd say "mutated" by all of that background radiation.

Some of the glowpunks out there say that she's shed her body like an old coat. Others say that she's trapped, doomed to languish as an intangible, radioactive ghost.
I don't know how much credence to give any of this. After all, I don't have any proof that my Ghost Rat is even a Ghost Rat. She might be... but then, she could also be a run-of-the-mill glowpunk. Or maybe she's just yankin' my chain, and she's never been into the SOX at all. Who knows?
Well. It's food for thought, anyway. I don't know whether the thought of some radioactive ghost-dragon-thing is any scarier than a genuine dragon is. But it's interesting, all the same.

Now, the big question is, will any of this get me any closer to finding Adrian?
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say "no," but you never can tell.
Winters leans forward and presses something off-screen. The display goes black.

A few seconds later, the main menu returns.
The screen goes black for a moment. Then Green Winters appears on the screen.

The timestamp on the video reads 2054-11-12.
All right. Let's continue thinking outside the box.

After the Dragonfall, the Great Dragon Kaltenstein came flying in to the SOX to rescue the Firewing. But he was driven off - some say killed - by Lofwyr and Nebelherr.

So... what if there's another dragon involved in all of this?
{{GM}}Winters grabs a thick, leather-bound tome from a shelf behind him, licks a finger, and begins to leaf through it.{{/GM}}

All right, so let's run down the list of major dragons that *could* be helping her.
First, there's the Golden Wyrm, Lofwyr. The CEO of Saeder-Krupp, and quite possibly the single most dangerous being on Earth.

Lofwyr's a local boy, so he'd be in a position to help Feuerschwinge. He certainly has the financial capability to help her... he could send a small army into the SOX if he wanted to.
So he's definitely got the means... but I can't see how he'd have the motive. He actively prevented the Firewing's rescue back in 2012, after all. Same thing is true for Nebelherr, so let's scratch the both of them off the list.

{{GM}}He flips a page, frowning.{{/GM}}
We've got Aden, the Great Sirrush... he's operating out of Turkey. By all accounts, he's not a fan of Lofwyr... they're actively competing for territory in the Middle East.

So I suppose that could be considered motive... reviving the Firewing might cause problems for the Golden Wyrm.

But would he risk a war with Saeder-Krupp by straying onto Lofwyr's territory? Again, I don't think it's likely.
{{GM}}He turns another page.{{/GM}}

There's Celedyr, out in Wales... he's pretty heavily invested in Transys Neuronet, so he's got the money. But he's too busy dealing with the "BTL Killer" scandal that Transys is going through out in London to get his claws dirty in the SOX.

{{GM}}Flip.{{/GM}}

Dunkelzahn, out in the UCAS...
{{GM}}He pauses. Shakes his head. Then he slams the tome shut.{{/GM}}

...No. This is a waste of time.

The more I think about it, the more convinced I am: the Firewing is acting alone. Dragons don't cooperate unless they absolutely have to.
After all... why bother making nice with your equals when you've got an entire planet full of pawns at your disposal?

They don't need to work together. They have us to exploit.
While this track does load, it's clearly corrupted. The screen fills with a meaningless stream of text.
JXKEL___NXXXX12LKNV33_*.*/12364KDS0SKDJVEWX
XPSDXXXXXX1MF0N4K0F9X______.INISE/E3UDXXXX_
13IFIE_____W.XLFNNX__2302VF3__*/123JIIMNR____
ASLSLIECCEW________XXXXX12LKNV33_*.*/1236VX
912IASK3331___6KV1QXZ444XEETY4K0F9____.OLD/E
13I0KSDCE___ADDE!90XXLL10-44NNX__20496L-1.*/1
XYECK___*.EXEFALEIRXX__203KSIE_*/123JIILMRIEXX
ASH_XKEVEYLI____SEIXXXXXX12LKNV33_*.*/1236VX
857IASK4231___3KVDOCEWPXXXXX4K0F91___.INF/E
13I0KSDCE___AAIXWOOQE_L0-44NNX__20496L-1.*/1
The text disappears, and you find yourself back at the menu screen.
This file is partially garbled. You can recognize a few words here and there, but they're interspersed amidst a solid block of corrupted text.
Vauclair anXXXX12LKNV33_*.*/12364KDS0SKDJVEWX
still my big brMF0N4K0F9X______.INISE/E3UDXXXX_
13Istill searching foNNX__20irewing*/123JII swear to
ASLlien, I WILL FIND YOUXXXXX12LKNV33_*.*/1236VX
912IASK3331____6KVf it's the last t4K0F9____.OLD/E
13I0KSDCE___ADDE!90XXLL10-44NNX__20496L-1.*/1
XNOT GETTING ANY CLOS__203KSIE_*/123JII swear to
ASH_XKEMnew researchXXXXX12LKNV33_*.*/1236VX
857IASK4231____3KVTURNING UP N4K0F91___.INF/E
13I0KSDCE___Aon't know whL0-44NNX__20496L-1.*/1
This file is corrupted. The screen fills with a meaningless assortment of ASCII characters.
The screen goes black, and the same digital chime that you heard on the DRAGONFALL DVD plays again.

A crackle of static fills the air, followed by that same, now-familiar electronic whine. A few moments later, the display goes live.
{{GM}}Vauclair looks haggard. His eyes are heavily bagged and bloodshot, and his hair is mussed. He holds a cigarette in an unsteady hand.{{/GM}}

Hermie. It's me.

I can't sleep.
I don't know where you are... out having fun, no doubt. Maybe flirting with one of those unattainable beauties that you're always chasing.

{{GM}}He tries on a smile, but it quickly disappears. He takes a drag on his cigarette.{{/GM}}

That's good. I want you to live a pleasant, normal life. After all, one of us should.
{{GM}}Vauclair rubs his eyes.{{/GM}}

I... I can still smell the smoke, Hermie. It's almost a year later, and I can still taste the stench of burning corpses.

When I sleep, I can hear the sirens and the screams. There is no sound in this world as horrible as a burn victim's screams.
The doctors would call this PTSD, I'm sure. They'd have me in therapy... maybe dose me up on SSRIs, like they do to our veteran soldiers.

{{GM}}He chuckles, then takes another drag.{{/GM}}

Quite a story for the tabloids... the great dragonslayer, Adrian Vauclair, mentally incapable of wrestling with his own demons.
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

No. No therapy for me, and certainly no medication.

I have a reputation to live up to... however poorly deserved it is, and however little I want it.
{{GM}}He pauses. Stubs out his cigarette.{{/GM}}

The dragon is still alive, Hermie. Of that, I am certain.

One day, I will find her. And then, perhaps, I'll be able to sleep through the night.
The display goes blank for a moment. Then the face of Green Winters winks onto the screen.

The timestamp on the video reads 2042-08-05.
I, uh... I was thinkin' about Adrian today. Not as he was when he disappeared... not as the fabled dragonslayer, or the big-time CEO of Diehl Defense.

I was thinking about when we were kids.
Well, I was always more of a kid than he was, of course. He's fifteen years older than me... in a way, he was more like a parent than a brother.

{{GM}}Winters pauses. His gaze drops to an invisible point on the table in front of him.{{/GM}}

So I was thinking about this time when we were on holiday. Our parents took us out the island of Poel to enjoy the beach.
I must've been about five years old. Adrian was twenty... it'd be his last family vacation with us. A year later, he'd begin his meteoric rise to fame and fortune.

But on this trip, he was my brother. And when I fell out of the little paddle boat that our parents rented, and started sinking fast into the Baltic, he was the one who dove in to rescue me.
You saved my life that day, Adrian. I'll love you forever for that.

And I *will* find you. I owe you that much.
Winters disappears, and you find yourself back at the menu screen.
The display goes blank for a moment. Then the face of Green Winters winks onto the screen.

The timestamp on the video reads 2049-06-06.
Found an old news article that mentions Adrian, from way back in 2036. It was printed in a financial magazine called "das Finanzwesen"... one of those chic print-based mags that they produced for the retro crowd.

There aren't any clues in here, but it's good to see someone else acknowledge his existence.
He clicks an off-screen button, and the image of Winters disappears. It is replaced by a digital scan of a magazine page.
S-K STOCK SUFFERS IN POST-BUYOUT BRAIN DRAIN
November 12, 2039

In the aftermath of the dragon Lofwyr's hostile takeover of Saeder-Krupp Schwerindustriegesellschaft (SKI), a continuing brain drain of high-level executives is causing ongoing worry among company shareholders.

The company's stock took a major hit when Lofwyr deposed former CEO Wilhelmina Graff-Benoit last August.
Three months later, long-held power positions within the SKI empire continue to empty as the dragon consolidates his power base. The most recent casualties of Lofwyr's takeover include:

Alexandra Kobayashi, former COO of Saeder Munitions;

Matthäus Doner, former Treasurer of Ruhr Datafax;

and Werner Harding, former CEO of Diehl Defense.
Harding stepped into the role to replace Dr. Adrian Vauclair, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances two years ago.
{{GM}}Winters' face winks back onto the screen.{{/GM}}

So there you have it. That's what they had to say about Adrian a mere two years after his disappearance.

My brother, the footnote.
A rattling sound fills the air as the disc grinds in its tray.

A few seconds later, the screen fills with text.
Doctor Vauclair, 2034.09.10

It is my sad duty to inform you that, by unanimous vote of the Aufsichtsrat, your position as CEO of Diehl Defense will be terminated at the end of this calendar month.

Your continued misallocation of company funds to pursue personal agendas cannot - and will not - be tolerated any longer.
The supervisory board is not unsympathetic to your mental state. The trauma that you endured during your pursuit of the dragon Feuerschwinge must have been enormous.

But your continuing obsession with the dragon - the *dead* dragon, I might add - has proven a negative influence on this company, and an unjustified drain on company resources.
The Board wishes you all the best in your future endeavors. We have prepared a generous severance package to assist you in this time of transition; if there is anything more that we can do to help you, please don't hesitate to ask.

-Werner Harding
The disc spins down, and you find yourself sitting at the main menu.
The DVD player ramps up to speed, filling the air with a shrill whining sound. Green Winters' face appears on the screen.

The timestamp on the video reads 2050-04-28.
This is it. The interview. Took some digging to find it, but here he is... my big brother, back in his prime.
The note disappears, and for a moment, the screen goes blank. Suddenly, image of a news correspondent flashes onto the screen, accompanied by a brief orchestral flourish.

A time stamp in the upper right corner of the screen reveals the date: Aug. 22, 2012.
Thank you for joining us. We are coming to you live from the ruins of Sangerhausen, the fifth Harz Mountain town to be sacked by the dragon Feuerschwinge.

Standing by my side is the head of Diehl Defense, Dr. Adrian Vauclair. Doctor Vauclair has been hailed as a leader in the effort to bring down Feuerschwinge and end her reign of terror.
Doctor Vauclair, tell us about your efforts to bring down the dragon.
Killing the monster has proven difficult, to say the least.

Her speed and maneuverability in the air are extraordinary, her scales repel small arms fire, and her breath can melt steel.
Our R&D teams have been working around the clock to devise a weapon capable of downing the beast.

In the interim, we are providing material support for the Luftwaffe's attempts to shoot her down via conventional means.
Herr Vauclair, why are you directing Diehl Defense's energies to the killing of Feuerschwinge? Are there corporate interests at play in this?
Corporate interests? No. This is a matter of human interest.

Innocent lives are being extinguished at an appalling rate. I am in a position to help put an end to the slaughter, and so I must.

It really is that simple.
Doctor Vauclair, you must understand my skepticism. Our viewers aren't looking for a PR statement, they come to us for the tru--
I'm afraid that I don't have time to go back and forth on this. Your viewers can think whatever they wish; my concern is in helping the people affected by this tragedy.
In that case, Doctor Vauclair, I thank you for sharing your valuable time with us.
You're very welcome.

To the viewers at home, stay safe and watch the skies.

Salvation is coming - I promise.
Again, that was Dr. Adrian Vauclair, CEO of Diehl Defense. Dr. Vauclair is the chief architect of the military's current plan to bring down the dragon Feuerschwinge.

Stay tuned for more late-breaking news on the battle for the Harz Mountains. We'll be right back.
With that, the video comes to an end. You find yourself dumped back to the Menu screen.
The display goes blank for a moment. Then the face of Green Winters winks onto the screen. There is a look of astonishment on his face.

The timestamp on the video reads 2054-11-17.
Holy shit. I just stumbled onto some of Adrian's old lab notes.

I'm not gonna say how I came across these... someone might get hurt if the wrong people watch this.

But I've checked 'em against some of Adrian's old handwriting samples, and they're legitimate!
Holy shit, this is big.

All right. Okay. Back up, slow down. Breathe.
{{GM}}He takes a moment to calm himself.{{/GM}}

Okay. So these notes... they pretty much confirm something that I'd always suspected.

The Luftwaffe didn't shoot down Feuerschwinge.
I mean, they tried. They pumped thousands of rounds into the air around her, and they lobbed rockets at her for months. Lost a lot of attack helicopters and fightercraft in the process.

But none of those things were responsible for taking her down. The Dragonfall was caused by an experimental warhead... one that Adrian and his Diehl Defense think-tank designed.
I don't understand the science of it. Not even a little bit. But from what I can piece together, it looks like they designed some sort of chemical/radiological agent that acts on the metagene.

I don't think that they fully understood what they were doing... it was 2012, after all. I mean, the process worked... but I don't know if they understood *why* it worked.
Anyway, when a warhead full of this stuff comes into contact with a dual-natured creature... like a dragon, say... it drives a wedge between that creature's physical and astral forms. The body gets put into a sort of hibernation-state, and the spirit is forced out.

It also looks like this... process... can maintain that state of separation indefinitely. And that's a pretty horrifying thought.
A discorporated body's *supposed* to die in a few hours. I've heard horror stories about ghost-walking mages getting trapped in astral space, unable to rejoin with their meat. I heard they went crazy from the pain.

If what I'm reading is accurate, it's entirely possible that Feuerschwinge has been trapped outside of her body for over forty years.
{{GM}}Winters pushes his chair back and slaps the table in front of him.{{/GM}}

*This* is why Adrian was always so cagey about the subject of Feuerschwinge after the Dragonfall! He knew for a *fact* that she was alive, even if only technically.

Her body crashed down into the SOX, sure, but she wasn't dead!
The government wouldn't let Adrian tell the public about any of this, of course. It'd interfere with the lie that they were feeding us... that the Firewing was dead, and that everyone was safe, and that people should stop hiding in their basements and get back to work again.

But privately, he always said that she was still out there, somewhere deep in the SOX. I'd always thought that he was paranoid, but I was wrong. He *knew.*
So. What does all of this mean?

It means that the stories I got from that Ghost Rat suddenly sound a lot more plausible.

It means that Feuerschwinge is *definitely* alive, and that Adrian's disappearance is unquestionably tied to her survival.
It also means that Germany is in deep shit.

Because if Feuerschwinge is still alive, it's only a matter of time before she rears her ugly head again.
Okay. That's enough for one night.

I'm gonna go get drunk.
The DVD player ramps up to speed, filling the air with a shrill whining sound. Green Winters' face appears on the screen. He looks younger than you've ever seen him, but from the way he's carrying himself, he's clearly drunk.

The timestamp on the video reads 2033-05-15.
Look, Adrian. I understand you. Lord knows I do. But you've *got* to drop this dragon fixation.

People are starting to talk.
{{GM}}There is a camera cut, and you find yourself looking at a young, handsome Dr. Adrian Vauclair. He wears a slight smile on his face.{{/GM}}

Oh. They're talking, are they? What a terrible shame.
Damn it, Adrian, this is serious. You're a public figure... you could lose everything if you don't keep these ridiculous fairy tales to yourself!
Hermie. My theories are not, as you call them, "fairy tales."

Dragons are *real.* I saved Germany from one. Have you forgotten?
No. Of course not. EVERYONE knows that you killed the Firewing.
Stopped. Not killed.
Fine! Stopped! Whatever!

{{GM}}Winters swipes a bottle off the table in front of him, drains it, and drops it to the floor.{{/GM}}

Call it whatever you want. But Adrian, you're the only one who's still this obsessed with the damned things! There aren't that many of them, and they're *not* taking over the world!
{{GM}}Vauclair's voice is quiet. Soft.{{/GM}}

Such is the cry of the cancer patient, unaware of what's killing him. "I'm fine, not to worry! I'll smoke another cigarette, what's the harm?"

He doesn't see what's happening. But he winds up dead, all the same.
{{GM}}Winters snorts.{{/GM}}

Now you're just being maudlin. Look, Adrian--
{{GM}}Vauclair shakes his head. His smile has disappeared.{{/GM}}

You mark my words, Hermie. Within five years, corporations... even *countries*... will fall to these creatures. And the worst part is, nobody will care.
Oh, people will tut-tut about it. There may be a protest or two. But nobody will actually *do* anything to stop them.

The immortal, all-powerful, utterly pitiless reptiles will seize more and more of our power, wealth, and territory.

And we foolish, short-sighted mortals will never get it back.
{{GM}}Green Winters chuckles uncomfortably. Raises his hands in the air in a supplicating gesture.{{/GM}}

Come, now, Adr--
{{GM}}Vauclair talks over his brother's interruption.{{/GM}}

We could solve the problem, of course. But we, as a species, are unwilling to invest our energy into problems that aren't staring us right in the face.

As it was with climate change, so it is with dragons. I've accepted that. But you can't ask me to stop caring about it.
{{GM}}Winters shakes his head.{{/GM}}

You're hopeless, Adrian. Fine, by all means, keep caring... just keep your conspiracy theories to *yourself.* I'm telling you this for your own sake.
{{GM}}Vauclair sighs. He looks incredibly tired.{{/GM}}

Yes, Hermie. You're right, of course... I mustn't jeopardize my credibility with the masses.
{{GM}}Winters' expression turns serious. His voice lowers.{{/GM}}

It's not just your credibility that I'm worried about. Talk is talk, but sometimes...

{{GM}}He pauses. Shakes his head.{{/GM}}

...Sometimes I worry that you're really gonna go back to the SOX.
{{GM}}Vauclair's tone softens again.{{/GM}}

Hermie, I--
{{GM}}Winters cuts his brother off. A new intensity burns in his voice.{{/GM}}

Please, big brother. Just drop all of this. Stop hunting the Firewing, and start living your life again!

If you won't do it for yourself, then for Christ's sake, do it for me.
{{GM}}Vauclair nods, then looks away from the screen.{{/GM}}

All right, Hermie. I'll try.
The image cuts to static, and you find yourself back at the menu screen.
User: #JollyGreenWinterz Last Active: 1/15/54
Sex: M Metatype: Human Ethnicity: Caucasian
Body Type: Muscular Age: 50
Looking For: F, H/E/D, Athletic, 25-30

I'm a fun-loving guy who's also a great listener.
I love hiking, clubbing, and all kinds of pets!
I'm looking for a cute, funny, adventurous girl
who's down to party. I don't respond to profiles
without pics! No orks, no trolls (sorry, ladies)!
The disc rattles again, and you find yourself sitting at the main menu.
Crew: Shaman
Eiger looks down at the mangled corpse of the dog-thing that just attacked you. The body smolders on the ground.

Despite its monstrous appearance, you can recognize the creature for what it used to be.

Monika's old dog. Dante.
Shame it had to come to that. He just...

{{GM}}Her voice trails off to nothing.{{/GM}}
I've seen rabid dogs before. That was something else.
Drek. Dante... why?
Yeah. Monika might have been holding something back from us.

Or maybe she didn't know what Dante really was. I sure as hell didn't.
How did this happen?
It happened just before you got here. I don't know how.

I caught sight of him on the way down to the U-Bahn platform, and he looked normal enough. Then one of these bastards winged him, and Dante snapped.

He was on the guy before I could blink.
A few seconds later, the shooter was a red smear on the sidewalk, and Dante...

{{GM}}Eiger stabs a thumb towards the motionless dog.{{/GM}}

...looked like that.
He started coming towards me next, teeth bared. I've never seen anything like it before, $(l.name). It was terrifying.

I dropped a flash grenade behind me and booked it down to the U-Bahn.
{{GM}}She shakes her head, her eyes still focused on Dante's broken body.{{/GM}}

I'm sorry, Monika. Wherever you are.
He just snapped. When these mercs started gunning people down in the street...

{{GM}}The words trail off again.{{/GM}}
Hello there, newcomer! I have many exciting and rare weapons for you to peruse! Instruments of death of the sort you'll not find anywhere else in Berlin.

Care to take a look around?
Despite the shopkeeper's claims, her inventory looks decidedly poor. Most of these weapons appear rusty and in ill repair. A particularly cobbled-together pistol stands out from the bunch.
Sure, let's see what you have.
Can I take another look?
I don't know... doesn't seem like there's much here that would interest me.
What's up with the shoddy-looking pistol?
I'll be going now. Thanks.
Well, it's been lean pickings lately around these parts. And on top of that, there's the militia. They need most of the best pieces to help keep us safe.

Still, I've got some reliable weapons for home defense.
Exquisite, is it not? The work of a master craftsman who used to live here. Forged some of the finest slugthrowers you'll find this side of the Atlantic.

And at that price? A steal!
It looks like a piece of junk.
An interesting story. Let me have a closer look.
{{CC}}Intelligence: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} It looks like some of those parts are hot-glued together.
A discerning customer, you are. Well, I have many more traditional weapons for a $(l.man) of your tastes.
As I said, the work of a master craftsman! A weapon made by any other would simply break after being fired!
Welcome back, friend! Can I interest you in more weaponry?
This terminal appears to contain an inventory control system for Sutterlin BioScience's merchandise.

The items are spelled out in amber lettering against a solid black background. A glowing cursor awaits your input.		 Ce terminal semble contenir un système d'inventaire pour les marchandises de Sutterlin BioScience.

Les articles sont listés dans une police ambrée sur fond noir. Un curseur lumineux clignote, attendant votre saisie.
SUTTERLIN BIOSCIENCE :: PRODUCT & SPECIMEN INVENTORY

A. ORGCHEM WING :: TISSUE BANKS | ORGAN FARM
B. ORGCHEM WING :: BREAKDOWN & ANALYSIS
C. ORGCHEM WING :: REPLICATION / FABRICATION
D. EXECUTIVE WING :: CONTRACT FULFILLMENT
E. ANIMAL TESTING WING :: SPECIAL PROJECTS		 SUTTERLIN BIOSCIENCE :: INVENTAIRE DES PRODUITS ET SPECIMENS

A. AILE CHIMIE ORGANIQUE :: BANQUE DE TISSU | FERME D'ORGANE
B. AILE CHIMIE ORGANIQUE:: RÉPARTITION ET ANALYSE
C. AILE CHIMIE ORGANIQUE:: REPLICATION / FABRICATION
D. AILE DES CADRES :: CONTRAT EN OEUVRE
E. AILE DES EXPERIMENATIONS ANIMALES :: PROJETS SPECIAUX
{{GM}}Select "TISSUE BANKS | ORGAN FARM"{{/GM}} {{GM}}Sélectionner "BANQUE DE TISSU | FERME D'ORGANE"{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Select "BREAKDOWN & ANALYSIS"{{/GM}} {{GM}}Sélectionner "RÉPARTITION ET ANALYSE"{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Select "REPLICATION / FABRICATION"{{/GM}} {{GM}}Sélectionner "REPLICATION / FABRICATION"{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Select "CONTRACT FULFILLMENT"{{/GM}} {{GM}}Sélectionner "CONTRAT EN OEUVRE"{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Select "SPECIAL PROJECTS"{{/GM}} {{GM}}Sélectionner "PROJETS SPECIAUX"{{/GM}}
Nope. That's it. Quarantine disengaged.

And now to get Phil the last episode of his bullshit trid show.		 Nope. C'est tout. La quarantaine est désengagée.

Et maintenant, on récupère le dernier épisode de cette trid show de merde pour Phil...
This entry provides a complete breakdown of the "standard" organs that are being grown in the Organic Chemistry Wing of Sutterlin BioScience.

It seems that the lab was outfitted with the capacity to mass-produce vat-grown metahuman organs, including hearts, kidneys, livers, and lungs. This material would then be used for testing purposes.		 Cet article présente une ventilation complète des organes « standards » qui sont cultivés dans l'aile de chimie organique de Sutterlin BioScience.

Il semble que le laboratoire soit équipé de la capacité de produire en masse des organes métahumain cultivés en cuve, incluant cœurs, reins, foies et poumons. Ces matériau servirait à des fins de test.
This entry contains a complete log of studies performed by Sutterlin employees on the products of competing biotech companies.

Bioware samples by Universal Omnitech, Shiawase, Proteus AG, and BioGene have all gone under the knife here, and the results of each dissection have been meticulously recorded.		 Cet article contient un registre complet des études effectuées par les employés de Sutterlin sur les produits des entreprises de biotechnologie concurrentes.

Des échantillons de Bioware d'Universal Omnitech, de Shiawase, de Proteus AG et de BioGene se sont tous retrouvés sous le microscope et les résultats de chaque dissection ont été méticuleusement enregistrés.
This entry contains notes on Sutterlin's attempts to replicate products that it had previously dissected and studied.

According to the information here, Sutterlin had achieved a shocking level of success at producing generic versions of a wide variety of commercial - and restricted - bioware products.		 Cet article contient des notes sur les tentatives de Sutterlin pour dupliquer les produits qu'elle avait préalablement disséqué et étudié.

Selon ces informations, Sutterlin avait atteint un niveau surprenant de succès dans la production de versions génériques d'une grande variété de produits de bioware commerciaux - et restreint.
These knockoff products were commissioned by an outside investor, and had been moved into cold storage in the Executive Wing pending transport. Ces produits contrefaits ont été commandés par un investisseur extérieur, et avaient été transférés dans un entrepôt frigorifique dans l'aile des cadres en attendant leur transport.
This entry contains a complete breakdown of the organs waiting in cold storage to be claimed by clients and investors.

Scanning over the list, you see a number of high-end, security-level enhancements in inventory. Bioware like this would normally run tens of thousands of nuyen; if this was what Ezkibel was commissioning Sutterlin to produce, he could undercut all of his competitors and still make an ungodly profit.		 Cet article contient une répartition complète des organes en attente dans un entrepôt frigorifique pouvant être réclamés par les clients et les investisseurs.

En parcourant la liste, vous voyez un certain nombre d'améliorations de haute de gamme dans l'inventaire. Du Bioware comme ça couterait normalement des dizaines de milliers de nuyen ; Si c'est pour cela qu'Ezkibel avait missionné Sutterlin, il aurait pu casser les prix du marché et toujours faire un profit incroyable.
This entry details a number of projects that involve invasive testing on Awakened animals.

There are listings for a number of hellhounds, including their complete medical histories. It appears that most of the experimental procedures listed were performed on a subject named "Billy," but who - or what - Billy might be has been left undisclosed.		 Cet article détaille un certain nombre de projets qui impliquent des tests invasifs sur des animaux éveillés.

Il y a des listes pour un certain nombre de chien de l'enfer, y compris leurs antécédents médicaux complets. Il semble que la plupart des procédures expérimentales énumérés ont été effectuée sur un sujet nommé « Billy », mais qui est - ou ce qu'est - Billy n'a jamais été indiqué.
Knight Errant Rigger
Conversation between Player, Blitz and Hasenkamp. Tells about the Decker and guards coming.
The attendant behind the counter is an uncommonly fine-featured dwarf with a beatific smile. A yellow ID tag pinned to his chest announces his name in large, blocky letters: "PARSON."

He nods at you and raises a hand in greeting.
Welcome to the Hub, brother.

Are you here to share in the splendor of Communion? If so, I can show you to an empty terminal.
What do you do here?
I might be interested. Tell me more.
I have some questions for you about the local gang activity.
Can you tell me anything about this building?
I've recovered the parts for your terminal.
I don't need anything else, thanks.
I am the custodian of the Hub.

I tend to the bodies of our brothers and sisters while they share in the rapture of Communion.
Communion is a spiritual experience, friend. Available to all for a small donation.

{{GM}}He gestures at the banks of terminals lining the walls.{{/GM}}

The Hub acts as the core of the Communion. Those who jack into it are in turn linked to one another. Daisy-chained together at the brain stem.
Race. Gender. Social class. All of the artificial barriers to empathy that we've constructed as a culture.

Communion strips them all away. It is a monument to the great truth that so many of us deny: that we are all the same at the core.
Imagine it, friend. Dozens of individual minds, all tied together into a single, cohesive whole. Sharing in a collective subconscious, connected through the Hub.

{{GM}}Parson raises his hands in supplication.{{/GM}}

Join with us, and feel your limitations fall away.
Not right now, thanks.
You and your... congregation need to stop. There's a killer AI on the loose in this building.
Sure, I'm game. Where do I jack in?
{{GM}}Parson inclines his head. His smile does not falter.{{/GM}}

Whenever you are ready, you may return. Is there anything more that I can help you with in the meantime?
{{GM}}The dwarf's benevolent smile does not falter.{{/GM}}

You are quite mistaken. The Hub is a place of peace. We are in no danger here.
Wonderful! You may use any available terminal in the other room. Now, if we may discuss your donatio--
Sorry. My friend misspoke. We can't do this right now.

{{GM}}Eiger pulls you aside.{{/GM}}

Are you *crazy?* You can't plug your head into that thing! Don't you remember what happened to Monika and Winters?
{{GM}}All at once, Parson's face goes blank. The benevolent smile dies away, and he begins to speak in a monotone.{{/GM}}

The Hub is currently closed for routine maintenance. Please come back again later.
...Parson? Are you okay?
{{GM}}The blank expression remains for a moment, and then, just like that, it's gone. The familiar, peaceful smile returns.{{/GM}}

Oh! Yes, hello. The Hub is currently off limits... it must have slipped my mind. I'm so sorry that I didn't mention it earlier.

{{GM}}Parson's expression changes. You see confusion, bordering on panic. He shakes it off a moment later.{{/GM}}

Is... is there anything else that I can do for you?
Sorry. My friend misspoke. We can't do this right now.

{{GM}}Dietrich pulls you aside.{{/GM}}

Are you *crazy,* boss? You can't plug your head into that thing! Don't you remember what happened to Monika and Winters?
Sorry. My friend misspoke. We can't do this right now.

{{GM}}Eiger pulls you aside.{{/GM}}

Are you *crazy,* chief? You can't plug your head into that thing! Don't you remember what happened to Monika and Winters?
Sorry. My friend misspoke. We can't do this right now.

{{GM}}Eiger pulls you aside.{{/GM}}

Are you *crazy?* Don't you remember what happened to Monika?
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

We do seem to have more than our fair share. Very well, I will answer your questions.
Should I be worried about the gang war that seems to be gearing up around us?
What can you tell me about the Arbeiters?
I need to know more about the Magnifikers.
I'm looking for Trithemius. Any idea how I could find him?
I'd like to ask you about something else.
Thanks for your help. I'll be going now.
While you remain in the Hub, you have nothing to fear.

We pay well for the use of this place, and neither gang would risk driving us away.
And the rest of the building...?
{{GM}}He spreads his hands.{{/GM}}

If you choose to go exploring, I can't guarantee your safety.
{{GM}}Parson lets out a heavy sigh.{{/GM}}

A pack of snarling animals dressed up as a policlub. I'd steer clear of them if I were you.
Their... "ideology" is loosely based on Neo-Communist movements from the past. In truth, I think that they just copied a few pages from an old Red Army Faction handbill without ever bothering to learn what they meant.

For all their rhetoric, the Arbeiters are just another street gang. They shout for the sake of shouting. There's no real conviction there.
If you came from outside, you've probably bumped into their leader. A huge ork who calls himself "Ullrich." He can seem reasonable, but I'd give him a wide berth.
One more note: if I were you, I'd avoid being seen with the Magnifikers. The Arbeiters take shots at members of the mage gang whenever they see them.

If you're not careful, you could find yourself caught in the crossfire.
Power-drunk fools, the lot of them. The Arbeiters were bad enough, but the Magnifikers are even worse.

The Arbeiters' interests were limited to theft and violence in the name of their "cause." The Magnifikers... they have power, and they seem to relish in abusing it.
Now that they've claimed the upper levels of the building, it isn't safe to travel beyond the ground floor. Several members of our congregation have been mauled to death by the Magnifikers' pet spirits.

{{GM}}He shakes his head sadly.{{/GM}}

Now we travel only in groups.
You're safe down here, though?
Yes. Trithemius needs the Hub. To threaten this congregation would be to jeapordize his primary source of income.

But the upper floors enjoy no such protection. They have become dangerous places to travel.
{{GM}}The smile fades from Parson's face.{{/GM}}

Trithemius is a dangerous man... why do you ask?
I made a deal with Ullrich. Trithemius is involved.
Ullrich asked me to kill him. I don't much care for that idea, so I've got a counterproposal for Trithemius.
I have business with him. Private business.
Trithemius is almost certainly upstairs, hidden away from the outside world. I wouldn't advise going after him, but if your mind is made up, I suppose that I can't change it.

Yes, I can tell you how to find him. But I will need something from you in return.
Yeah, I saw that coming. What do you need?
Yeah, of course you will. Saw that coming.

{{GM}}Blitz sighs.{{/GM}}

Tell us what you need.
A pair of squatters on the second floor ripped the guts out of one of my terminals. They have taken the datajack signal converter, and the terminal will be out of commission until I get it back.

A single damaged terminal may not sound like much, but trust me: the entire experience of Communion has been diminished by this act of vandalism.
I believe that I know the squatters responsible. Their leader's name is Janet. She is a decker of some skill. I don't know what she has planned for my parts, but I do know that this situation will not stand.

I cannot allow another terminal to be damaged.
Want me to deal with them for you?
And so you want us to... "deal with them" for you?
Yes. But not with violence.

I want you to talk with them and convince them to bring me back my components. Do this, and I'll tell you how to get to Trithemius.

Deal?
Sounds straightforward enough.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} No violence. You got it.
I have a better idea. Why don't you just tell me what I want to know, and then there won't be any need for violence.
Excellent. It's a deal, then!
I cannot accept this diminishment of the Communion. I believe you were meant to bring us back together, and it will be so!
All right, I'll see what I can do.
I need that information, and I need it now. Unless you want to see some real violence, tell me what I want - now.
{{GM}}He chuckles softly to himself.{{/GM}}

Killing me will only allow me to join forever with the Communion, and you will have destroyed the only source of the information you require. Get me my parts, and you'll have your information.
Yeah, of course you will. Saw that coming.

{{GM}}Dietrich sighs.{{/GM}}

Tell us what you need.
Naturally.

Tell us what you need.
Yeah, of course you do.

Tell us what you need.
{{GM}}He studies your face for a moment, then nods.{{/GM}}

Fair enough.
Very well. If you have questions, I will be all too happy to answer.
{{GM}}He inclines his head.{{/GM}}

Come back any time.
Beyond the Hub, there isn't much to speak of. There's a small shop down the hall if you're hungry, or in need of basic supplies.

{{GM}}He shrugs and offers you an apologetic smile.{{/GM}}

And that's about it, I'm afraid.
What about the upper levels?
I need to get down to the basement.
There are floors above us, of course. But you're unlikely to find anything of value up there... just the domiciles of the faithful, and the Magnifikers who have taken charge of the building.

I would steer clear of them, if I were you.
Ah. That would be difficult.

The stairway leading down to the building's sublevels has been blocked. And the elevator has been sabotaged... it stopped working at the same time that the Arbeiters were driven from the building.
One of the gang leaders is probably your best bet. Ullrich is right out front... I suppose that you could try your luck with him. Or, if you'd be willing to do me a favor, I could tell you how to find Trithemius's hideout. The choice is yours.
What favor?
I'm too busy at the moment.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Very well. Perhaps another time.

Now, is there anything else that you could use from me...?
As we discussed, if you recover my stolen property, I will tell you how to find Trithemius.

Otherwise, you could try your luck with Ullrich out front... but I wouldn't recommend it.
As I told you, take the stairs up to the third floor. You'll find an abandoned apartment at the end of the hall.

Look for the stylized "M" painted on the wall. It looks like two crude lightning bolts facing one another... that's Trithemius' personal sigil.
There's an old bookcase in the very back of the apartment. Under the second shelf from the bottom, you'll find a button that opens the door to Trithemius' hideout.
Any time. Now, is there anything else that I can do for you...?
Aah. Excellent, my brother.

Let me see them, if you please.
Parson's smile disappears for a moment as he studies the parts. His brow furrows in concentration.
{{GM}}As suddenly as it disappeared, the smile returns.{{/GM}}

Yes. These are the parts that I need. Thank you, friend.

I trust that there was no trouble? That you were able to attain them without bloodshed?
Of course.
Of course.

We never spill blood when we don't have to.
{{GM}}Parson's face lights up.{{/GM}}

Oh, that is wonderful news. Truly, truly wonderful!

And now, I have my end of the deal to uphold.
If you're still hell bent on meeting with Trithemius, take the stairs up to the third floor. You'll find an abandoned apartment at the end of the hall.

Look for the stylized "M" painted on the wall. It looks like two crude lightning bolts facing one another... that's Trithemius' personal sigil.
How do you know all of this?
Because that abandoned apartment was once mine.

In the days before I discovered the peace of Communion, I was a very different man. I had need of such contrivances.

{{GM}}His smile widens.{{/GM}}

But not anymore. Finally, I am at peace.
Of course! You've got nothing to worry about, friend. No bloodshed at all!
Of course! You've got nothin' to worry about.
Aah. Excellent, my sister.

Let me see them, if you please.
{{GM}}He inclines his head.{{/GM}}

Come back anytime.
Welcome to the Hub, sister.

Are you here to share in the splendor of Communion?

If so, I can show you to an empty terminal.
{{GM}}Parson waves at you in greeting.{{/GM}}

Hello again, brother. What can I do for you?
{{GM}}Parson waves at you in greeting.{{/GM}}

Hello again, sister. What can I do for you?
Upon approaching the vault door, two things become immediately apparent: One, when you stepped into the vault, the door sealed and latched behind you.

And two, there is no obvious way to open it from where you're standing.
Hey, Blitz? Open the door.
Huh? What do you mean, chief?
The vault door, idiot. There's no way to open it from in here.

You *did* account for that, didn't you?
There is a long pause.
Oops.
"Oops"?
I, uh... I think that I might've missed that detail when I planned this run through.
In that case, "oops" is the understatement of the century.
This isn't a small detail, Blitz. If you don't get that door open, we're going to die in here.
Lemme get this straight, Blitz. You planned how to get us *into* the vault in excruciating detail, but you didn't bother figuring out how to get us back *out* again?
Easy there, chief! Just... just cool your jets and let me get to work on this. I'll figure something out, don't you worry.
{{GM}}Hasenkamp rubs his temples with his free hand; the other cradles the plastic box like a piece of fine china.{{/GM}}

I knew that something like this was going to happen. When Mr. Grinder told me who I'd be checking up on, I just knew it.
Right there with you.
Calm down, man. Blitz will get us out of here.
We all make mistakes. What's important is how we handle them. Right, Blitz?
Oh, c'mon, chief. Don't side with that asshole over me. Like I said, I'm gonna get you out of there, just give me two more seconds...
One.

Two.
There is a long pause. Finally, Blitz speaks again. His voice is strained.
All right, chief. I think that I can see how to get you out of there.

You give me the go-ahead, and I'm gonna try something. But, uh... there's a catch.
Copy that, keep going.
Of course there is. What is it?
Well, right now I'm keeping about four different alarms from triggering. No big deal, I can handle it.

But I won't lie... opening that door is gonna be tough. It'll take concentration. And I don't think I can keep all four alarms locked down while I'm doing it.
So you're telling us that in order to open the door, you're going to have to set off the alarm. Do I have that right?
Well, technically, *you* set off the alarm when you stepped into the vault. All I'm doing is keeping the signals locked down so that they can't get out.

And I *might* be able to release the lock fast enough to to catch the alarms before they sound. But I can't guarantee it.
How reassuring.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Bypass the door.{{/GM}} Don't worry about it, Blitz. I've got this.
All right, Blitz. Go ahead and do your thing... I believe in you.
The door slides open with a hiss. No alarm sounds.
Well... yeah. That works, too.
Why didn't you just do that in the first place?
Seconds later, the vault lock releases with a heavy *thunk.*
Done and done, chief.
Nicely done, Bl--
Your sentence is interrupted by a shrill wailing sound. An alarm.
That's our cue to leave.
Can't say I didn't warn you. You'd better get out of there... that alarm is going off in both meat space *and* the Matrix.

Reinforcements are on the way. You don't wanna be there when they get here.
That's an understatement. Let's get the hell out of here.
Thanks for the vote of confidence, chief. I'll get you out of there, just give me two more seconds...
Uh, right, chief! And boy, am I gonna handle this one! Just you wait and see.

Give me two seconds, and I'll have you out of there.
Pain Suppression
Augment: Decking
While Blitz is jacked in to the Matrix, attacks on his physical body are reduced by 3 DMG.
Novahot Targeting
Upgrade: Mark Target
Integrated tactical computer marks weak points in an opponent's armor. Blitz's mark target ability now reduces the target's armor by 2.
Slapdash Pistol
Made up of mixed parts from Ares, Cavalier and Ruger pistols.
The rock glows with an otherworldly aura.
{{CC}}Spirit Summoning: 5{{/CC}}{{GM}}Probe the stone with your shamanic power.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Spellcasting/Conjuring{{/CC}} {{GM}}Use Astral Perception to peer at the rock.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Allow a member of your team to examine the rock.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the strangely glowing rock alone.{{/GM}}
You extend a tendril of your aura into the astral plane and probe the rock, feeling for fracture points that may exist outside of the material plane.

The rock glows warmly as you manage to separate two pieces from the rest. Each is infused with the Elemental Power of Earth.
You open your third eye and view the rock in astral space. It glows bright with the Elemental Power of Earth. A shaman would be able to gain fetishes from rock such as this.
The Engineer lies splayed out on the ground, his body trembling violently.

Eiger shoves a bottle up his nose and squeezes. The Engineer shudders violently, then the trembling begins to subside.
{{GM}}She glances at you.{{/GM}}

An aerosol BZD, to help treat the seizures. Bannik was kind enough to include it in his goody bag.

It won't last long, but it should give Yuli here enough muscular control to answer a few questions.
{{GM}}The Engineer's voice comes out in a trembling stutter.{{/GM}}

F-f-f-fuck you, t-t-t-troll.
{{GM}}Eiger raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

See? He's talking already.
The Engineer's eyes burn with hate. Beads of sweat dot his brow as he struggles to control the tremors that wrack his body.

He takes a deep breath, holds it, and releases it slowly. The trembling begins to subside.
{{GM}}Punch him in the gut.{{/GM}}
Feeling better, Yuli? Ready to chat?
I'm sorry that we had to use that thing on you. Must be terrible, having the shakes like that.
We've got some questions for you. You'd better have answers.
{{GM}}The silence stretches. Finally, the Engineer speaks.{{/GM}}

T-tell me what you w-want from me, s-so I c-c-can t-tell you to go s-screw yourselves.
I wouldn't recommend that, Yuli. You know who I am - I can see it in your eyes. You remember me from the old days, right?

{{GM}}Her voice is cold. Sharp.{{/GM}}

You know what I'm capable of. So do yourself a favor: answer our questions.
{{GM}}The ork's eyes shift from Eiger to you.{{/GM}}

Y-yes. I know you, t-troll. B-but your friend I do not know.

D-does $(l.he) have the s-stomach for this? N-not many do.
{{GM}}Hit him.{{/GM}}
My name is $(s.name). And you're going to answer our questions, one way or the other.
I have the stomach for all sorts of things. Things that you can't even imagine, Yuli.
I'll manage. But if you give us what we want, this'll go a whole lot easier on you.
The wind explodes out of the ork's lungs as your fist slams into his belly. His breath stinks of harissa and garlic.

After a few panicked seconds, he manages to gasp out a word.
Bitch!
{{GM}}Hit him again.{{/GM}} Language.
We ask the questions. You answer them.
Sticks and stones, Yuli.
You slam your fist into the bridge of the Engineer's nose. His head whips back, then comes forward again.

Blood streams from his nostrils. From the shape, you'd guess that it's broken in at least three places.
You hit hard, $(l.race). G-good on you.

{{GM}}His voice sounds stronger now. The stutter that marred his speech has almost completely faded away.{{/GM}}

You've got muscle - I can respect that.
A free piece of advice, from me to you: kill me here and now. Do it quick.

{{GM}}He fixes his gaze on you.{{/GM}}

Because if I ever get off of this floor, your muscles will not save you. Or your she-troll friend.
If you did manage to get up off of that floor, you'd make it about a step and a half before you started convulsing. You're helpless, Yuli.
I admire your optimism. You're not going anywhere, friend.
I think I'll step back and let the "she-troll" respond to that.
{{GM}}Eiger smiles.{{/GM}}

$+(l.he)'s right, you know. You're completely at our mercy.

So, tell us, Yuli. Whose payroll are you on?
She grabs a fistful of the ork's hair and lifts his head. Her face is inches from his.
Tell us who sent you to Schattennest!
There is a long pause. Eventually, the Engineer looks away.
All right. You want to know so badly, I'll tell you.

Tamanous sent me here. They want to use Schattennest as a base of operations in Berlin. My point of contact is a ghoul named Beetle.
{{GM}}He leans forward and locks eyes with Eiger.{{/GM}}

There. You've got your intel. Now set me free or kill me.
Yuli.

{{GM}}Eiger leans back, shaking her head.{{/GM}}

You wouldn't roll over on an employer this easily. Your rep tells me that much.
{{GM}}He raises an eyebrow in a look of mock astonishment.{{/GM}}

No?
No - Eiger's right. You're jerking us around.
I don't know, it sounds plausible enough to me. Let's wrap this up, Eiger.
You wanted a name, I gave you a name. Want more? I can give you those, too.

I can name you a hundred clients who'd love a piece of Schattennest. How do you intend to determine who really sent me?
I've got a couple of ideas.
You let us worry about that.
{{GM}}The Engineer smirks.{{/GM}}

You can try beating the truth out of me. You can try cutting on me. Get creative with the pliers if you like.

Every time you hurt me, I'll give you a different name.
Torture me, or don't. It'll all end the same way.

I'll be dead, you'll know nothing for certain, and my clients will move ahead on schedule.
Cooperate, and maybe it doesn't have to end that way. Maybe you'll get out of here alive.
Help us out, then. If you're already dead, why care about being a snitch?
{{GM}}He snorts.{{/GM}}

You think I'm delusional, $(l.man)? I'm *already* dead. The she-troll beside you is going to put a bullet in my brain as soon as she gets what she wants.

Just look at her - take a long look at that ugly troll face. She's just *aching* to put me in the ground.
{{GM}}Eiger's hands bunch into fists. She's still smiling, but you can feel the heat of the hatred behind her eyes.{{/GM}}

You've got bigger issues to worry about than my face, Yuli. If you don't start telling me what I want to hear in the next thirty seconds, this is going to get messy.
Hold up, Eiger--
I know that look, Yuli. I'd start talking if I were--
You know, *Eiger*...

{{GM}}He takes his time pronouncing the name. Savors it.{{/GM}}

...I'd like to tell you a story. We share so much history, you and I.
Eiger says nothing, but her eyes narrow.
{{GM}}The Engineer continues, his grin broadening.{{/GM}}

This... this is a funny story. It's a story about your time in the KSK. A story about futility.

I can tell you all about the many lives you've touched, and how the syndicates touched them again afterward. Would you like that?
There is a long pause. Eventually, Eiger turns to face you.
$(l.name)... do me a favor. Sweep the building for intel - anything that we might have missed on the way in.
I don't know if that's a great idea, Eiger.
Yeah, I'm on it. Take good care of our friend here.
It's necessary, $(l.name).

{{GM}}She shoots a disgusted glance at your captive.{{/GM}}

And I won't let this twisted little prick chase me out of the room. He can tell me whatever story he likes.
It feels like this guy is getting under your skin, and we can't afford to kill him before we get to the truth.
All right. I'm gonna trust you to keep your cool.
Don't worry about me - everything's all right on my end.

But this asshole is right about one thing: we aren't going to solve this on his word alone.
Agreed. But I don't think that we can beat the answer out of him, either.
No. Of course not.

{{GM}}She sighs.{{/GM}}

I'm sure that he'd eventually spill the name we're looking for. But it'd be buried in so much white noise that it'd be impossible to filter out.
If you can find some corroborating evidence, though... that might help us wade through the river of bullshit he's spewing.

I can't tell you what to look for, but he was doing business with Rammbock in this building. There must be *something* in here that can tell us who he represents.
All right, Eiger. But remember - we need this son of a bitch alive. No torture.
You're right. I'm on it.
Yeah.

{{GM}}She turns back to the Engineer.{{/GM}}

I'm good. But be quick.
{{GM}}She nods, then turns back to the Engineer.{{/GM}}

Be quick.
Don't worry about me, fearless leader. I've done this before.

{{GM}}She glances down at the Engineer's prostrate body.{{/GM}}

There's one thing this asshole has said that holds water. We aren't going to solve this on his word alone.
{{GM}}She shoots a disgusted glance at your captive.{{/GM}}

Yeah, don't worry.

I will.
{{GM}}The Engineer cuts you off. A perverse smile has spread itself across his face.{{/GM}}

You know, *Eiger*...

{{GM}}He takes his time pronouncing the name. Savors it.{{/GM}}

...I'd like to tell you a story. We share so much history, you and I.
{{GM}}He snorts.{{/GM}}

I won't give your she-troll the satisfaction. She wants it - that's why she won't get it.
{{GM}}Eiger's hands bunch into fists. She's still smiling, but you can feel the heat of the hatred behind her eyes.{{/GM}}

If you don't start telling me what I want to hear in the next thirty seconds, this is going to get messy.
Oh, I intend to.

{{GM}}He wrestles the corner of his mouth up into a smirk.{{/GM}}

I've got no worries - I already know what my future holds.
Maybe you try to reason with me, and that fails. Maybe you try coercion? That'll get you nowhere, too.

You try beating on me, and I start giving names. More names than you know what to do with.
Maybe if he were a better actor. Luckily for us, he isn't.

I know that you aren't working for Tamanous, Yuli.
{{GM}}Eiger steps forward, a cruel smile on her face.{{/GM}}

You're going to want to start talking, Yuli. I promise you that.

You can start by telling us whose payroll you're on.
You hit hard, s-stranger. Good on you.

{{GM}}His voice sounds stronger now. The stutter that marred his speech has almost completely faded away.{{/GM}}

You've got muscle - I can respect that.
You slam your fist into the bridge of the Engineer's nose. His head whips back, then comes forward again.

A trickle of blood leaks from one of his nostrils. He looks you up and down, then gives a slight nod.
Y-you're not weak, $(l.race). I'll give you that much.

{{GM}}His voice sounds stronger now. The stutter that marred his speech has almost completely faded away.{{/GM}}

Not strong, but not weak.
A free piece of advice, from me to you: kill me here and now. Do it quick.

{{GM}}He fixes his gaze on you.{{/GM}}

Because if I ever get off of this floor, you're dead. First I'll do you, then I'll do your bitch friend. And it will be *messy.*
Y-you're not weak, stranger. I'll give you that much.

{{GM}}His voice sounds stronger now. The stutter that marred his speech has almost completely faded away.{{/GM}}

Not strong, but not weak.
You slam your fist into the bridge of the Engineer's nose. His head whips back, then comes forward again. A glob of phlegm spatters against your chest.

The Engineer cackles at you, a malevolent grin on his face.
Y-you sucker punch me before, okay. I admit, I was not ready.

{{GM}}His voice sounds stronger now. The stutter that marred his speech has almost completely faded away.{{/GM}}

Now I am. And you, my darling $(l.race), are *weak.*
A word of advice that I will give you: you'd best kill me here. I mean that.

{{GM}}He fixes his gaze on you.{{/GM}}

Because if I ever get off of this floor, I'll snap you in half like a twig. And then I'll do the same to your she-troll friend.
Y-you sucker punch me before, okay. I admit, I was not ready.

{{GM}}His voice sounds stronger now. The stutter that marred his speech has almost completely faded away.{{/GM}}

Now I am. And you, my darling, are *weak.*
Eiger leans in toward the Engineer. He recoils, grinding the back of his head against the grease-stained duraplast tiles.
You're helpless. A fucking cripple.

{{GM}}Her voice comes out in a snarl.{{/GM}}

But if you answer our questions, things will go easier for you. So tell us: whose payroll are you on?
Bastard!
{{GM}}Eiger inclines her head in your direction.{{/GM}}

$+(l.he) doesn't talk much. But $(l.he)'s a great listener.

Of course, if you don't tell $(l.him) what $(l.he) wants to hear, $(l.he) might lose $(l.his) patience. And then... well, then things are gonna get loud.
{{GM}}Nod.{{/GM}}
You're helpless, Yuli. A cripple. But if you answer our questions, things will go easier for you.

So tell us: whose payroll are you on?
M-me?

{{GM}}His voice sounds stronger now. The stutter that marred his speech has almost completely faded away.{{/GM}}

I'm on n-nobody's payroll. I'm here on vacation.
Just keep t-telling yourself that, $(l.race).

{{GM}}His voice sounds stronger now. The stutter that marred his speech has almost completely faded away.{{/GM}}
$+(l.he) wasn't telling $(l.him)self.

{{GM}}She slaps him across the face, splitting his lip down the middle. The impact sounds like a gunshot.{{/GM}}

$+(l.he) was telling *you.*
Just keep t-telling yourself that, tough $(l.guy).

{{GM}}His voice sounds stronger now. The stutter that marred his speech has almost completely faded away.{{/GM}}
The sh-shadowrunner thinks that $(l.he) can f-frighten me.

{{GM}}His voice sounds stronger now. The stutter that marred his speech has almost completely faded away.{{/GM}}

How adorable.
Oh, Yuli. You should be frightened.

{{GM}}She slaps him across the face, splitting his lip down the middle. The impact sounds like a gunshot.{{/GM}}

You're in serious trouble, my friend.
I've got *n-nothing* for you, shadowrunner.

{{GM}}His voice sounds stronger now. The stutter that marred his speech has almost completely faded away.{{/GM}}

The sooner you learn that, the better off we'll all be.
Oh, Yuli.

{{GM}}She slaps him across the face, splitting his lip down the middle. The impact sounds like a gunshot.{{/GM}}

You're in no position to make demands.
{{GM}}Slowly, the ork's eyes shift from Eiger to you.{{/GM}}

I know the t-t-troll-bitch. W-we have history. But y-you - you are a s-stranger to m-m-me.

Are y-you sure th-th-that you have the s-stomach for this, s-stranger? N-not many do.
It is.

{{GM}}He grinds his teeth.{{/GM}}

Is that what you w-want to hear?
{{GM}}Eiger looks tense, but she's keeping it together. For now.{{/GM}}

Find anything, fearless leader?
Not yet - I'm still looking.
Well, look harder. We need to figure this thing out.
Yeah, I'm on it.
As you approach, you can see that the Engineer's chest is sheeted with blood. Most of it seems to be streaming from his nose, which has been crushed into a wad of bloody meat.

Eiger turns to face you. Her bunched fists are dripping red.
Find anything?

{{GM}}She speaks to you through clenched teeth. Her voice sounds strained, and her cheeks are flushed.{{/GM}}
I thought you said that we weren't going to resort to torture.
Having fun?
What the hell is this, Eiger?
This isn't torture. It's justice.

If you knew half of what this bastard has done... if you'd heard the things that he just told me... you'd do the same.
Beating the tar out of a helpless prisoner isn't justice. Now stand down.
Maybe so. But you're on edge, and I need you calm. Beating on him isn't helping.
Fair enough. Just don't get carried away. We need him.
{{GM}}She pauses, then turns away.{{/GM}}

Just tell me what you found.
Yes. Please.

{{GM}}The Engineer's voice is thick and wet. He smiles through a set of gore-streaked teeth.{{/GM}}

Enlighten us.
{{CC}}Item: Journal{{/CC}} I found this ledger... I don't recognize the language, but it looks Scandinavian.
{{CC}}Item: Simsense Chip{{/CC}} There are a pair of courier drones in the other room. No markings - they looked custom-built. One of them had been slagged, but the other had this chip in its storage compartment.
I found a body in the other room. From the looks of him, he tried using his head to beat down a steel-reinforced door.
There was a courier drone back there, but it self-destructed. Whatever it was carrying went up with it.
I don't think that there's anything else in here to find.
Nah. There's nothing useful in here.
I must have missed something. I'll keep searching.
{{GM}}Eiger leafs through the journal, quickly flipping the soykaf-stained pages.{{/GM}}

Norwegian, maybe... I'm thinking that this is written in Bokmål.

{{GM}}She frowns.{{/GM}}

I can't read it, but it looks like a shipping manifest.
Yeah, something like that. There are a lot of addresses in there.
{{GM}}She riffles through the pages, flipping the cheap paper with her thumbnail.{{/GM}}

Looks like addresses, all the way through. Some are annotated, but I can't see any names.

{{GM}}Two-thirds of the way through the book, she stops short.{{/GM}}
Find something interesting?
Wordlessly, she turns the journal around. At the top of the page, written in a different hand, is a single word. It's written in English, but you can understand it all the same.
"Wednesday."
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Not particularly helpful without a full date, but I guess it's something.

Of course, "Wednesday" might not refer to a day of the week at all... it could be code for something. Taken out of context like this, it's impossible to say.
So what do you make of this?
This should be good.
{{GM}}Eiger ignores him. Her gaze remains fixed on the book.{{/GM}}

It might be nothing. Or it could mean that he's back in bed with the Lobatchevski Syndicate.
The Engineer holds his silence.
Is that it, Yuli? Are you taking orders from your old bosses again?
Did you find anything else? We need to be sure about this before moving forward.
{{GM}}He pauses a moment before croaking out an answer.{{/GM}}

Maybe. Who's to say?
You are, if you know what's good for you.
What's happening on Wednesday, Yuli?
You going to hit me again? Okay, then, yes: I *am* working for the Lobatchevskis.

You want names? I'll give you names. More names than you know what to do with.
Forget it.
{{GM}}His mouth twists into a bloody grin.{{/GM}}

This Wednesday? I'll be putting your mother to work on the street corner. And when she's all worn out, I'll give your father a shot at the job.
You can do better than that.
Your fist connects with the ruptured bag of flesh that used to be his nose. He lets out a grunting sound, then falls silent.
{{GM}}His mouth twists into a bloody grin.{{/GM}}

Yeah. That's what I thought.
Your fist connects with the ruptured bag of flesh that used to be his nose. He lets out a grunting sound.
Okay, okay. Stop hitting me, I'll talk.

The she-troll is right. I'm working for the Lobatchevskis.

You want names? I'll give you names. More names than you know what to do with.
Go die in a ditch.
When you produce the chip, the Engineer's eyes widen slightly. He turns his head, and coughs wrack his body.
Interesting. This mean something to you, Yuli?

{{GM}}Eiger takes the chip from you and holds it up to the light.{{/GM}}

No identifying markings. I've seen enough BTLs in my time to know one when I see it, but this is different - it's been modified somehow.
Go ahead and slot it, bitch. It'll take you on the ride of your life.
{{GM}}Eiger raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Smack him for me, will you? I'm busy.
Eiger, refresh my memory... what's a BTL?
He isn't worth the effort.
You don't get out much, do you?

A BTL is a kind of simsense chip. Stands for "better than life." They're cheap, easy to find, and incredibly addictive.

People have died of dehydration while riding BTL highs... it's pretty common on the streets. They just stay plugged in until their bodies give out. Not a pretty way to go, believe me.
...And speaking of which, look at Yuli's temples. See that sweat beading up?

I'd say that our friend here has developed himself a habit.
{{GM}}She pauses a moment, then nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Yeah, you're right.

Besides, I think that we're getting closer. Look at his temples - see the sweat beading up? I'd say that Yuli's developed himself a habit.
You don't know what you're holding, slag.

{{GM}}He spits the words out like venom. His eyes are locked on the chip in Eiger's hand. Slowly, he licks his lips.{{/GM}}

You don't deserve to *touch* that chip.
I think that you're right, Eiger. Our friend here is an addict.
I thought that this guy was a professional.
{{GM}}The Engineer glances at you with a snarl.{{/GM}}

Fuck you.
The thing is, I know our friend's rep. And I'm telling you, he's much too careful to get himself addicted to sims.

{{GM}}She glances at the Engineer. His eyes are locked on the chip.{{/GM}}

If these things have him hooked this badly, they must be even more addictive than standard BTLs.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Street{{/CC}} This wouldn't be the first time that something like that hit the streets. Talk with enough sim-junkies and you'll hear all about it.
That's a frightening thought.
Interesting.

Tell me more.
There's a sort of legend out on the streets... the ultimate high. They called it "2XS."
Huh. Never heard of it.
Supposedly, it hit the streets of Seattle a couple of years ago. It vanished after a couple of months... there one day, gone the next. Nobody knows why.
Scary stuff. I haven't heard rumors of anything like that around here, thank God.
I'm not saying that this is 2XS, or even anything like it. But there *are* sims out there that are even stronger than BTLs. It's possible that this is one of them.
{{GM}}She turns to face the Engineer.{{/GM}}

You got anything to add to that, Yuli?
You have no idea how wrong you are. About all of this.

{{GM}}He struggles to rise from the floor, but his muscles refuse to cooperate. Finally, he gives up with a scowl.{{/GM}}

If I could move my arms, I'd take that chip from you and *show* you what it does.
I'm sure that you would.

{{GM}}She glances over her shoulder at you.{{/GM}}

Good find, $(l.name)... we've struck a nerve. Any other thoughts?
Yeah, actually. I think that I might know where the other chip went. Remember that body I found in the other room?
Yeah. Yeah, good thought.

Go check it out, but be quick - I don't know how long it'll be before we have company here.
You're telling me. The last thing that we need is more sim-junkies on our streets.

{{GM}}She turns to face the Engineer.{{/GM}}

You got anything to add to that, Yuli?
He is. I know his rep. I know that he's much too careful to get himself addicted to sims.

{{GM}}She glances at the Engineer. His eyes are locked on the chip.{{/GM}}

If these things have him hooked this badly, they must be even more addictive than standard BTLs.
Your fist connects with the ruined meat of the Engineer's nose.

He coughs, chokes on his own blood, and then spits a wad of it onto your chest.
Interesting, but not unusual in these parts. There are all kinds of drugs that could make a person act that way, and most of 'em aren't hard to get in a place like Schattennest.

Have you found anything else?
Interesting, but not unusual in these parts. There are all kinds of drugs that could make a person act that way, and most of 'em aren't hard to get in a place like Schattennest.
What about a simsense chip? Could that drive someone to do something like this?
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, considering.{{/GM}}

I don't see why not. It's worth checking out, at any rate.
Check the body and see if he had a chipjack. Just be quick about it - I don't know how long it'll be before we have company here.
{{GM}}At the sound of your words, the Engineer goes berserk. His eyes bulge, and he thrashes his head back and forth.{{/GM}}

You FUCKING IMBECILE! What have you DONE?
What was the drone carrying, Yuli? Sounds like it was something important.
{{GM}}He grinds his teeth.{{/GM}}

It was MINE. But as for *what* it was... you'll never know, slag.
{{GM}}Eiger looks you in the eye. Desperation hangs over her like a wet blanket.{{/GM}}

Was there anything else out there, $(l.name)? Any other clues at all?
{{CC}}Item: Journal{{/CC}} Well, I found this ledger... I don't recognize the language, but it looks Scandinavian.
I don't think so. I gave the building a thorough sweep.
I want to search around a bit more, just to be sure.
It might be nothing. Or it could mean that he's back in bed with the Lobatchevski Syndicate.
Another threat? I'm terrified.

Really, I am.
Come on, fearless leader. Yuli was conducting a deal with a bunch of gangers in here. They're not the most careful people in the world... there has to be *something.*

Do me a favor, and do another sweep. But be quick about it, okay?
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

All right. Fair enough.

Judging by what you *did* find, the most likely bet is that Yuli here is working for the Lobatchevski Syndicate. So I guess we'll have to go with that.
{{GM}}The Engineer smiles.{{/GM}}

You're wrong, slag. I'll give you that much for free.
{{GM}}Eiger glances down at him. Shakes her head.{{/GM}}

Oh, shut up, Yuli.
In a single, smooth motion, Eiger draws her knife from its sheath and buries it in the Engineer's throat.

He lets out a startled gurgling sound. The noise carries for a long time.
What the hell, Eiger? We weren't done with him!
Good riddance.
Yes, we were.

{{GM}}She wipes the dripping blade on the Engineer's coat, then slides it back into its sheath.{{/GM}}
Torture wasn't going to get us anywhere... in my experience, it seldom does. And that sack of shit has had this coming for years now.

He's done more than enough damage for one lifetime.
He was our captive. We don't kill prisoners, Eiger. It's wrong.
That wasn't your call to make.
You knew what this job was. What we came here to do.

If you didn't have the stomach to see it through, you should have stayed at the Kreuzbasar.
So what do you propose that we do now? Inform the F-State?
Well, first we search the body.

Who knows? Maybe he has some additional evidence on him... or in him. Could be that he has headware storage.

We won't know until we go digging.
I'll leave you to it.
All right. Let's get this over with.
Like hell you will. Get in here and help out.
Time passes. The job is long and unpleasant, but eventually, you find something: a hidden storage compartment in one of the Engineer's cyberarms.

Deactivated as his cyberware is, it takes some prying to get it open, but Eiger leans in and puts some muscle into it. With a metallic snapping sound, the compartment yawns open.
Eiger reaches in and pulls out a cylindrical object about the size of a beer can.

She inspects it, and a smile creeps across her face.
Does that mean something to you?
Yeah, actually. It's a pulse grenade.

The last I heard, the Russian military were developing them as crowd dispersal devices, but that was years ago.

Looks like Yuli kept a memento of his time in the Spetsnaz.
{{GM}}She examines the grenade with a critical eye.{{/GM}}

Looks like typical Russian engineering... clunky, but functional. If I took this thing apart, I bet that I could figure out how they made it.
Anything else in there?
{{GM}}She dips her hand into the secret compartment one more time.{{/GM}}

No, not that I can--
Without warning, the Engineer's cyberarms begin to twitch.

His body bucks convulsively while his dead eyes stare straight ahead.
{{GM}}Eiger snatches her hand back and steps backward.{{/GM}}

What the he--
The Engineer's body surges forward. A violent, convulsive motion. His eyes bulge out of his skull.

Then his chest evaporates in a spray of light.
As you watch, the chemical fire that rages from the Engineer's body blackens his flesh and spits sparks across the room.

It's the same reaction that you saw when the drone went up. A thermite reaction.
Does the Lobatchevski Syndicate do things like that? Plant those kinds of bombs in people?
{{GM}}Eiger shakes her head.{{/GM}}

I don't know. I've seen them use cortex bombs and exotic poisons, but never a device like that. Doesn't mean that it *isn't* them, though.

Come on, $(l.name). Let's get the hell out of here. We need to tell people about this.
Wrong, fearless leader.

When it comes to the team, I'll follow your orders. But this wasn't the team's job. This was *my* op, and *you* elected to tag along.
{{GM}}She nods, and pulls her knife from his throat. She wipes the dripping blade on the Engineer's coat, then slides it back into its sheath.{{/GM}}

You said it. May he burn in hell.
I guess there's nothing left to do but inform the F-State.
All right... but be quick. And $(l.name)?
For the love of God, try not to blow anything else up.
Come on, fearless leader. Yuli was conducting a deal with a bunch of gangers in here. They're not the most careful people in the world... there has to be *something.*

Do me a favor and do another sweep. But be quick about it, okay?
I'm not doing this for fun. I'm doing it because he *deserves* it.

If you knew half of what this bastard has done... if you'd heard the things that he just told me... you'd do the same.
This, fearless leader, is justice.

{{GM}}She rubs the backs of her hands on a rag.{{/GM}}

If you knew half of what this bastard has done... if you'd heard the things that he just told me... you'd do the same.
You're back. Find anything else?
The Engineer's eyes remain locked on the chip. His face has gone pallid white, and his shirt is drenched with sweat. His eyes bulge, and his breathing is heavy.
{{GM}}Eiger glances up from your manic captive and looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

Find what you were looking for?
{{CC}}Item: Melted Simsense Chip{{/CC}} Yeah. I pried his chipjack open and found a blob of melted plastic inside. It was still warm to the touch.
{{GM}}Eiger examines the remnants of the chip in your fingers.{{/GM}}

I've heard of things like this before. Single-use sims, designed to self-destruct after they're slotted. Keeps the customers from reusing the same BTL over and over again.

I'd say that you found our missing chip.
Yeah, I agree. But the ganger who slotted this wasn't blissed out like a normal sim-junkie. It was almost the opposite... he looked wild, like a madman.
I don't know who would willingly slot something like this. It drove him to kill himself, and from the looks of the body, he enjoyed every second of it.
This isn't a BTL. BTLs don't make you cave your own skull in.
"Madman."

{{GM}}The Engineer lets out a chuckle. It's a hoarse, barking sound.{{/GM}}

You don't know a damned thing.
Why don't you educate us?
I know that we have something you want. Something you're willing to die for.
I know that you'd love to get your hands on that chip Eiger's holding... if you could move your hands, that is.
The chip doesn't drive you insane. It OPENS YOUR EYES.

{{GM}}His voice grows in volume. Becomes ragged.{{/GM}}

Slot one, and you become a *GOD.*
Eiger stares at him, her expression flat.

The Engineer sneers.
I, too, was a skeptic. Then the Wolf caught me, and the Raven opened my eyes. And now, at last, I CAN *SEE!*
{{GM}}Suddenly, he lurches forward. Every muscle in his body goes tight, and the cords stand out on his neck.{{/GM}}

GIVE ME THE CHIP! IT WAS PROMISED TO ME! I *NEED* IT!
Tell us who you're working for, and it's all yours.
{{GM}}The Engineer spits out a mouthful of blood. It hits the tile floor with a sickening splat. He grinds his teeth, then snarls out a single word.{{/GM}}

Winternight.
There is a moment of silence.

Finally, Eiger speaks.
Never heard of them.
Of course you haven't, bitch. If you had, you'd already be dead. They don't leave loose ends.
{{GM}}His body begins to tremble. It looks like the drugs are wearing off.{{/GM}}

T-they have money, she-troll. M-money and influence enough to put the syndicates to shame. Even I cannot say how much, but I d-do know that what I've seen is just the tip of the s-s-spear.
All right. Let's say that you're telling the truth, and some sort of secret society is behind this. What do they want with Schattennest?
Th-they do not tell me these things. All I know is that they w-w-want to store things here.

Crates. Boxes. Shipped in f-f-from all over. No cargo inspections, and no t-t-traces back to th-them.
What are they shipping in? Weapons? Drugs? More of these BTLs?
{{GM}}He eyes her incredulously.{{/GM}}

You th-think that I asked them? It is n-n-not my p-place to know.

All th-that I know is what was p-promised to m-m-me.
G-GIVE ME THE CH-CH-CHIP!

{{GM}}His voice comes out in a shivering screech.{{/GM}}

YOU *PROMISED!*
*$+(l.he)* promised you the chip.

{{GM}}Eiger smiles at the Engineer. Slowly, she pulls a knife from her belt.

Its serrated edge glints in the light.{{/GM}}
*I,* on the other hand, didn't offer you a goddamned thing.
Put the knife away, Eiger. I gave him my word.
Maybe we should just let him slot the thing.
She's got you there.
{{GM}}She turns to stare at you.{{/GM}}

You're not suggesting that we let this monster live, are you?

Do you know what's going to happen when his cyberware powers back up?
I'm suggesting that we keep my promise. If he wants the chip so badly, give it to him.
Something bad, I'm sure. But I can't justify murdering a helpless captive.
{{GM}}She looks at the chip in her fingers, then down at the Engineer's trembling body. Slowly, a smile spreads across her face.{{/GM}}

Not unless he sweetens the deal.

You hear that, Yuli? I'll give you what you want, but you need to make it worth my while.
{{GM}}He licks his lips and nods feverishly.{{/GM}}

I... I have a stash, here in this warehouse. A custom rifle. It's all yours if you give me what is mine.
{{GM}}Eiger looks back over to you and raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

I could use a new rifle. What do you think, fearless leader?
Deal. Once we know where the stash is, give him the chip.
To be perfectly honest, I was just toying with him. You can kill him now if you want to.
{{GM}}The Engineer nods feverishly.{{/GM}}

O-over there. In the c-c-corner. Th-there's a duffel b-bag under the f-f-floor plate.

N-now GIVE IT TO ME.
All right, Yuli. It's all yours.
Eiger leans in and grabs the Engineer's head with her left hand, then pries his chipjack open with her right. She slaps the chip into the jack, then clicks it shut.

Seconds pass. Nothing happens.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!? W-why don't I FEEL ANYTHING?
Oops. Sorry, Yuli. I guess that the cyberware deactivator shut down your chipjack, too.

Somewhere in the back of that addled skull, I'm sure that you probably knew that. But then, hope springs eternal, doesn't it?
I said that we'd give you the chip. I never promised that it would work.
I'M G-G-GOING TO K-KILL YOU! D-do you HEAR ME? I-I'll RIP OUT YOUR SPINE!
Good luck with that.
Never promised I'd let you live, either. Eiger?
The Engineer's eyes bulge, and he beats the back of his head against the floor.

He opens his mouth to speak again, but the only sound that comes out is a gurgling scream.
{{GM}}Eiger takes a step back.{{/GM}}

Something's wrong. Look at his hands.
The ork's milspec cyberarms are twitching. His fingers seem to move of their own accord, writhing aimlessly in the air.

The light on his chipjack begins to blink.
How long was that cyberware deactivator supposed to last?
{{GM}}She reaches for her shotgun.{{/GM}}

Longer than this. I'm going to kill Bannik when--
Whoa! Step back, $(l.name)... *way* back.
As you watch, the chemical fire that rages from the Engineer's body blackens his flesh and spits sparks across the room.

It's the same reaction that you saw when the drone went up. A thermite reaction.

It takes him a full minute to stop twitching.
His employers. Winternight. They must have implanted that thing in him.
Yeah, and judging by the way he reacted, he didn't know that they'd done it. They must have thrown it in while he was getting other work done.

I'm willing to bet that if we hadn't used the cyberware deactivator on him, he'd've gone up before he had the chance to spill any names.
If you were looking for proof of who his employer was, I think that this was it.
{{GM}}She nods, then casts a final glance at the charred remains of the Engineer.{{/GM}}

Yeah. We know who to warn the Flux State about.

Let's grab the rifle and go. We're done here.
{{GM}}The blade of her knife glints in the light.{{/GM}}

You don't have to ask me twice.
Suddenly, the Engineer's entire body bucks forward. His eyes bulge out of his skull, and he beats the back of his head against the floor.

He opens his mouth to speak, but the only sound that comes out is a gurgling scream.
{{GM}}Eiger takes a step back. Her knife lowers slightly.{{/GM}}

Something's wrong. Look at his hands.
Don't have to tell me twice.

{{GM}}She plunges her blade into the Engineer's throat. He lets out a startled gurgling sound, thrashes, and dies.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

And we know who his employer was. "Winternight."

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

I don't know. Somehow, I have a hard time believing in a Norwegian secret society that's more dangerous than the Russian mob.
Let's hope that the F-State is easier to convince.
Whoever this Winternight is, I don't want to leave them to the F-State. I think that we should handle them ourselves.
That's okay.

{{GM}}She plunges her blade into the Engineer's throat. He lets out a startled gurgling sound.{{/GM}}

I can.
Eiger! I gave you an order!
...Fair enough.
I still expect you to obey my orders, Eiger. When you run with me, I'm the boss.
Anyway, we know who his employer was. "Winternight."

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

I don't know. Somehow, I have a hard time believing in a Norwegian secret society that's more dangerous than the Russian mob.
Whoever this Winternight is, I think that we should handle them ourselves. It's the only way that we'll know this is finished.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Let's hope.
So. Back to the Kreuzbasar?
What the hell is that?
{{GM}}She holds the object up for your inspection.{{/GM}}

This, my friend, is a pulse grenade. The last I heard, the Russian military were developing them as crowd dispersal devices, but that was years ago.

Looks like Yuli kept a memento of his time in the Spetsnaz.
Well, you've got what you wanted. Let's get the hell out of here.
Yeah. Must have.

I'm willing to bet that if we hadn't used the cyberware deactivator on him, he'd've gone up before he had the chance to spill any names.
If you were looking for further proof, I think that this was it.
Yeah... looks that way.

Let's go. People need to know about this.
{{GM}}She dips her hand into the secret compartment one more time.{{/GM}}

Just a second, I think that there might be--
Can't do it, fearless leader. What you're suggesting is beyond the scope of our capabilities.

I don't have any contacts in Norway. We wouldn't even know where to begin looking for Winternight, and if we found them, what then? The two of us aren't going to stop an international conspiracy our own. We're good, but we're not *that* good.
Speak for yourself.
You've got a point there. We'll let the Flux State handle it.
{{GM}}She rolls her eyes.{{/GM}}

All right, one-$(l.man)-army, believe what you want. But even if you *could* take them down on your own, you don't have time. We've still got a dragon to deal with, remember?

We can't take the time to go scouring the Norwegian countryside looking for a secret society. Let the F-State worry about protecting Berlin's borders - that's what it's there for.
The hell with that, we can't trust a bunch of strangers with this.
All right, Eiger. You win. Let's go home.
I understand where you're coming from, $(l.name)... believe me, I do. I like a clear resolution as much as anyone else. But out in the field, you almost never get one.

There are no easy fixes in my line of work. You don't kill the bad guy and have everyone live happily ever after - that's a fairy tale, not real life. The real world is more complicated than that.
We aren't gonna solve this on our own. That was never the plan. But if you still need some closure on this, take another look at what's left of the Engineer.

{{GM}}She jerks her thumb in the direction of the ork's smoldering corpse.{{/GM}}

He's dead and gone, and we're the reason why.
That's something, I guess.
That's not enough. He was just one man.
Speaking of Yuli, there's one more thing that I want to do before we go home.

{{GM}}She stoops to inspect the body.{{/GM}}

We still need to search the bastard. Who knows? Maybe he has some additional evidence on him... or in him. Could be that he has headware storage - we won't know until we go digging.
{{GM}}She offers you a half-smile.{{/GM}}

So are you. If Winternight is as powerful as Yuli said they are, it'll take an army to stop them. So we let the closest thing that Berlin has handle it.
All right, fine. You win. We leaving now?
Not quite.

{{GM}}She stoops to inspect the body.{{/GM}}

We still need to search the bastard. Who knows? Maybe he has some additional evidence on him... or in him. Could be that he has headware storage - we won't know until we go digging.
{{GM}}She offers you a half-smile.{{/GM}}

And you're just one woman. If Winternight is as powerful as Yuli said they are, it'll take an army to stop them. So we let the closest thing that Berlin has handle it.
Good call. Now, there's just one more thing that I want to do before we head back home.

{{GM}}She gestures at the Engineer's lifeless body.{{/GM}}

We still need to search the bastard. Who knows? Maybe he has some additional evidence on him... or in him. Could be that he has headware storage - we won't know until we go digging.
Believe what you want, $(l.name), I won't argue with you. We're still in hostile territory, and we have more important things to worry about.

{{GM}}She pauses for a moment to stare at the Engineer's body, frowning.{{/GM}}

"Winternight." Somehow, I have a hard time believing in a Norwegian secret society that's more dangerous than the Russian mob.
{{GM}}Eiger leans in to look the Engineer in the eye. She grins.{{/GM}}

Goodbye, Yuli.
She plunges her blade into the Engineer's throat. The ork lets out a startled gurgling sound, thrashes, and dies.
{{GM}}Eiger wipes her hands clean and looks up, an expression of grim satisfaction on her face.{{/GM}}

Well. That takes care of that. Thanks for the assist, fearless leader.
Any time. Ready to head back to the Kreuzbasar? We need to let the F-State know about this.
No problem, but we aren't done yet. We still have Winternight to deal with.
Hang on a second - we should search the body first. Who knows? Maybe he has some additional evidence on him... or in him.

{{GM}}She taps a finger against his forehead.{{/GM}}

Could be that he has headware storage. We won't know until we go digging.
Death is nothing. NOTHING! If you'd seen what I've seen, you would know for yourselves.

The chip... it OPENS YOUR EYES. Slot one, and you become a *GOD.*
Hatred burns in the Engineer's stare. He struggles to rise from the floor, but after a few seconds of ineffectual thrashing, he gives up.
You really want this thing, don't you?

{{GM}}She waves the chip in front of his eyes.{{/GM}}

This is junkie behavior. Whatever this thing is, you're hooked on it.
{{GM}}He snarls up at Eiger, his face screwed into a look of pure hatred.{{/GM}}

The chip is everything. EVERYTHING! It's worth DYING FOR!

I was ignorant once, like you. But then my EYES WERE OPENED, and I SAW! The chip... slot one, and you become a *GOD!*
{{GM}}The Engineer lets out a chuckle. It's a hoarse, barking sound.{{/GM}}

You don't know a damned thing.
Well, get to it. We need to get this done and get out of here... preferably before more gangers show up.
{{GM}}Dietrich scans the room nervously.{{/GM}}

They've sealed the door behind us. We’ve got to find another way out of here. What are you doing?		 {{GM}}Dietrich observe la pièce nerveusement.{{/GM}}

Ils ont verrouillé la porte derrière nous. Nous devons trouver une autre sortie. Qu'est-ce que tu fais ?
{{CC}}Decking: 1{{/CC}} I think Monika may have inserted a bug into the system before she died. {{CC}}Decking: 1{{/CC}} Je crois que Monika a inséré un bug dans le système avant de mourir.
Monika was trying to tell me something about this terminal. It must be important. Monika voulait nous dire quelque chose à propos de ce terminal. Ca doit être important.
What's it for? Something tells me we're going to have more company soon... Pour quoi faire ? Quelque chose me dit qu'on va avoir de la compagnie rapidement...
I don't know yet. Watch my back while I figure this out. Je ne sais pas encore. Surveilles mes arrières pendant que je regarde ça.
Stay frosty, Dietrich. Just give me a minute. Relax, Dietrich. Donne moi juste une minute.
{{GM}}Text continues to scroll down the terminal screen.{{/GM}}

>>>A problem has been detected with a core component of MCPOS.
>>>Restore MCPOS to factory default settings? Y/N

WARNING: RESTORE PROCESS WILL TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES TO EXECUTE. CONNECTED DOORS AND PERIPHERALS WILL BE DISARMED WHEN COMPLETE.

$(l.name) * $(l.name) * $(l.name) * $(l.name) * $(l.name) 		{{GM}}Le texte continue de défiler vers le bas sur l'écran du terminal.{{/GM}}

>>>Un problème a été détecté dans un composant principal du MCPOS.
>>>Restaurer les paramètres d'usine du MCPOS? O/N

ATTENTION: LE PROCESSUS DE RESTAURATION PRENDRA PLUSIEURS MINUTES POUR S'EXECUTER. LES PORTES ET LES PERIPHERIQUES CONNECTES SERONT DESARMES UNE FOIS LE PROCESSUS TERMINE.

$(l.name) * $(l.name) * $(l.name) * $(l.name) * $(l.name)
{{GM}}Hit the "Y" key.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Appuyer sur la touche "O" du clavier{{/GM}}
>>Processing Request.

.....0% Complete.		 >>Requête en cours de traitement.

.....0% Terminé.
As you watch, the number on the screen slowly begins to climb.

This is going to take a while.		 Vous observez le numéro à l'écran, il augmente lentement.

Cela risque de prendre un sacré bout de temps.
You glance down at a second screen to see that the facility is on high alert. In place of a simple data vault, it seems you've stumbled upon some kind of massive underground complex.

A map of the holdfast grounds indicates that security forces are en route from multiple angles. The doors currently being rebooted by the system's restore process are flashing a dull red. 		Vous jetez un œil sur le second écran pour voir si le manoir est en alerte rouge. A la place d'un simple data center, il semblerait que vous soyez tomber sur un genre d'immense complexe souterrain.

Un plan de l'ensemble du complexe indique que les forces de sécurité convergent dans votre direction. Les portes en train d'être redémarrées par le système apparaissent en rouge.
If you're reading this display correctly, the only exit from this room is the holdfast's old servants' entrance, on the western side of the building. Si vous comprenez cet écran correctement, la seule sortie est une ancienne entrée des domestiques dans l'aile ouest du bâtiment.
{{GM}}At that moment, Eiger's image winks onto your commlink with a crackling sound. The image is grainy, flickering in and out.{{/GM}}

What's going on down there, rookie? Talk to me!		 {{GM}}Au même instant, l'image d'Eiger apparaît brusquement sur votre commlink dans un crachotement. L'image est granuleuse et vacillante...{{/GM}}

Qu'est-ce qui se passe en bas, le bleu? Réponds-moi!
Eiger. New extraction point. Eiger. Nouveau point d'extraction.
Monika's down, Eiger. The vault was a setup. Monika est mort, Eiger. Le data-vault était un piège.
Hold up. Where’s Monika? Attends un peu. Ou est Monika?
I'm sorry, Eiger... Monika didn't make it. Now we have to get out of here. Look for an old servants' entrance to the west of the main grounds, we'll rendezvous with you there. Je suis désolé, Eiger... Monika est tombée. Maintenant, nous devons sortir d'ici. Recherches une ancienne entrée des domestiques dans l'aile ouest du bâtiment, on se retrouve la bas.
Down. We'll be exiting via an old servants' entrance to the west of the main grounds. I need you to keep that exit clear. Morte. Nous allons sortir par une ancienne entrée des domestiques dans l'aile ouest du bâtiment, tu dois faire en sorte que la sortie soit dégagée.
{{GM}}Eiger’s silence is thick, but when she finally responds, her tone is professional.{{/GM}}

Roger that.

{{GM}}She cuts out without another word.{{/GM}}		 {{GM}}Le silence d'Eiger est pesant, mais quand elle répond enfin, son ton est professionnel.{{/GM}}

Bien reçu.

{{GM}}Elle coupe la communication sans rien ajouter de plus.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Glory turns to face you, her movements smooth and robotic. Her voice comes out in a frosty monotone.{{/GM}}

What’s the play, $(l.name)?		 {{GM}}Glory se tourne vers vours, en un mouvement fluide et mécanisé. Sa voix est glaciale et monotone.{{/GM}}

Et maintenant, $(l.name)?
Our escape route will open in a minute. We hold tight until then. Notre sortie de secours sera déverrouillée dans quelques minutes. Nous devons tenir le coup en attendant.
I say we kill every drekhead who enters this room. How does that sound? Je dis que nous allons buter tous les ordures qui entrerons dans la pièce. C'est bon pour vous?
Monika found a way to open the doors, but it’s going to take some time. Monika a trouvé un moyen d'ouvrir les portes, mais cela va prendre un peu de temps.
By “hold tight,” you mean “sit here and fry anyone who comes through the door,” don’t you? Par "tenir le coup", tu veux dire "rester ici et défoncer toute personne qui passera ces portes", n'est-ce-pas?
Pretty much, yeah. À peu près, oui.
No. I mean stay sharp, stay calm, and stay alive. Non. Je veux dire rester attentif, calme, et en vie.
{{GM}}Dietrich’s pained expression twists into a mask of hate. His hands begin to glow with primal energy.{{/GM}}

I can do that.		 {{GM}}Le visage peiné de Dietrich se tord pour revêtir un masque de haine. Ses mains se mettent à briller d'énergie primitive.{{/GM}}

Cà, je peux le faire.
I thought so. When the door locks disarm, we make a break for it. Until then, we make them pay for Monika. C'est bien ce que je pensais. Dès que la porte se déverrouille, on fonce. En attendant on va leur faire payer pour Monika.
Good. Now let's find some cover and wait for the door locks to disarm. Bien. Maintenant, mettons nous à couvert et attendons que la porte se déverrouille.
Dietrich and Glory nod in agreement. Dietrich and Glory acquiescent.
{{GM}}For a second, Dietrich’s pained expression twists into a mask of hatred, but he regains his composure.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Don't worry, I've got your back.		 {{GM}}L'espace d'un instant, le visage peiné de Dietrich se transforme en un masque de haine, puis il retrouve son calme.{{/GM}}

Okay. Pas d'inquiétude, je surveille tes arrières.
{{GM}}Dietrich’s pained expression twists into a mask of hate. His hands begin to glow with primal energy.{{/GM}}

Yeah. I’m good with that.		 {{GM}}Le visage peiné de Dietrich se tord pour revêtir un masque de haine. Ses mains se mettent à briller d'énergie primitive.{{/GM}}

Ouais, ça me va bien ça.
Me too. Pareil.
{{GM}}Dietrich’s pained expression lightens a bit.{{/GM}}

Of course she did. 		{{GM}}Le visage peiné de Dietrich semble s'éclaircir un petit peu.{{/GM}}

Evidemment qu'elle a trouvé.
Thanks to her, we might get out of here alive. Now let's find some cover and wait for the door locks to disarm. Grâce à elle, nous pourrons peut-être sortir d'ici vivant. Maintenant, mettons nous à couvert et attendons que la porte se déverrouille.
When the door locks disarm, we make a break for it. Until then, we make them pay for Monika. Dès que la porte se déverrouille, on fonce. En attendant on va leur faire payer pour Monika.
{{GM}}He glances over to his fallen friend.{{/GM}}

Thank you, Liebchen.		 {{GM}}Il regarde le corps sans vie de son amie.{{/GM}}

Merci, Liebchen.
...What? ...Quoi?
I'm sorry, Eiger... we couldn't save her. Now we have to get out of here. Look for an old servants' entrance to the west of the main grounds; we'll rendezvous with you there. Je suis désolé, Eiger... nous n'avons rien pu faire. Maintenant, nous devons sortir d'ici. Recherches une ancienne entrée des domestiques dans l'aile ouest du bâtiment, on se retrouve la bas.
No time to explain. We'll be exiting via an old servants' entrance to the west of the main grounds. I need you to keep that exit clear. Pas le temps d'expliquer. On va sortir par la vieille entrée des domestiques à l'ouest de la propriété. Tu dois faire en sorte que la sortie soit dégagée.
Well, any ideas? Something tells me we're going to have more company soon...
// HORIZON NEWS //
ONE YEAR LATER
Your old van rattles over the uneven terrain as you make your way back to the Harfeld Manor. Vauclair's message to you was as short as it was cryptic: "URGENT! Come back to the lab. Your assistance is needed."

In the year since Vauclair released his Panacea, the world has gone through a lot of changes. The balance of power has shifted from one megacorp to another; market shares have risen and fallen. A worldwide effort to find a cure for the "Wyrm Flu" continues.

The dragons are dead.

Vauclair's work was a rousing success. But over the past few months, strange things have been happening. Unexplained magical phenomena. The emergence of strange new creatures. Disasters, both natural and man-made.

Your van rolls to a halt. If anyone can explain what's happening to the world, Vauclair can. It's time to go and find him.
Vauclair
Researcher
HumanMaleSecurity
Street Magic Quarterly // a Shadowfront Publication
das Finanzwesen
Shadowfront // Independent News Source
Newsday World Report
News Anchor
Male Newscaster
Female Newscaster
Newscast Camera
Taylor Nguyen
Liam Foster
Adelaide Camera
Dante
Your dog, whether you like it or not.
Crew: Dog
Speak to Vauclair
Investigate the Lab
Speak to Audran
You step into the garage, "Prototype" in tow. Before you are the two vehicles that you knew would be waiting: your client's van, and the Lodge's. And nobody but you knows what the presence of the second van means.
You step into the garage, "Prototype" in tow. Before you are the two vehicles that you knew would be waiting: your client's van, and the Lodge's.
Two different clients, and two different paydays. Decisions, decisions, huh, chief?
Yeah. And no matter what we do, we're gonna piss someone off.
We're not talking about a piece of merchandise.

There's a living troll buried under all that chrome.
Well, it's your call, chief. Can't say I envy you the decision.
We ain't talkin' about a piece of merchandise here, boss. There's a living troll buried under all that chrome.

Whatever you decide to do, you should keep that in mind.
We're not talking about a piece of merchandise, Blitz.

There's a living troll buried under all that chrome.
Well, it's your call, boss. Can't say I envy you the decision.
We're not talking about a piece of merchandise here, boss.

There's a living troll buried under all that chrome.
Well, it's your call, chief.

Can't say I envy you the decision.
Decision time, boss. We've got two different clients, and they both want the same thing.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Can't say that I like the idea of givin' this thing to either of 'em.
Neither do I.
Dietrich's right. We're not talking about a piece of merchandise.

There's a living troll buried under all that chrome.
It's your call, boss. Can't say I envy you the decision.
Herr Schmidt hired us for a reason. We should just give it to him and wash our hands of it.

The job's the job, $(l.name).
I suppose that it's time to make a decision. We have two clients, and they both want this thing.

But then, "thing" isn't the right word. There's a living troll buried under all of this chrome.

Handing him over to either of them would be reprehensible.
The decision is yours, $(l.name).

Make it a good one.
I suppose that it's time to make a decision. We have two clients, and they both want this thing.

The professional thing to do would be to give it to Herr Schmidt. He hired us for a reason... we should load it into his van and wash our hands of it.
The decision's yours, fearless leader.

Make it a good one.
Two different clients. Two different paydays. And no way to get out of this without pissing somebody off.

The Cyberzombie stands impassively by your side. Awaiting your command.
You step into the garage, "Prototype" in tow. Herr Schmidt's van awaits.
Decisions, decisions, huh, chief?

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Can't say that I like the idea of handin' this thing over to Schmidt... Lord knows what he's going to do with it.
I can't tell you how to handle this one, fearless leader. The kindest thing to do would be to put that troll out of his misery... Lord knows it's what I *want* to do.

But then, the job is the job, and Herr Schmidt hired us for a reason.
I'm with Blitz. There's a living troll buried under all of that chrome.

We can't just hand him over like a piece of merchandise.
I agree with Blitz.

There's a living troll buried under all that chrome.
Decision time, boss.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Can't say that I like the idea of handin' this thing over to Schmidt... Lord knows what he's going to do with it.
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Well, it's your call, boss. Can't say I envy you the decision.
Time to make a decision. Herr Schmidt wants this thing... but then, "thing" isn't the right word.

There's a living troll buried under all of this chrome. Handing him over to Schmidt would be reprehensible.
I suppose that it's time to make a decision.

I'm not gonna lie, fearless leader... I don't feel right about this. There's a living troll buried under all of that chrome.

Putting him out of his misery would be the kindest course of action.
But then again, the job is the job. And Herr Schmidt wants this thing alive.
The MKVI stands impassively by your side. Unprotesting, because it is unable to protest.

A prisoner in its own body.
The MKVI stands impassively by your side. Awaiting your command.
He's dead... Doctor Vauclair is dead.

{{GM}}Her eyes are open wide, and her cheeks have flushed red. The tone of her voice is one of utter despair.{{/GM}}

We're doomed. The world is going to die.
Sounds about right.
Don't give up. We can still turn this around!
{{GM}}Tears stream down her cheeks.{{/GM}}

We're dead. All of us.
No. We can't.

{{GM}}Tears stream down her cheeks.{{/GM}}

We're dead. All of us.
The young researcher peers at you through bloodshot eyes. She can't be much older than twenty-five, but heavy worry lines etch her brow, and her mouth is set in a frown.
Please leave me alone.

I'm busy.
Where is Vauclair?
What does the old man have you doing in here?
{{GM}}Walk away.{{/GM}} Sorry to bother you.
The room on the other side of the hall.

Now please, leave me alone and let me get back to work.
The same thing that you're doing. I'm trying to help him reverse whatever's happening to the world.

Now please... let me get back to work.
She nods and returns her attention to her workstation.
I told you to leave me alone. I can't afford to lose my concentration.
Hasenkamp steps outside. Immediately afterward, the door slams shut behind him.

You hear a dull thud. A maglock sliding shut.
Son of a...
Sorry, friend, but you're not the only one who has a decker in this system. Someone's gonna have to take the blame for this theft, and it won't be us.
Uh, chief? First off: told you so. And second: he's not kidding. There's someone else in here...
You just sit tight. Any minute now, you're going to have all sorts of company. Pleasure doing business with you.

{{GM}}He turns and leaves, cradling the black box in his arms.{{/GM}}
I think that I can get you out of there, but I'm gonna have to deal with this decker first.
What do you need me to do?
Stay alive! I'll do what I can to take those turrets offline. So just try not to die, okay?
Self Repair Protocol
When triggered the drone repairs it's most recent damage.
Single target.
Fray Armor
A two-hit combo with the hand-razors. Each hit strips 2 Armor from the target.
This trendily-designed panel reads "Penthouse."

A slick, high-grade keypad has been mounted into the door frame.
11111
>>MAINTENANCE OVERRIDE ACCEPTED
95621
>>Code Rejected!
Burst Fire
Two attacks in one action that increases chance of critical. Uses 5 bullets.
$(l.name). I'm glad to see that you made it through the attack.

Not all of mine were so lucky.
Are you okay, Herr Mettbach?
No. I lost a niece today. But I'm doing a whole hell of a lot better than our attackers are.

Those sons of bitches hit the wrong kiez.
I put six of 'em in the ground personally. And when I find out who they are... where they *lived*...

{{GM}}He turns his head and spits.{{/GM}}

...ain't nothin' gonna save those people.
{{GM}}He shakes his head, and returns his attention to you.{{/GM}}

But you didn't come here to listen to me rage. You're after a bit of payback yourself, I'll wager.

So what can I do to help you get it?
$(l.name). It does me good to know that you're still fightin' the good fight.

You just tell me what you need, and my boys'll go fetch it for you.
The Romani patriarch is an impressive figure: an enormous man in his late sixties, burly and broad-chested despite his age.

His voice is deep and resonant, and his breath is heavy with the stench of pipe tobacco.
T'aven baxtale.

You're here to conduct some business? If so, I welcome you to Mettbach Arms and Ammunition. If not, keep right on walking.
I have cash, and I need weapons. Show me the goods.
I'm here to buy. Care to tell me about your inventory?
Got your message about that missing shipment. How can I help?
I took care of that business with the Rabengeister. They won't be hijacking our shipments any more.
I was actually hoping to ask you a few questions.
I'll be going now.
Don't mind me, I'm just passing through.
We have weapons from all across Europe... Ares, Ceska, Fichetti, you name it. If it can be found on the continent, it can be acquired by Mettbach Arms.
Impressive setup. Let's do some business.
I don't conduct business with suppliers that I know nothing about. Talk to me about Mettbach Arms.
And I don't discuss family matters with customers, let alone strangers. It's nothing personal, but the answer is no.

Understood?
Understood, Herr Mettbach.
Are you always this rude to your customers?
I'm leaving. Nothing personal.
You show me respect. This is good.

{{GM}}Mettbach nods his approval.{{/GM}}

Now. Unless you'd like to take yours elsewhere, let's get back to business, eh?
Show me your standard inventory.
No business today. I'm leaving.
{{GM}}Mettbach's face flushes purple. His slate-gray eyes narrow to slits.{{/GM}}

The Mettbach family loves its customers. But if you don't buy anything, you're not a damned customer, are you?

{{GM}}From the set of Mettbach's jaw, you can see that he's furious.{{/GM}}
You don't need to answer that. What you do need to do is make a choice: do you want to apologize and buy something? Or do you want to haul your ass down the street, around the corner, and out of my sight?

From where I stand, there's only one right choice to make. But hey, it's a free city, you can do what you want.
I'll buy something if it'll calm you down.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Street{{/CC}} Apologies, Herr Mettbach... I didn't intend any disrespect. Allow me to prove my sincerity with a purchase.
Don't blow a gasket, I'm leaving.
The apology could use work. The money, though... that I will take.

Let's move past this foolishness and get down to business.
{{GM}}There is a brief pause as Mettbach considers your request. Finally he nods with a grunt.{{/GM}}

Better.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Aye. A gang from a nearby kiez has been hijacking shipments bound for the Kreuzbasar, takin' money out of *our* pockets.

I could use your help to stop this from happening.
Your dear departed Monika used to provide encryption and information control for the Kreuzbasar.

Now that she's gone, we merchants have been having no end of trouble. The obvious answer is that a gang has been intercepting our communications.
What kind of communications?
Shipping manifests. Payment orders. That kind of thing.

A group with an agenda could use that information to set an ambush, and that's just what this gang has been doin'. Several cargo trucks full of goods have already been hijacked en route to the Kreuzbasar.
I had a tracking device placed on the last shipment that I sent out - containers full of weapons and medical supplies. Sure enough, it got taken, and I've tracked it to Gesundbrunnen. If you've never been there... it's a kiez built out of an old U-Bahn station and some old bunkers.

Rumor has it, a new gang called the "Rabengeister" is holed up there. I suspect that the two things are related.
So. I need you to go to Gesundbrunnen, find the Rabengeister, and get our goods back.

I can offer you 500 nuyen for the task... and if you can recover our missing weapons shipment, I'll be able to sell you some better hardware, too.
Can you tell me anything else about this gang, the Rabengeister?
How do I get to Gesundbrunnen?
I'll take care of it.
I'll see what I can do. No promises.
{{GM}}He frowns.{{/GM}}

Not much, I'm afraid. From what I've heard... the Rabengeister are tricky. They have a reputation for stirring up trouble, then disappearing without a trace. I would tread carefully in Gesundbrunnen if I were you.
Just take the U-Bahn. The line still runs, though not many folks stop at Gesundbrunnen anymore.

The market there used to be something of a tourist attraction... but I think they've fallen on hard times recently.
Good. It's about time I had some new inventory come in.
And one more thing, $(l.name)... I'm gonna need you to go in light on this one. Take a friend along if you like, but no more than one. If you spook 'em, they could trash the merchandise. Best go quiet.

Best go soon, too, before the trail goes cold.
That's fair enough. Just remember: if you can get that shipment back, I'll be able to put some better weapons on the shelves here. Hardware like that might come in handy for one such as yourself.
Trail's gone cold on that one, I'm afraid. I had a tracker on the shipment, but it was moving out of the city when I lost the signal. They probably found and destroyed the device.

Next time, perhaps... but I don't think we'll have that kind of luck again. We have more important things to deal with now, here in the Kreuzbasar.
{{GM}}A faint smile plays across the normally taciturn merchant's face.{{/GM}}

Yes, this much I know already. The missing shipment arrived just before you did... though I barely caught a glimpse of those who delivered it.

How were you able to manage that?
I made an arragement with their leader, and they agreed to return the weapons.
It's done. That's all that matters.
And you've accomplished all of this through... diplomacy? Interesting.

It is... well, it is not what I would have done. But perhaps that is for the best.
This is true. Good, good.
{{GM}}A faint smile plays across the normally taciturn merchant's face.{{/GM}}

Yes, and my people have already retreived the shipment - exactly where you said it would be. Good work.

How were you able to manage that?
Let's just say those bastards got what they deserved for messing with the Kreuzbasar.
Things got a little... messy... but I got the job done.
{{GM}}A cold smile flickers across his face.{{/GM}}

Good. That is good.
Here is your payment as promised. And, should you need any new weapons... thanks to you, I have some new merchandise available.

Would you like to take a look?
Yes, let's see what you've got.
No thanks. Maybe next time.
{{GM}}The Romani patriarch gives you an approving nod.{{/GM}}

Until then, $(l.name).
{{GM}}A cold smile flickers across his face.{{/GM}}

Good. Sometimes a little mess is... necessary.
{{GM}}He raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Indeed? That is good news.

Were you able to retreive the shipment of weapons they stole as well?		 {{GM}}Il lève un sourcil.{{/GM}}

Tu veux dire, le totem chamanique?

Une... demande inhabituelle. Pourquoi veux tu savoir?
They agreed to stop hijacking our supplies from now on, but they won't be returning the stolen shipment.
Pfeh!

{{GM}}He spits on the ground.{{/GM}}

And you just let them get away with this?
The Rabengeister steal to support their kiez in hard times. I'd do the same, in their position. I'm not about to start a war with a neighbor over a few guns.
That's right, and it's not up for debate.
Easy for you to say. It's not your merchandise that's been stolen.
{{GM}}He frowns.{{/GM}}

But... I suppose what's done is done. Very well. I won't question your decision.
Here is your payment, then. It is at least good to know that our shipments will be safe again.

Until next time, $(l.name).
You make a purchase, you can ask as many questions as you like.

{{GM}}The corner of his mouth twitches upward.{{/GM}}

Make a big enough purchase, and who knows? I might even answer a few.
So what'll it be? Will you buy some guns, or will you be on your merry way?
In that case, I suppose I'm buying.
I don't need anything right now. I'll be on my way.
{{GM}}Mettbach nods.{{/GM}}

Very good.
{{GM}}Mettbach's face hardens. After a brief pause, he gives you a curt nod.{{/GM}}

Very well, gadjo. But if you come 'round again, you come with money and you come to buy, understand?

{{GM}}He makes a shooing motion with his hand, waving you away.{{/GM}}

Move along now. Zha Devlesa.
{{GM}}Mettbach's face hardens. After a brief pause, he gives you a curt nod.{{/GM}}

Very well, gadji. But if you come 'round again, you come with money and you come to buy, understand?

{{GM}}He makes a shooing motion with his hand, waving you away.{{/GM}}

Move along now. Zha Devlesa.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Very well. Until next time, then.
T'aven baxtale, $(l.race).

You're here to conduct some business? If so, I welcome you to Mettbach Arms and Ammunition. If not, keep right on walking.
Welcome back. You need some weapons? Some ammunition, perhaps?
This is a small sealed plastic can of regular gasoline.
{{GM}}Pick up the gas can.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the gas can alone.{{/GM}}
These metahuman bones have been picked clean.
A corpse - mangled beyond recognition.
THE SEWERS
A ghostly labyrinth of tunnels and dead-end passageways makes up the network of sewers beneath the Kreuzbasar. You climb down the ladder into this shallow underworld and reel at the wave of foul smells that washes over you, clogging your sinuses and saturating your clothing.

As your eyes adjust to the light, you find yourself standing at the edge of a narrow channel of murky gray-green water. The rush of churning water echoes down the tunnel.

You catch a flash of motion in your peripheral vision. Something man-sized, moving fast, flitting across the far end of the tunnel. You strain your eyes to see it, but to no avail. The thing - whatever it is - is gone.
Fix the Water Pumps: $(scene.numWaterPumpsActive) / 2
Ghouls? Fuck.
Pump Console
Ghoul
Feral Ghoul
Dr. Exabier Ezkibel
Fix the Water Pumps
Locate the Missing Maintenance Worker
Reactivate the South Turbine
Leave the Sewers
Call Dr. Ezkibel on the Nearby Commlink
Decide What to do About the Ghouls
An ostentatiously large tome sits cradled on this pedestal. The paper is robust and fibrous, and the binding has been expertly stitched. A steel plate running along the book's spine anchors it to the pedestal.

Glory stares down at it, frowning.
Harrow's manifesto. The handcrafted line of bullshit that he feeds to his initiates.

We all ate it up with a smile, and came away convinced that he was a genius.
{{GM}}She leafs through the pages with an articulated finger.{{/GM}}

Looks like he's expanded it over the last few years. It's at least twice as thick as it was when I lived here.
Maybe there's something in there that we can use.
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} We don't have time to screw around with this. Let's keep moving.
I wouldn't want to hang around long enough to find out. This is Harrow's personal library.

He used to experiment in here. There were dangerous things in here, $(l.name)... *sick* things.
I was never allowed in this room without Harrow... nobody was. He said that it was for our safety, and I think that he was telling the truth.

{{GM}}She pauses.{{/GM}}

I feel uneasy being in here. I don't want to stay any longer than we have to.
Maybe things have changed. We didn't have any trouble getting in, did we?
That's just your old self talking. Your past, coming back to haunt you.
I've been on edge since we came in. But that doesn't change the fact that we should learn what we can.
Whatever Harrow's added to his manifesto, it could be important. I'm going to take a look.
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} I'm with you there. We can't afford to waste time here, anyway... we should keep moving.
No... no, we didn't.

I don't know, you might be right. It could be nothing.
{{GM}}After a long pause, she nods.{{/GM}}

Maybe you're right. It could just be nerves.

But that doesn't make the feeling any less real.
Go ahead and leaf through the book if you want to. But try to be quick, okay?

I don't want to stay in here any longer than we have to.
All right. I'll watch your back. But try to be quick.
{{GM}}Leaf through the beginning of the manifesto.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Continue reading.{{/GM}} You keep an eye out - I have to finish this. There might be something in here that we need.
{{GM}}Leave the journal alone.{{/GM}}
You flip through the early pages of the manifesto, find what looks like a good place to jump in, and start to read.
When I first set out on the path to Free Living, I realized that I'd have to rethink all of my earlier assumptions about life. I'd have to question my own values and beliefs, and I'd need the strength to trust in the answers that came to me.

The prospect was daunting, but it was also necessary. The road to true Freedom is paved with unanswered questions.
After all, you can't learn to be free from a book. The answers won't come from a bible, an instruction manual, or a code of conduct. If you don't learn that, you'll never break your chains.

The path to true Freedom is one that each of us must walk on his - or her - own.
What makes life worth living? What in life is truly valuable, and what is the dross that can be burned away?

I spent weeks dissecting every aspect of my life to find the answers to these questions. Slowly, agonizingly, I pared down the list until only four items remained.

These four items became the cornerstones of my new philosophy, and the basis for everything that Feuerstelle stands for.
LOVE. The first cornerstone, and the most important. Without love, life is bland and meaningless. Without love, we might as well be machines.

Love what you do. Love the people around you. But above all, love yourself.
SELF-DETERMINATION. The second cornerstone. Each of us must be his or her own shepherd - no more Gods and no more Kings.

Your life is your own. Lash out against anyone or anything that tries to treat you like property. An assault on your freedom is an assault on your whole being, and it must be met with an equally ferocious response.
CHARITY. The third cornerstone. A miserly life is an empty life. If each of us is his or her own Master, then nobody should live as a serf.

By helping others along the path to enlightenment, so do we enrich our own lives.
PASSION. The final cornerstone. Complacency is poison - be wary of it. Ambition is the key to a fulfilling life.

Don't settle for what is... if you do, you abandon what could be.
You hear a rustling sound behind you. Glory.

Turning, you can see a troubled look on her face.
That ominous feeling is getting stronger, $(l.name).

It feels like we're being watched.
Leafing through to the middle of the book, you find a section dedicated to Harrow's "Rules of Living."
BE FREE. Be free in all things, and experience that freedom with your whole being - body, mind, and spirit.

Discard the oppressive traditions of modesty and shame that you've been indoctrinated with since birth - the Free Thinker has no use for them.

Your body is a source of pride, of pleasure, and of succor, for yourself and for others. Enjoy it, and share that joy freely with those who desire it.
BE SELFISH. Don't enslave yourself to others at the expense of your own happiness. Take what you want, and do so unashamedly.

Our desires are an important part of what makes us human. Society has trained us to hide that part of ourselves from the world, but the Free Living person doesn't cower in the shadows. Own your desires, and rejoice in them.

Selflessness is ultimately dishonest, and dishonesty has no place in a free society.
SHOW REVERENCE. The Free Living person understands that the only true governance in this world is the Law of Nature, and that in Nature, there is a Hierarchy.

The rabbit doesn't question the wolf. The mouse does not wonder why it must run from the cat. They *do* because they *must.* Their survival depends on it.

As it is in Nature, so it is at Feuerstelle. Know your place in the food chain, and understand the mechanisms by which you can better yourself.
You leaf forward and find that there are at least twenty more pages' worth of rules. Each is worded vaguely enough to have multiple interpretations.
You hear another rustling sound. Glory, moving behind you.

She stares down at the Rules of Living, a look of disgust on her face.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Academic{{/CC}} I'm getting the feeling that this entire thing is written in doublespeak. I doubt if there's a single statement in here that isn't contradicted somewhere else.
You're an intelligent woman, Glory. I can't believe that you couldn't see through this.
Clear, simple rules, with a focus on instant gratification. I can see why this would be appealing to a street kid.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

A fact that Harrow and I used to our own advantage. We could justify just about anything by pointing to that manifesto.

If an act is forbidden in one place, it's permitted somewhere else.
If an initiate ever questioned our behavior, we could claim that he just didn't understand the meaning of the book. The other kids would look at him as the ignorant one.

It's all bullshit, like I said. Clever bullshit, but bullshit all the same.
{{GM}}Glory freezes up. Her shoulders hunch, and her eyes narrow.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). That ominous feeling... it's getting closer.

There's something in the room with us. I'm sure of it. We need to get out of here, *now.*
I was a kid. Seventeen years old, and most of them spent living in one hell or another. I had a lot of demons to escape from, and the people here made me feel safe and welcome.

I wanted this to be true. I *needed* it to be true. So I convinced myself that it was.
In retrospect, you're right. The Rules of Living are derivative, self-contradictory drivel. They offer easy answers in an attractive, easily digestible package.

But then, so has the philosophy of every self-proclaimed messiah in history, and they've always managed to attract their share of followers.
It's easy to pass judgment from where you're standing, $(l.name). But in my position, you'd have done the same thing.
Maybe so. Peut-être.
No. Not me.
You're right. In your place, I'd have wound up here right alongside you. Sorry, Glory.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

That's what Harrow wrote them for. And he mined an entire library's worth of 60s counterculture essays, new age self-help books, and cult manifestos to do it.

There isn't a single original idea in this thing.
That only matters to the people who know that it's stolen.
The same could be said of a lot of religions. That doesn't keep them from finding followers.
You couldn't have known that. You were a kid.
The final pages of the manifesto devolve into semi-cohesive rants about anarchy, social Darwinism, free love, and the Horned God.

You've seen this kind of thing before: Harrow's "philosophy" is collapsing under its own weight. Unfortunately, none of his cultists seem to have caught on to that fact.
Done. This philosophy of Harrow's really starts to break dow--
Glory lets out a startled cry, cutting your sentence short. Out of the corner of your eye, you see her wheel to face something behind you.

All at once, the room fills with a slaughterhouse smell, a smell like blood and bile and feces. The stench of an abattoir.
As you turn, you catch sight of something *sliding* into the world.

It looks like a charred man, with a pair of tortured faces where its shoulders should be. The thing burns like a Roman candle, spitting white-hot sparks in a fiery plume. An oily substance runs down between its dangling legs and spatters onto the floor, and where those drips land, they burn.
$(l.name)! Look out!
Agreed.

Come on. Let's go.
Harrow's manifesto lies in its cradle, still open to the page that you were looking at when you walked away.
PASSION. The final cornerstone. Complacency is poison - be wary of it. Ambition is the key to a fulfilling life.

Don't settle for What Is... if you do, you abandon What Could Be.
BE FREE. Be free in all things, and experience that freedom with your whole being - body, mind, and spirit.

Discard the oppressive traditions of modesty and shame that you've been indoctrinated with since birth - the Free Thinker has no use for them.

Your body is a source of pride, of pleasure, and of succor, for yourself and for others. Enjoy it, and share that joy freely with those who desire it.
The final pages of the manifesto devolve into semicohesive rants about anarchy, social Darwinism, free love, and the Horned God.

You've seen this kind of thing before: Harrow's "philosophy" is collapsing under its own weight. Unfortunately, none of his cultists seem to have caught on to that fact.
Increases accuracy by 15%. Pierces up to 2 Armor.
You... you have given me *everything.* My whole heart's desire.

The hidden knowledge of Titonius Rex's victory is mine, and I will be a better ruler for it! And also, I have sugary snacks!

{{GM}}Philip stares into your eyes. His entire body is trembling.{{/GM}}

I have it all. And all thanks to you, noble $(scene.badfantasy). All thanks to you.		 Tu... tu m'as *tout* donné. Tout les désirs de mon cœur.

La connaissance cachée de la victoire de Titonius Rex est à moi, et je serai un meilleur chef avec ça! Et j'ai aussi des collations sucrées!

{{GM}}Philip regarde dans vos yeux. Son corps entier tremblant.{{/GM}}

J'ai tout cela, et c'est grâce à vous, noble $(scene.badfantasy). Tout cela grâce à vous.
Yeah, that's right. And don't you forget it. Ouais, c'est vrai. Et ne l'oublies pas.
Don't worry about it, man. It wasn't even all that difficult. Ne t'inquiète pas à pour ça, mec. Ca n'a même pas été difficile.
No problem, Phil. I do have a few more questions for you, though. Pas de problème, Phil. J'ai encore quelques questions à te poser.
{{GM}}He throws back his head and barks out a laugh.{{/GM}}

Spoken like a true hero!

Farewell, my friend. Perhaps one day I will be able to come to your aid in return.		 {{GM}}Il rejette la tête en arrière et éclate de rire.{{/GM}}

Voila qui est parlé comme un véritable héro!

Adieu, mon ami. Peut être qu'un jour je serai en mesure de te rendre la pareille.
That'd be... uh... great, Phil. I'm sure that you'd be a really big help. Ca serait ... euh ... génial, Phil. Je suis sûr que tu seras vraiment d'une grande aide.
Thank you, noble sir. It would be an honor. Merci, noble seigneur. Ce serait un honneur.
Please, my friend. Go ahead, ask whatever you will. I will gladly answer. S'il te plaît, mon ami. vas-y, demande moi ce que tu veux. Je serai heureux de te répondre.
I am in your debt, noble $(scene.badfantasy).

Thanks to you, my reign will be a long and joyous one.		 J'ai une dette envers toi, nobles $ (scene.badfantasy).

Merci à toi, mon règne sera long et joyeux.
Thank you, my friend. You have granted me the secret desire that my heart yearned for most: a respectable supply of non-organ-based foods.

You will always be welcome in these hallowed halls. I, Philip Rex, do so swear it.		 Merci, mon ami. Tu m'as accordé le désir secret auquel mon cœur aspirait le plus: une alimentation non basée sur un culture d'organes.

Tu seras toujours le bienvenu dans ce lieu sacré. Moi, Philip Rex, en fait le serment.
My only remaining wish is to know the ending to the tale of the noble Titonius Rex and his beautiful Brenna-thay.

{{GM}}He lets loose a wistful sigh.{{/GM}}

Who knows? Perhaps one day my prayers will be answered.		 Mon seul souhait restant serait de connaître la fin de l'histoire du noble Titonius Rex et de sa belle Brenna-thay.

{{GM}}Il lâche un soupir nostalgique.{{/GM}}

Qui sait? Peut être qu'un jour mes prières seront exaucées.
Ah. The intrepid $(scene.badfantasy) returns!

What can I do for you?		 Ah. L'intrépide $(scene.badfantasy) de retour!

Que puis-je faire pour toi?
{{GM}}Philip grins at you, tears spilling from the corners of his eyes.{{/GM}}

I owe you *so* much, noble stranger. Thanks to you, I know how the story ends.

It was more beautiful than I could possibly have hoped. I, Philip Rex, proclaim it to be so.		 {{GM}}Philip vous sourit, des larmes brillantes aux coins de ses yeux.{{GM}}

Je te dois *tellement*, noble étranger. Merci à toi, je sais comment l'histoire se termine.

C'était tellement plus beau que ce que je pouvais espérer. Moi, Philip Rex, proclame qu'il en soit ainsi.
My only remaining desire is to return to the land of plenty that is the Executive Wing.

You have undertaken the task of getting me there, and for that, I shall forever be grateful.		 Mon unique désir serait de retourner sur la terre d'abondance de l'aile des cadres.

Tu as entrepris la tache de me conduire ici, et pour cela, je te serai toujours reconnaissant.
Hail, noble $(scene.badfantasy)! Bringer of good tidings and glorious adventure!

What news of your quest?		 Hail, noble $(scene.badfantasy)! Annonciateur de bonnes nouvelles et de glorieuses aventures!

Quelles nouvelles de ta quête?
A wild-eyed young man in a tattered lab coat confronts you. His beard is bushy and unkempt, but bare patches of skin show through. Un jeune homme hagard dans une blouse de laboratoire en lambeaux se tient devant vous. Sa barbe est touffue et hirsute, mais des parties de peaux sont visibles au travers.
Y-you there! Who are you?

{{GM}}He stalks toward you, his hands twitching. When he gets within a few feet of you, his nostrils flare and he begins to choke.{{/GM}}

Good LORD! W-what is that gut-churning *stench?*		 Vo-vous là-bas! Qui êtes-vous?

{{GM}}Il s'approche de vous, les mains tremblantes. Quand il arrive à quelques pieds de vous, ses narines se plissent et il commence à suffoquer.{{GM}}

Bon DIEU! Qu-quelle est cette macabre *puanteur*?
Dumpster. It's a long story. Une benne à ordures. C'est une longue histoire.
Don't start. Ne commence pas.
Well, there was this dumpster... Eh bien, il y avait cette benne à ordures...
No matter! I will suffer through it, for the good of my realm!

{{GM}}His hands clench into fists, and his face goes beet red.{{/GM}}

As for you, foul vagrant... how *dare* you enter my domain?!		 Aucune importance! Je la supporterai, pour le bien de mon royaume!

{{GM}}Ses mains se crispent en poings, et son visage vire au rouge pivoine.{{/GM}}

Quant à vous, vagabond fétide... Comment *osez* vous pénétrer dans mon domaine?!
Y-you there! Who are you?

{{GM}}He stalks toward you, his hands twitching.{{/GM}}

How *dare* you enter my domain!		 Y-vous là-bas! Qui êtes-vous?

{{GM}}Il avance vers vous, les mains tremblantes.{{/GM}}

Comment *osez* vous pénétrer dans mon domaine!
Easy there, pal. I thought that this lab was abandoned. Doucement, mon pote. Je pensais que ce laboratoire était abandonné.
I'll be the one asking questions here. Je suis celui qui pose les questions ici.
If you want to keep breathing, you'd better back down. Si tu veux continuer à respirer, tu ferais mieux de te calmer.
I'm $(s.name). Pleased to meet you. Je suis $(s.name). Heureux de te rencontrer.
Abandoned?! This is my territory! My *home!*

You are an invader in my territory, $(scene.badfantasy), and you have *murdered* my peasantry!		 Abandonné?! C'est mon territoire! Ma *maison*!

Vous êtes un envahisseur dans mon royaume, $(scene.badfantasy), et vous avez *assassiné* mes gens!
{{GM}}Dietrich mutters under his breath.{{/GM}}

We've got a live one here, boss.		 {{GM}}Dietrich marmonne dans sa barbe.{{/GM}}

Nous avons un survivant ici, boss.
{{GM}}He continues his rant without pausing for breath.{{/GM}}

You are a murderer! A monster! You will pay!		 {{GM}}Il poursuit sa diatribe sans reprendre son souffle.{{/GM}}

Vous êtes un meurtrier! Un monstre! Vous paierez pour ça!
Hold up. Who are you? Attend un peu. Qui es tu?
*I* am Philip Rex, the Knight-King of Sutterlin BioScience! I will have you banished for your transgressions, $(scene.badfantasy) - banished to the underworld, and left to the ravages of the all-powerful Billy.

{{GM}}He pauses, blinking.{{/GM}}

Hold still while I fetch the robots that will banish you.		 *Je* suis Philip Rex, le Chevalier-Roi de Sutterlin BioScience! Je vais devoir vous bannier pour vos transgressions, $(scene.badfantasy) - bannir dans le monde souterrain, et laissé à la merci du tout-puissant Billy.

{{GM}}Il fait une pause, clignant des yeux.{{/GM}}

Attendez un peu pendant que je vais chercher les robots qui vont vous bannir.
Slow down there, "Knight-King." What are you talking about? Calmons nous, "Chevalier-Roi." Qu'est-ce que tu racontes?
Your "peasants" opened fire on me. I destroyed them in self-defense. Vos "paysans" ont ouvert le feu sur moi. Je les ai détruit en état de légitime défense.
I think that we got off on the wrong foot here. Je pense que nous sommes partie du mauvais pied là.
{{GM}}Attack him.{{/GM}} All right, Your Majesty. Consider this a declaration of war.
I am the sovereign ruler of this building, now and forever!

{{GM}}He puffs his chest out even further.{{/GM}}

By right of succession, the former laboratories of Sutterlin BioScience belong to *me!*		 Je suis le chef souverain de ce bâtiment, maintenant et à jamais!

{{GM}}Il bombe le torse un peu plus.{{/GM}}

Par droit de succession, les anciens laboratoires de Sutterlin BioScience m'appartiennent!
Succession? Who died? Succession? Qui est mort?
...All right, fine. It's your building, I'll go with you on that. ...Bon, d'accord. C'est ton bâtiment, je te suis la dessus.
{{GM}}His eyes bulge.{{/GM}}

*EVERYBODY!*

Everyone but me.		 {{GM}}Ses yeux s'agrandissent.{{/GM}}

*TOUT LE MONDE!*

Tout le monde sauf moi.
Once, I shared authority with another, my dear friend Heiner. Our duumvirate led this building into a golden age; together, we liberated the Animal Testing Labs and annexed them into our territory.

But then Heiner got eaten by Billy, and the burden of leadership fell onto my shoulders.		 Alors, j'ai partagé l'autorité avec un autre, mon cher ami Heiner. Notre duumvirat a conduit ce bâtiment dans un âge d'or; ensemble, nous avons libéré les laboratoires de test animal et nous les avons annexé à notre territoire.

Mais alors Heiner a été mangé par Billy, et le fardeau du commandement est retombé sur mes épaules.
I did my best to make life good for the peasantry. I scrubbed their plastic cases on a daily basis, and I crooned pleasing melodies to ease their troubled minds.

But those days are over now. My peasants are dead.

You destroyed something beautiful.		 J'ai fait de mon mieux pour rendre la vie agréable pour mes gens. J'ai frotté leurs boitiers en plastique quotidiennement, et j'ai chanté de douces mélodies pour apaiser leurs esprits troublés.

Mais ces jours sont révolus maintenant. Mes gens sont morts.

Tu as détruit quelque chose de merveilleux.
Well, I have good news for you, your highness. The door's open. You can leave now. Eh bien, j'ai de bonne nouvelle pour vous, votre altesse. Les portes sont ouvertes. Tu peux partir maintenant.
All right, "sire." I'm sorry about your "peasants," but I'm on an important... um... "quest." Très bien, "sir". Je suis désolé pour vos "paysans", mais je suis sur une importante... hum... "quête".
I see what's going on here. Living here alone for two years has reduced your mind to pudding. Je comprend ce qu'il se passe ici. Vivre seul pendant deux ans a réduit votre cervelle a l'état de pudding.
{{GM}}Attack him.{{/GM}} I've heard enough. I'm putting you out of your misery. {{GM}}Attaquez le.{{/GM}} J'en ai assez entendu. Je vais te délivrer de ta misère.
Leave?! Abandon my kingdom? Never!

{{GM}}He puffs out his chest.{{/GM}}

For I am a proud and benevolent ruler! This is *my* sovereign territory, and I will *never* abandon it!		 Partir?! Abandonner mon royaume? Jamais!

{{GM}}Il bombe le torse.{{/GM}}

Car je suis un chef fier et bienveillant! Ceci est *mon* royaume souverain, et *jamais* je ne l'abandonnerai!
{{GM}}The grief on his face instantly vanishes. What replaces it looks like curiosity.{{/GM}}

Oh? Well, that changes everything.

Perilous quests and civilian casualties go together like chocolate and peanut butter. I can't stay mad at you for that.		 {{GM}}La peine sur son visage s'évanoui instantanément. Ce qui la remplace ressemble à de la curiosité.{{/GM}}

Oh? Très bien, ça change tout.

Quêtes périlleuses et pertes civiles vont ensemble comme le chocolat et le beurre d'arachide. Je ne peux vous en vouloir pour ça.
Tell me about this quest of yours, good $(scene.badfantasy). Leave nothing to the imagination!

{{GM}}He leans forward, smiling.{{/GM}}

You have my rapt attention.		 Parle moi de ta quête, brave $(scene.badfantasy). Ne laisses rien à l'imagination.

{{GM}}Il se penche en avant, souriant.{{/GM}}

Tu as toute mon attention.
I need to get my hands on the bioware prototypes that are being stored in the Executive Wing. Je dois mettre la main sur des prototypes de bioware stockés dans l'aile des cadres.
I'm here to "liberate" some prototype bioware. The stuff that Dr. Xabier Ezkibel funded. Je suis ici pour "libérer" quelques prototypes de bioware. L'équipement que le Dr. Xavier Ezkibel a financé.
{{GM}}His eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

The Executive Wing?! Madness!

Take this as a warning, noble stranger: if you intend to forge your way into that land of milk and honey, you do so at your own peril! The underworld stands between you and your goal, and the underworld is home to the murderous Billy.		 {{GM}}Ses yeux s'écarquillent.{{/GM}}

L'aile des cadres?! Folie!

Prend ça comme un avertissement, noble étranger: Si tu as l'intention de tracer ton chemin dans ce monde de lait et de miel, tu le feras à tes risques et périls! Le monde souterrain se dresse entre toi et ton objectif, et le monde souterrain est le foyer du meurtrier Billy.
All right. Who - or what - is Billy? Très bien. Qui - ou quoi - est Billy?
I think I've read about this "Billy." He was Sutterlin's albino basilisk, right? Je pense avoir lu des choses sur ce "Billy". C'était le basilisk albinos de Sutterlin, non?
If this "Billy" is standing in my way, I guess that I'll have to kill him. Si ce "Billy" me barre la route, je suppose que je vais devoir le tuer.
I think that I've heard all that I need to about Billy. Just tell me how to get into the Executive Wing. Je pense avoir entendu tout ce dont j'avais besoin à propos de Billy. Dis moi juste comment rejoindre l'aile des cadres.
A great beast! A creature of legend!

{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, thinking.{{/GM}}

Well, technically, he's a basilisk that one of the executives was performing experiments on. Sort of a passion project, you might say.		 Une grande bête! Une créature de légende!

{{GM}}Il réfléchit un instant.{{/GM}}

Eh bien, techniquement, c'est un basilisk sur lequel les dirigeants ont effectué des expérimentations. Une sorte de projet tenant à coeur, pourrait-on dire.
I've dealt with basilisks before. J'ai déjà rencontré des basilisk avant.
Doesn't sound too bad. Ca semble pas si mauvais.
Great. I hate those things. Génial. Je déteste ces bestioles.
Billy is no ordinary basilisk! Years of experimentation have remade him into the ultimate killing machine. He's smarter than ten men, and five times as deadly! Billy n'est pas un basilisk ordinaire! Des années d'expérimentations ont fait de lui la machine à tuer ultime. Il est plus intelligent que dix hommes, et cinq fois plus mortel!
I warn you, Billy is not just "one of those things"! Years of experimentation have remade him into the ultimate killing machine.

He's smarter than ten men, and five times as deadly!		 Je te préviens, Billy n'est pas juste "une de ces bestioles"! Des années d'expérimentations l'ont transformé en une machine à tuer ultime.

Il est plus intelligent que dix hommes, et cinq fois plus mortel!
"Was" is right. Now he is so much more... a creature of legend!

Years of experimentation have remade the beast into the ultimate killing machine. He's smarter than ten men, and five times as deadly!		 "Etait" est juste. Maintenant il est bien plus... une créature de légende!

Des années d'expérimentations l'ont transformé en une machine à tuer ultime. Il est plus intelligent que dix hommes, et cinq fois plus mortel!
{{GM}}He snorts.{{/GM}}

A fool's errand. Heiner tried to kill Billy once... he thought that by eating the beast, we could steal its power.

Hubris. Billy devoured my friend for his insolence, and the last remaining copy of Keycard E was lost.		 {{GM}}Il renifle.{{/GM}}

La pensée d'un imbécile. Heiner a essayé de tuer Billy... Il pensait qu'en mangeant la bête, nous pourrions lui voler sa puissance.

Orgueil. Billy a dévoré mon ami pour son insolence, et la dernière copie de la carte d'accès E a été perdu.
He was a beautiful fool, that Heiner. I told him that we didn't need to eat Billy, that we could survive indefinitely on synthesized cardiac tissue and choco nubs.

But he wouldn't listen, and Keycard E was lost. And without it, I can no longer access the Executive Wing and its expansive snack bar.		 C'était un merveilleux fou, cet Heiner. Je lui ai dit que nous n'avions pas besoin de manger Billy, que nous pouvions survivre indéfiniment avec les tissus cardiaques synthétiques et les barres chocolatées.

Mais il n'a rien voulu entendre, et la carte d'accès E a été perdu. Et sans elle, je n'ai plus accès à l'aile des cadres et sa gigantesque cafétéria.
I have eaten nothing but vat-grown metahuman organs for a year and a half, stranger.

I would kill for a choco nub.		 Je n'ai rien mangé d'autre que des organes métahumain cultivés en cuve depuis un an et demi, étranger.

Je tuerai pour une barre chocolatée.
Very well, stranger. If you cannot be dissuaded, I will help you.

{{GM}}The ragged lab tech fishes in his coat pocket with a bony hand, and produces a thin slip of plastic. He presents it to you with a flourish.{{/GM}}

This is my most prized possession: the incomparable Keycard B.		 Très bien, étranger. Si tu ne peux pas être dissuadé, je t'aiderai.

{{GM}}Le technicien de laboratoire en haillons plonge sa main osseuse dans la poche de son manteau, et en sort un mince morceau de plastique. Il vous le tend avec triomphe.{{/GM}}

Ceci est mon bien le plus précieux: l'incomparable carte d'accès B.
Using this, you can descend to the underworld and face Billy.

If you should survive the encounter, search for the long-missing Keycard E. Use it to reopen the Executive Wing, and I will see to it that you are richly rewarded!		 Avec ceci, tu pourras descendre dans le monde souterrain et confronter Billy.

Si tu parviens à survivre à cette rencontre, recherche la carte d'accès E perdue. Utilise la pour rouvrir l'aile des cadres, et je veillerai à ce que tu sois richement récompensé!
Ezkibel sent you? The treacherous Spaniard?

{{GM}}He mumbles under his breath.{{/GM}}

You must be looking for the samples in cold storage. That means that you're heading for the Executive Wing.		 Ezkibel t'envoie? Ce perfide espagnol?

{{GM}}Il marmonne dans sa barbe.{{/GM}}

Tu dois rechercher les échantillons dans les chambres froides. Cela signifie que tu dois te diriger vers l'aile des cadres.
Take this as a warning, stranger. If you intend to forge your way into that land of milk and honey, you do so at your own peril.

The underworld stands between you and your goal, and the underworld is home to the murderous Billy.		 Prends cela comme un avertissement, étranger. Si tu as l'intention de tracer ton chemin dans cette terre de lait et de miel, tu le feras à tes risques et périls.

Le monde souterrain se dresse entre toi et ton objectif, et ce monde est le foyer du meurtrier Billy.
I *wasn't* alone. Not as long as I had my peasantry. But you've changed all of that.

{{GM}}His hands begin to tremble.{{/GM}}

What are you even doing here? Why have you disturbed the peace of my realm?		 Je *n'étais* pas seul. Pas tant que j'avais mes gens. Mais tu as changé tout cela.

{{GM}}Ses mains commencent à trembler.{{/GM}}

Que fais tu ici? Pourquoi as tu troublé mon paisible royaume?
It hasn't always been mine. Once, I shared authority with another, my dear friend Heiner.

Our duumvirate led this building into a golden age! Together, we liberated the Animal Testing Labs and annexed them into our territory.

But then Heiner got eaten by Billy, and the burden of leadership fell onto my shoulders.		 Il n'a pas toujours été à moi. Alors, je partageais l'autorité avec un autre, mon cher ami Heiner.

Notre duumvirat a conduit ce bâtiment dans un âge d'or; ensemble, nous avons libéré les laboratoires de test animal et nous les avons annexé à notre territoire.

Mais alors Heiner a été mangé par Billy, et le fardeau du commandement est retombé sur mes épaules.
No! They wouldn't do that! They were gentle and kind!

You're an outsider. You don't understand the bond of trust and respect that we shared!		 Non! Ils n'auraient jamais fait ca! Ils étaient doux et bienveillants!

Tu es un étranger. Tu ne peux pas comprendre le lien de confiance et de respect que nous partagions!
To put it mildly.

{{GM}}He sobs.{{/GM}}

You killed them, you monster. The people I've devoted my life to protecting.		 Pour ne pas dire plus.

{{GM}}Il sanglote.{{/GM}}

Tu les as tué, monstre. Ce peuple dont j'avais consacré ma vie à protéger.
{{GM}}Blitz mutters under his breath.{{/GM}}

We've got a live one here, chief.		 {{GM}}Blitz marmonne dans sa barbe.{{/GM}}

Nous avons un survivant ici, chef.
{{GM}}Glory mutters under her breath.{{/GM}}

Well, this is interesting.		 {{GM}}Glory marmonne dans sa barbe.{{/GM}}

Eh bien, c'est intéressant.
{{GM}}Eiger mutters under her breath.{{/GM}}

Well, this is interesting.		 {{GM}}Eiger marmonne dans sa barbe.{{/GM}}

Eh bien, c'est intéressant.
Like hell you will! You have trespassed on my sovereign territory and *murdered* my peasantry!

You have invaded my home!		 Fais comme vous voulez! Tu as abusé de mon territoire souverain et *assassiné* mes gens!

Tu as envahi ma maison!
Back down? Back *down?!* You have invaded my home, $(scene.badfantasy)!

My peasantry lies dead at your hands! As a matter of honor, I must confront you!		 Me calmer? Me *calmer*?! Tu as envahi ma maison, $(scene.badfantasy)!

Mes gens sont morts de tes mains! C'est une question d'honneur, je dois te faire face!
You are a murderer! A monster! You will pay! Tu es un meurtrier! Un monstre! Tu vas payer!
{{GM}}Attack him.{{/GM}} Warned you. {{GM}}Attaquez le.{{/GM}} Je t'avais prévenu.
Well, $(l.name), I am *not* pleased to meet you! You stand as a trespasser in my sovereign territory, and you have *murdered* my citizens!

You have invaded my home!		 Eh bien, $(l.name), Je ne suis *pas* heureux de te rencontrer! Tu es un intrus en mon royaume souverain, et tu as *assassiné* mes citoyens!

Tu as envahi ma maison!
{{GM}}He lurches toward you with a start.{{/GM}}

You're back. Is Billy dead? Have you retrieved the long-lost Keycard E?		 {{GM}}Il titube dans votre direction en un sursaut.{{/GM}}

Tu es de retour. Billy est mort? As tu retrouvé la carte magnétique E perdu depuis des lustres?
{{CC}}Keycard E{{/CC}} Yes, actually. I've got it right here. {{CC}}Carte magnétique E{{/CC}} Oui, effectivement, je l'ai juste ici.
{{CC}}Keycard E{{/CC}} Yeah, I've got it, but there's something that I want to talk with you about first. {{CC}}Carte magnétique E{{/CC}} Ouais, je l'ai, mais il y a quelque chose dont je veux te parler avant.
{{GM}}He does a double take.{{/GM}}

You have it! The keycard! My ticket back into the hallowed halls of the Executive Wing, with its expansive supply of nonperishable treats!

Hurry, noble stranger! Use it to unlock the door, and make all of our dreams come true!		 {{GM}}Il regarde en deux fois.{{/GM}}

Tu l'as eu! La carte magnétique! Mon billet de retour pour les salles sacrées de l'aile des cadres, avec son vaste approvisionnement non périssables de nourriture!

Vite, noble étranger! Utilises la pour déverrouiller la porte, et transformons nos rêves en réalité!
Very well. Ask your questions. But hurry!

{{GM}}His eyes bulge.{{/GM}}

I want those snacks!		 Très bien. Poses tes questions. Mais rapidement!

{{GM}}Ses yeux s'écarquillent.{{/GM}}

Je veux ses collations!
{{GM}}The hope drains from his eyes.{{/GM}}

Ah.

Then what do you want?		 {{GM}}L'espoir disparaît de ses yeux.{{/GM}}

Ah.

Alors que veux tu?
{{CC}}Keycard E{{/CC}} All right, Phil. Here's the keycard. {{CC}}Carte magnétique E{{/CC}} Très bien, Phil. Voila la carte.
You're really into that "Knight-Kings of Lightninghold" show, aren't you? Tu es vraiment à fond dans ce tripe "Chevalier-Roi de Lightninghold", n'est ce pas?
The quarantine's off now. The final episode of your show is on the records computer. La quarantaine est désengagée maintenant. L'épisode final de ta série est enregistré sur ton ordinateur.
I want to know about the prototype bioware. J'aurai quelques questions à propos du prototype de bioware.
Tell me about your "peasantry." Parle moi de tes "gens".
Maybe you could use your "peasants" to kill Billy for you. Peut être pourrais tu envoyer tes "paysans" pour tuer Billy pour toi.
I want to know a little more about the "underworld." Je voudrais en savoir un peu plus sur ce "monde souterrain".
What happened here? What caused the lockdown? Qu'est il arrivé ici? Qu'est ce qui a causé le verrouillage?
I gotta go. I'll see you around. Je dois y aller. A plus.
At last! My ticket back into the hallowed halls of the Executive Wing, with its expansive supply of nonperishable treats!

Hurry, noble stranger! Use it to unlock the door, and make all of our dreams come true!		 Enfin! Mon billet de retour dans les salles sacrées de l'aile des cadres, avec son vaste approvisionnement de nourriture non périssables!

Dépêches toi, noble étranger ! Utilises-la pour déverrouiller la porte et transformer nos rêves en réalité!
{{GM}}Staring at you, he slowly nods.{{/GM}}

It is my life. My *entire* life. My reason for being.		 {{GM}}Vous fixant, il acquiesce lentement.{{/GM}}

C'est ma vie. Ma vie *entière*. Ma raison d'être.
You know that you haven't seen the conclusion, right? There were only six episodes saved in that media center's memory. The show ran for seven. Tu sais que tu n'as pas vu la conclusion, non ? Il n'y a que six épisodes sauvegardés sur ton média center. La série a duré sept épisodes.
{{GM}}Blitz smirks.{{/GM}}

Wow. Must be rough, being that big a fan and not having seen the ending.		 {{GM}}Blitz ricane.{{/GM}}

Wow. Ca doit être dur, être si fan et ne jamais avoir vu la fin.
{{GM}}He reels as though he's been struck.{{/GM}}

You're saying that there's more?		 {{GM}}Il semble estomaqué.{{/GM}}

Tu veux dire qu'il y a une suite?
That's what the program information said. One series, seven episodes. You've seen six. C'est ce qui les informations sur cette série. Une saison, sept épisodes. Tu en as six.
Yeah. The last episode before it got canceled. Y'know, the hastily written final chapter, where you find out what happens with the Jubuthon invasion? Ouais. Le dernier épisode avant l'annulation. T'vois, le dernier chapitre écrit rapidement, où tu apprends ce qui arrive avec l'invasion des Jubuthon?
I had always thought that they had left the ending to the imagination, like a beautiful dream.

{{GM}}He fidgets uncomfortably.{{/GM}}

But now the dream is over! I will never know peace until I have seen this conclusion for myself.		 J'ai toujours pensé qu'ils avaient laissé la fin à notre imagination, comme un rêve merveilleux.

{{GM}}Il bouge mal à l'aise.{{/GM}}

Mais maintenant le rêve est terminé! Je ne connaitrais jamais la paix tant que je n'aurai pas vu cette conclusion par moi de mes yeux.
{{GM}}He lurches forward, his hands clasped in supplication.{{/GM}}

You must help me! You must find a way to show me the final episode! I *need* it!		 {{GM}}Il bascule vers l'avant, ses mains jointes en signe de supplication.{{/GM}}

Tu dois m'aider! Tu dois trouver un moyen pour que je puisse voir le dernier épisode! J'en ai *besoin*!
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Well, I guess that I could disengage the quarantine. That'd reestablish the building's Matrix link, and then I could download the show for you. {{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Eh bien, je suppose que je pourrais désengager la quarantaine. Ca rétablirai la connexion du bâtiment à la Matrice, et je pourrais te le télécharger.
You could always leave the building with me when I'm through here. In the outside world, you'll have no trouble finding that last episode. Tu peux toujours quitter le bâtiment avec moi quand je partirai. Dans le monde extérieur, tu n'auras aucun mal à trouver le dernier épisode.
'Fraid I can't help you there. Sorry, Phil. J'crains de ne pas pouvoir t'aider. Désolé, Phil.
I'm willing to bet that I could do that, chief. This guy might not know how to disengage the quarantine, but I'll bet that I can. And once we've reestablished the building's Matrix connection, it'd be no big deal for me to download the last episode for him to watch.

If nothing else, it'll keep him occupied for a while.		 Je suis prêt à parier que je pourrais le faire, chef. Ce type ne sait surement pas comment désengager la quarantaine, mais je suis sur que je peux le faire. Et lorsque nous aurons rétabli la connexion du bâtiment à la Matrice, ca ne serait pas très compliqué pour moi de télécharger le dernier épisode pour qu'il le regarde.

Au pire, ca le gardera occupé un moment.
I don't see why you shouldn't. Go ahead. Je ne vois rien qui t'en empêche. Vas y.
Don't bother. We don't have time to waste on this. Ne t'embêtes pas. On a pas de temps à perdre avec ça.
Sure thing, chief. The terminals in this building are all networked together, so I should be able to drop the quarantine from any computer in the place. Une chose est sûre, chef. les terminaux de ce bâtiment sont tous connectés entre eux, alors je devrais être capable de lever la quarantaine depuis n'importe lequel de cette pièce.
{{GM}}The lab tech hangs his head.{{/GM}}

In that case, there is nothing left for me but suffering. The same suffering that Titonius Rex faced when he sent Brenna-thay back to Trala-sheen.

It hurts.		 {{GM}}Le laborantin secoue la tête.{{/GM}}

Dans ce cas, il n'y a plus rien d'autre pour moi que la souffrance. La même souffrance que celle de Titonius Rex lorsqu'il a renvoyé Brenna-thay à Trala-sheen.

Ca fait mal.
{{GM}}He nods vigorously, patches of beard wobbling with the motion.{{/GM}}

Yes! Please! Do it... do it for me!		 {{GM}}Il hoche vigoureusement la tête, ses poils de barbe sautillant.{{/GM}}

Oui! S'il te plait! Fais le... Fais le pour moi!
All right, all right, calm down. I just need to get to a terminal and drop the quarantine, and then I'll copy the episode to your media center for you. Très bien, très bien, calmes toi. J'ai juste besoin d'un terminal et du désengager la quarantaine, et alors je pourrais te copier l'épisode sur ton media center.
On second thought, I can't risk it. Who knows what'll happen if I do? A la réflexion, je ne peux pas prendre ce risque. Qui sait ce qui pourrait arriver si je le faisais?
Oh, thank you, thank you!

{{GM}}Tears stream down his cheeks.{{/GM}}

This is the happiest day of my life!		 Oh, merci, merci!

{{GM}}Des larmes coulent sur ses joues.{{/GM}}

C'est le plus beau jour de ma vie!
No, stranger. I cannot leave this place. I am its sworn protector, and I *will not* shirk my responsibilities.

I will suffer, as Titonius Rex suffered when he sent Brenna-thay back to Trala-sheen. This is my burden to bear.		 Non, étranger. Je ne peux pas quitter cet endroit. Je suis son protecteur sous serment, et je ne *peux* pas fuir mes responsabilités.

Je souffrirai, comme Titonius Rex a souffert lorsqu'il a renvoyé Brenna-thay à Trala-sheen. Cela sera mon fardeau.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} The hell with it. I'll bring down the quarantine and download your show for you. {{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Et merde. Je vais désengager la quarantaine et te le télécharger.
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Don't give in to despair, Philip Rex! For this is *your* quest - to find the legendary missing episode! {{CC}}Charisme: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Ne cédes pas au désespoir, Philip Rex! Voila *ta* quête - retrouver le légendaire épisode manquant!
That's noble of you, Phil. Let's change the subject, huh? C'est noble de ta part, Phil. Changeons de sujet, hein?
{{GM}}He blinks.{{/GM}}

Mine? But I... I cannot leave... I can't abandon my kingdom! Not even for my heart's greatest desire!

Responsibility is what being a Knight-King is all about!		 {{GM}}Il cligne des yeux.{{/GM}}

La mienne? Mais je... Je ne peux pas partir... Je ne peux pas abandonner mon royaume! Pas même pour le plus grand désir de mon coeur!

La responsabilité signifie tout pour un Chevalier-Roi!
Then perhaps you could appoint a vassal to undertake this quest for you. You have worthy peasants at your disposal, do you not? Alors peut être pourrais tu nommer un vassal pour entreprendre cette quête pour toi. Tu as de braves paysans à ta disposition, n'est-ce-pas?
All right, then. Forget it. Très bien, alors. Oublie ça.
{{GM}}His brow furrows in concentration. Finally, he gives you a slow nod.{{/GM}}

I do, my friend.

I do.		 {{GM}}Il fronce les sourcils de concentration. Enfin, il vous fait un clin d'oeil.{{/GM}}

Je peux, mon ami.

Je peux.
After I have fortified myself with healthful snacks, I will assemble a fellowship of stalwart peasants and elevate them to knighthood.

In number, they will be seven. Seven Knight-Thanes of Sutterlin BioScience, questing in service of their Knight-King!		 Après m'être fortifié avec des collations nutritives, je vais réunir une communauté de robustes paysans et les adouber.

En nombre, ils seront sept. Les Sept Chevalier-Thanes de Sutterlin Bioscience, quêtant au service de leur Chevalier-Roi!
They will find the Lost Episode - THIS I SWEAR!

{{GM}}He pulls himself up to his full height, puffing his chest outward. Somehow, this makes him look even less impressive.{{/GM}}

They will RETRIEVE the glorious Episode Seven and RETURN IT to its RIGHTFUL PLACE! And they will HEW IN TWAIN the HEATHEN DOGS who seek to hoard its magnificence for THEMSELVES!		 Ils retrouveront l'épisode perdu - JE LE JURE!

{{GM}}Il se redresse de toute sa hauteur, bombant le torse. D'une certaine manière, cela lui donne l'air encore moins impressionnant.{{/GM}}

Ils RETROUVERONT ce glorieux épisode sept et le RAMENERONT à sa PLACE! Et ils COUPERONT EN MORCEAUX ces CHIENS DE PAIENS qui tentent d'attirer sa magnificence à EUX!
You do that, Phil! Make it happen! Their quest will pass into legend! Fais ca, Phil! Rends le possible! Cette quête entrera dans la légende!
On second thought, maybe you should keep your peasants here. For... um... the defense of the realm? A la réflexion, peut-être devrais tu garder tes paysans ici. Pour ... euh ... la défense du royaume?
{{GM}}He nods vigorously, beaming.{{/GM}}

I will, my friend! I will!

But first, I will indulge in sugary snacks!		 {{GM}}Il hoche la tête vigoureusement, rayonnant.{{/GM}}

Je le ferai, mon ami! Je le ferai!

Mais d'abord, je dois m'adonner à des collations sucrées!
{{GM}}All at once, he deflates. Solemnly, he shuffles his feet.{{/GM}}

You're right. I need them here, with me.

It was a stupid idea anyway.		 {{GM}}Tout à coup, il se dégonfle. Solennellement, il dandine des pieds.{{/GM}}

Tu as raison. J'ai besoin d'eux ici, avec moi.

C'était une idée stupide de toute façon.
{{GM}}He huffs at you.{{/GM}}

And so I shall! Let us speak of this no longer.

I will banish the final episode from my mind, and in so doing, heal my tortured soul.		 {{GM}}Il bombe le torse.{{/GM}}

Et je vais le faire! Ne parlons plus de ça.

Je vais bannir l'épisode final de mon esprit, et, ce faisant guérir mon âme tourmentée.
Yes. Fine. Good.

What do you want?		 Oui. Bien. Génial.

Que veux tu?
The... yes! Peace will be known, and brought to the land!

{{GM}}Phil takes off running in the direction of the records room.{{/GM}}		 Le... oui! La Paix sera connu, et portée en mon royaume!

{{GM}}Phil se met à courir en direction de la salle des archives.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

It's bioware. Pretty standard stuff. Pain editors, trauma dampers, orthoskin. Things like that.		 {{GM}}Il hausse les épaules.{{/GM}}

C'est du bioware. De l'équipement assez standard. Contrôle de la douleur, réducteur de traumatismes, armure dermique. Des trucs comme ca.
Hang on... the things that you named are all commercially available. Hellishly expensive, but obtainable. They can't be what you were developing here. Attends un peu... ces choses que tu as nommé sont toutes disponibles dans le commerce. Diablement chère, mais on peut les obtenir. Ce n'était pas ce que vous développiez ici.
And all of it was reverse-engineered from existing bioware products, right? I've read up on Sutterlin's "process." Et tout ca a été copié à partir de bioware existant, non? J'ai lu ca dans les processus de Sutterlin.
{{GM}}He chuckles.{{/GM}}

Sutterlin BioScience wasn't "developing" anything.

Well, nothing other than Billy, I guess. We "developed" him all too well.		 {{GM}}Il hausse les épaules.{{/GM}}

Sutterlin BioScience ne *développait* rien du tout.

Eh bien, rien d'autre que Billy, je suppose. Et nous l'avons trop bien "développé",
Then what were you doing here? Alors que faisiez vous ici?
We were... copying? Making copies. No, wait... just a second, it will come to me.

{{GM}}He screws up his face, struggling to dredge up the memories.{{/GM}}		 Nous faisions... de la copie? Faire des copies. Non, attends... juste une seconde, ca va me revenir.

{{GM}}Il se tapote le visage, se rafraichissant la mémoire.{{/GM}}
We were... ah... um. Rever--

Yes. We were reverse-engineering things. Making knockoffs.

{{GM}}He nods slowly.{{/GM}}

Dangerous work. Illegal most places, but not here in Berlin. Our investor needed it that way.		 Nous faisions... ah... hum. Rever--

Oui. Nous faisions du reverse-engineering. Des imitations.

{{GM}}Il hoche la tête lentement.{{/GM}}

Du travail dangereux. Illégal dans la plupart des endroits, mais pas ici à Berlin. Notre investisseur voulait fonctionner de cette manière.
Knockoff bioware. Great. Des imitations de bioware. Génial.
I guess that explains why Ezkibel didn't hire a company in Spain. Ca explique pourquoi Ezkibel n'a pas implanté sa compagnie en Espagne.
It was good stuff. High-quality. You couldn't tell one of our pieces from the real thing, not even with a microscope.

But that was then, and this is now.		 C'était du bon équipement. Grande qualité. Tu n'aurais pu distinguer une de nos pièces de son originale, pas même avec un microscope.

Mais c'est du passé, et il est derrière nous.
The stuff in this lab... the organs we worked so hard to copy... it's no different to me than anything else you've seen in this lab. It's all meat.

{{GM}}He frowns in distaste.{{/GM}}

Potentially edible, sure. But otherwise useless.		 Ce matos dans le labo... les organes sur lesquels nous avons travaillé si dur... Ils ne représentaient aucune différence pour moi des autres choses que vous avez vu dans ce laboratoire. C'est de la viande.

{{GM}}Il fronce les sourcils de dégoût.{{/GM}}

Potentiellement comestible, bien sûr. Mais sinon inutile.
Not to me, it isn't. I need that stuff, and I'm not leaving without it. Pas pour moi. J'ai besoin de cet équipement, et je ne partirai pas sans lui.
If you won't miss that, um, "meat," I'll take it off your hands. Si tu ne veux pas de cette, hum, "viande", je t'en débarrasserai.
Get me into the Executive Wing and we can both have what we want. Fill your pockets, take whatever you like.

I, on the other hand, will avail myself of the snack bar.		 Amènes moi dans l'aile des cadres et nous pourrons tous les deux avoir ce que nous voulons. Remplis tes poches avec tout ce que tu trouveras.

Moi, d'un autre coté, je me réserve la cafétéria.
Go right ahead. Fill your pockets, take whatever you like.

I, on the other hand, will avail myself of the snack bar.		 Vas y. Remplis tes poches avec tout ce que tu veux.

Moi, je me réserve la cafétéria.
{{GM}}He nods eagerly.{{/GM}}

Yes! Too risky. Here in Berlin, no problems with the law, because there is no law. Just have to be careful.

All for naught now, though. Our copies were good - just like the real thing - but who cares? It's all just meat in the end.		 {{GM}}Il hoche la tête avec impatience.{{/GM}}

Oui! Trop risqué. Ici à Berlin, aucun problème avec la loi, parce qu'il n'y en a pas. Il faut juste être prudent.

Tout ca pour rien, maintenant. Nos copies étaient bonnes - tout comme l'originale - mais qui s'en souci? Ce n'est plus que de la viande maintenant.
Yes. That's... that's right. Knockoffs.

{{GM}}He nods slowly.{{/GM}}

Dangerous work. Illegal most places, but not here in Berlin. Our investor needed it that way.		 Oui. C'est... c'est ca. des imitations.

{{GM}}Il hoche la tête lentement.{{/GM}}

Un travail dangereux. Illégal dans la plupart des endroits, mais pas à Berlin. Notre investisseur voulait fonctionner de cette manière.
I love them. They're like family to me.

When I'm hungry, they're the ones who harvest the meat for me to cook from the cultured organ lab. When I'm in need of company, they keep me warm.		 Je les aime. Ils sont comme ma famille.

Quand j'ai faim, ils vont récolter la viande à cuisiner pour moi dans les laboratoires de culture d'organe. Quand j'ai besoin de compagnie, ils me gardent au chaud.
They're drones, not people. You get that, right? C'est des drones, pas des personnes. Tu sais ça, non?
Sounds cozy. Ca à l'air sympa.
That was already too much information for me, thanks. Let's change the subject. C'est déjà trop d'informations pour moi, merci. Changeons de sujet.
They *are* people. They are *my* people.

{{GM}}He crosses his arms over his chest.{{/GM}}

Just because you can't understand our bond, that doesn't mean it isn't real!		 Ils *sont* des personnes. Ils sont *mes* gens.

{{GM}}Il croise les bras sur son torse.{{/GM}}

Juste parce que tu ne peux pas comprendre notre lien, alors cela signifie qu'il n'existe pas!
Leave this one alone, boss. You ain't gonna change his mind - he's too far gone. Laisses tomber, boss. Tu ne lui fera pas retrouver son esprit - il est allé trop loin.
You will see. You may have killed three of my peasants, but I can activate more!

{{GM}}He rubs his chin, grinning.{{/GM}}

They will return to me, and I will show them the love that only a true ruler can. I will *bathe* them in my affection, and they--		 Tu verras ca. Tu as peux être tué trois de mes gens, mais je peux en activer d'autre!

{{GM}}Il se frotte le menton, en souriant.{{/GM}}

Ils me reviendront, et je leurs montrerai l'amour dont seul est capable un véritable dirigeant. Je les *baignerai* de mon affection, et ils--
Let it go, $(l.name). You aren't going to change his mind - he's too far gone. Laisse tomber, $(l.name). Tu ne lui fera pas retrouver son esprit - il est allé trop loin.
Leave this one alone, chief. You won't change his mind - he's too far gone. Laisse tomber, chef. Tu ne lui fera pas retrouver son esprit - il est allé trop loin.
It is, it is! You killed three of them, but I can activate more!

{{GM}}He rubs his chin, grinning.{{/GM}}

They will return to me, and I will show them the love that only a true ruler can. I will *bathe* them in my affection, and they--		 Ca l'est, ca l'est. Tu as peux être tué trois de mes gens, mais je peux en activer d'autre!

{{GM}}Il se frotte le menton, en souriant.{{/GM}}

Ils me reviendront, et je leurs montrerai l'amour dont seul est capable un véritable dirigeant. Je les *baignerai* de mon affection, et ils--
Hang on a second. Just how many more "peasants" do you have in this building? Attends une seconde. Combien de "gens" as tu dans ce bâtiment?
...Aaand that's enough of that. Let's change the subject, huh? ...Eeeeet on en a assez entendu. Changeons de sujet, hein?
I don't need to hear the details. Je ne veux pas entendre les détails.
Oh, hundreds.

{{GM}}He beams at you.{{/GM}}

The security system here is quite state of the art. User-friendly, too... it didn't take long to figure out how to make some peasants wake up, and others go to sleep.		 Ohn des centaines.

{{GM}}Il rayonne.{{/GM}}

Le système de sécurité ici est une vraie perle. Simple d'utilisation, aussi... Ca ne m'a pas pris longtemps pour comprendre comment réveiller certains de mes gens, et endormir les autres.
I allow the majority of my peasantry to rest peacefully, basking in the benevolence of my rule. I could wake them at any time, but why?

I say, let them rest.		 Je laisse la majorité de mes gens se reposer paisiblement, se prélassant dans la bienveillance de ma règle. Je pourrais les réveiller à tout moment, mais pourquoi?

Je me dis, laissons les dormir.
...That's probably for the best. Can we talk about something else? ...C'est probablement préférable. On pourrait parler d'autre chose?
{{GM}}He blinks.{{/GM}}

Of course. What do you need?		 {{GM}}Il cligne des yeux.{{/GM}}

Bien sur. Que veux tu?
{{GM}}He blinks.{{/GM}}

No, of course not.

They're private.		 {{GM}}Il cligne des yeux.{{/GM}}

Non, bien sur.

C'est personnel.
{{GM}}He recoils in horror.{{/GM}}

My peasants?! Sent against that *monster?* Never!		 {{GM}}Il recule horrifié.{{/GM}}

Mes paysans?! Contre ce *monstre*? Jamais!
True, Titonius Rex sent his peasants up against the ravening Jubuthon hordes, and they emerged victorious. But Billy is no Jubuthon!

Nay, if he is anything, Billy is more like the Demon Lord Karabork... a slavering destroyer, a terror without mercy. An atrocity with feet!		 Il est vrai que Titonius Rex à envoyé ses paysans contre les ravisseur de la horde Jubuthon, et ils en sont sortis victorieux. Mais Billy n'est pas un Jubuthon!

Nay, s'il devait être quelque chose, Billy serait plutôt le Seigneur Démon Karabork... un destructeur bavant, une terreur sans pitié. Une atrocité sur pattes!
{{GM}}He shakes his head decisively, his arms crossed over his chest.{{/GM}}

No, I say. I will not do it, not even for you.		 {{GM}}Il secoue la tête, les bras croisés sur sa poitrine.{{/GM}}

Non, j'ai dit. Je ne le ferai pas, même pour toi.
No, stranger, I tell you that it would be a massacre. I would have their blood on my hands!

I cannot do it, and I will not. End of discussion.
{{GM}}He nods slowly.{{/GM}}

The nether realm that lies beneath the hallowed halls of Sutterlin BioScience. A nightmarish labyrinth of dripping pipes and filthy brickwork.

Billy rules supreme down there now. To set foot into the underworld means certain death.		 {{GM}}Il hoche la tête lentement.{{/GM}}

Le royaume du néant qui s'étend sous les salles sacrées de Sutterlin BioScience. Un labyrinthe cauchemardesque de tuyaux d'égouttage et de briques sales.

Billy règne là-bas maintenant. Mettre un pied dans le monde souterrain conduit droit à la mort.
Just to get this straight, we are talking about a sewer, right? The "underworld" is just the sewer. Juste pour être sur, nous parlons bien d'un égout, non? Le "monde souterrain" est juste un égout.
Strange that somebody would build a labyrinth under a biotech company. Étrange que quelqu'un aille construire un labyrinthe sous une société de biotechnologie.
I suppose that I'll take your word for it. Je suppose que je vais te croire sur parole.
...Yes. It is a sewer.

But it is *also* a nightmarish labyrinth of--		 ...Oui. C'est un égout.

Mais c'est *aussi* un labyrinthe cauchemardesque de--
Yeah, I gotcha. Let's talk about something else. Ouais, j'ai capté. Parlons d'autre chose.
Easy there, tiger. I get it. And now I'm going to change the subject. Doucement, le tigre. J'ai compris. Et maintenant, je vais changer de sujet.
Very well. What do you wish to know? Très bien. Que veux tu savoir?
{{GM}}He blinks.{{/GM}}

I suppose that you have that right.		 {{GM}}Il cligne des yeux.{{/GM}}

Je suppose que tu en as le droit.
It is, isn't it? It's a mystery. A conundrum.

What could they have intended it for? The torture of the innocent? Or perhaps the builders had the prescience to foresee the coming of Billy!

Or maybe they intended it for basic sanitation. It's a sewer, too, by the way.		 Ca l'est, n'est-ce-pas? C'est un mystère. Une énigme.

Que voulait ils en faire? Torturer des innocents? Ou peut être que les constructeurs avaient prédit la venue de Billy!

Ou peut être qu'il avait l'intention de l'utiliser pour l'assainissement. C'est un égout, aussi, d'une certaine manière.
{{GM}}His voice lowers to an ominous whisper.{{/GM}}

But it is *also* a nightmarish labyrinth of--		 {{GM}}Sa voix se réduit à un murmure sinistre.{{/GM}}

Mais c'est *aussi* un labyrinthe cauchemardesque de--
As well you should! Nobody knows more about the treachery of the underworld better than I do! No one has *tasted* the pungent stench of its winding passageways as I have.

It is a nightmare world of slippery walkways and subpar architecture! A Hell of our own devising! A dark, twisting, mouldering pit that stretches into the abyssal realms of--		 Tu le devrais! Personne ne connaît mieux que moi la traitrise du monde souterrain! Personne d'autre n'a gouté l'*odeur* acre de ses passages sinueux comme moi.

C'est un monde cauchemardesque de passerelles glissantes et d'architecture décevante! Un enfer de notre propre conception! Une sombre fosse tordue et moisie qui s'étend dans les royaumes abyssaux de --
A calamitous series of events. It began with a spilled cup of soykaf, and ended in terror and blood. Une série d'évènements calamiteux. Ca a commencé avec une tasse de soykaf renversée, et ca c'est terminé dans le sang et la terreur.
He falls silent.

There is a long, awkward pause.		 Il se tait.

Il y a un long silence embarrassant.
...And? ...Et?
Someone spilled soykaf? That's it? Quelqu'un a renversé du soykaf? C'est tout?
Good enough for me. Someone spilled soykaf, building shut down. Case closed. Ok ca me va. Quelqu'un a renversé son soykaf, le bâtiment s'est fermé. Affaire classée.
{{GM}}He blinks confusedly.{{/GM}}

You want more?		 {{GM}}Il cligne des yeux, confus.{{/GM}}

Tu veux en savoir plus?
Yes. That wasn't an explanation. Oui. Ce n'était pas une explication.
On second thought, let's just leave it at that. À la réflexion, restons en simplement là.
{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

Then you shall have one.

Where to begin...? 		{{GM}}Il soupire.{{/GM}}

Alors, tu en auras une.

Par où commencer...?
On the morning of the lockdown, all was well. Gieszler, an executive, was making his rounds, walking from console to console to check up on us. He held a bubbling cup of soykaf in his stubby little hands.

We all knew that food and drink were forbidden outside of the Employee Lounge. But Gieszler was a proud man, and he would not obey the rules.		 Le matin du verrouillage, tout allait bien. Giezler, un cadre, faisait sa ronde, marchant de terminaux en terminaux pour contrôler notre travail. Il tenait une tasse de soykaf bouillonnante dans ses petites mains trapues.

Nous savions tous que la nourriture et les boissons étaient interdites en dehors de la salle de repos. Mais Gieszler était un homme fier, et il ne voulait pas obéir à ces règles.
His pride was our undoing. He tripped and fell, and his soykaf spilled into a console in the Animal Testing Wing.

There was a terrible snap of shorting circuits, coupled with the stench of ozone. All over the building, emergency lights flashed and alarms blared.

The building went into quarantine mode.		 Sa fierté était notre perte. Il trébucha et tomba, et son soykaf se renversa sur le terminal de l'aile des expérimentations animales.

Il y a eu un terrible grésillement des circuits, couplé à la puanteur de l'ozone. Partout dans le bâtiment, l'éclairage de secours et les alarmes se sont déclenchées.

Le bâtiment est entré en mode quarantaine.
{{GM}}He raises his voice and gestures theatrically.{{/GM}}

Doors locked and shutters slammed closed! We were all trapped like rats inside, but we were not afraid. We were sure that the malfunction would be fixed within the hour.

We did not know what was coming for us!		 {{GM}}Il élève la voix et fait des gestes théâtrales.{{/GM}}

Portes et fenêtres verrouillées! Nous étions tous coincés comme des rats à l'intérieur, mais nous n'étions pas inquiets. Nous étions convaincu s que le dysfonctionnement serait réparé dans l'heure.

Nous ne savions pas ce qui allait nous arriver!
Unbeknownst to any of us, Gieszler's devil-beverage had done more than initiate a false quarantine. It had also shorted the locks on Billy's cage!

The albino basilisk slipped its bonds, and in that moment, its reign of terror began!		 A notre insu, le breuvage diabolique de Gieszler avait fait plus que lancer une fausse quarantaine. Il avait aussi déverrouillé la cage de Billy!

Le basilisk albinos a brisé ses liens, et à ce moment, son règne de terreur a débuté!
{{GM}}His voice climbs to a roar.{{/GM}}

Within a half hour of the spill, Billy had slaughtered everyone who could have disengaged the lockdown! Executives were torn limb from limb; their business attire was shredded, their expenditure reports bathed in blood! And the rest of us were trapped inside with the savage beast!		 {{GM}}Sa voix se transforme en un rugissement.{{/GM}}

En une demi heure de carnage, Billy avait massacré tout ce qui aurait pu déverrouiller la quarantaine! Les cadres ont été démembrés morceau par morceau; leurs costumes ont été déchiré, leurs rapports de dépenses baignant dans le sang! Et le reste d'entre nous ont été piégés à l'intérieur avec la bête sauvage.
He falls silent, blinking. As you watch, his expression clouds.

When he speaks again, his voice is small.		 Il se tait, clignant des yeux. Comme vous le regarder, son visage s'assombrit.

Quand il parle de nouveau, sa voix est faible.
In the end, only Heiner and I remained.

We managed to trap Billy in the underworld, but there was no hope of escape for us.		 A la fin, il ne resta que Heiner et moi.

Nous avons réussi à piéger Billy dans le monde souterrain, mais il n'y avait plus aucun espoir d'évasion pour nous.
It's been two years. Someone must have come knocking before now. Ca fait deux ans. Quelqu'un a du venir frapper à la porte avant moi.
Why not? Couldn't you have just called for help? Pourquoi pas? Vous ne pouviez pas juste appeler à l'aide?
So essentially you've been trapped here for the past two years because of dumb luck. Donc, en résumé tu es coincé ici depuis ces deux dernières années à cause d'un coup de malchance.
No. As far as the outside world was concerned, we were still under quarantine protocols - nobody knew why, and nobody cared. The building had presumably been sealed for a reason, and the world at large wasn't in a hurry to crack it open again.

Heiner and I found ourselves completely isolated from the outside world, with a terrible creature running loose in the basement. Our choices were to give up and die, or to make the best of it.		 Non. En ce qui concerne le monde extérieur, nous sommes toujours sous le protocole de quarantaine - personne ne sait pourquoi, et tout le monde s'en fou. Le bâtiment avait vraisemblablement été scellé pour une bonne raison, et personne n'est pressé de le rouvrir.

Heiner et moi nous nous sommes retrouvés complétement isolés du monde extérieur, avec une terrible créature courant dans les sous-sols. Nos choix étaient d'abandonner et de mourir, ou d'en faire un meilleur endroit.
{{GM}}The manic cheer that you've come to expect floods back into the lab tech. He spreads his arms wide, a knowing smile on his face.{{/GM}}

And as you can plainly see, we chose the latter! We persevered, and eventually transformed this husk of a building into the glorious kingdom that you find yourself standing in today.

It was all for the best, in the end! I tamed this land, and I have grown to love it. I will never live anywhere else!		 {{GM}}La joie maniaque que vous appris à reconnaître revient emplir le visage du technicien. Il écarte les bras, un sourire entendu sur son visage.{{/GM}}

Et comme tu as pu le constater, nous avons choisi ce dernier! Nous avons persévéré, et finalement transformé ce bâtiment ordinaire en un glorieux royaume dans lequel tu te tiens aujourd'hui.

Tout était pour le mieux, en fin de compte! J'ai apprivoisé cette terre, et j'ai appris à l'aimer. Je ne pourrais plus jamais vivre ailleurs!
No. Commlinks don't work in here - no reception. And the quarantine cut off our Matrix access.

Heiner and I found ourselves completely isolated from the outside world, with a terrible creature running loose in the basement.

Our choices were to give up and die, or to make the best of it.		 Non. Les Commlinks ne fonctionnent pas ici - pas de signal. Et la quarantaine a coupé notre accès à la Matrice.

Heiner et moi nous nous sommes retrouvés complétement isolés du monde extérieur, avec une terrible créature courant dans les sous-sols.

Nos choix étaient d'abandonner et de mourir, ou d'en faire un meilleur endroit.
You call it luck.

I call it providence.		 Tu appelles ca de la malchance.

J'appelle ca la providence.
{{GM}}He spreads his arms wide, a knowing smile on his face.{{/GM}}

In the time that Heiner and I were trapped here, we vowed to make the best of our situation. We persevered, and eventually transformed this husk of a building into the glorious kingdom that you find yourself standing in today.

It was all for the best, in the end! I tamed this land, and I have grown to love it. I will never live anywhere else!		 {{GM}}Il écarte les bras, un sourire entendu sur son visage.{{/GM}}

Pendant que nous étions coincés ici Heiner et moi, nous nous sommes engagés à tirer parti de la situation. Nous avons persévéré, et finalement transformé ce bâtiment ordinaire en un glorieux royaume dans lequel tu te tiens aujourd'hui.

Tout était pour le mieux, en fin de compte! J'ai apprivoisé cette terre, et j'ai appris à l'aimer. Je ne pourrais plus jamais vivre ailleurs!
Very well.

{{GM}}He rocks back on his heels, apparently satisfied.{{/GM}}		 Très bien.

{{GM}}Il se berce sur ses talons, apparemment satisfait.{{/GM}}
Well, no... naturally, the inevitable results of such an incident followed the spill.

{{GM}}He blinks confusedly.{{/GM}}

Do you want me to spell it out for you?		 Eh bien, non... naturelelment, les résultats inévitables d'un tel incident suivent le reversement de la tasse.

{{GM}}Il cligne des yeux, confus.{{/GM}}

Veux tu que je te les explique?
You're back. Again.

Keycard E? Do you have it?		 Tu es de retour. Encore une fois.

La carte E? Est ce que tu l'as?
'Fraid not. Désolé, non.
Hmm.

What do you want, then?		 Hmm.

Que veux tu, alors?
Yeah? You got that card? Ouais? Tu as la carte?
Yeah, I figured as much.

What now?		 Ouais, je pensais bien.

Et maintenant?
Theta Key Card
A Knight Errant key card with the word THETA printed on it in big block letters.
Gyro Weapon Mount
A specially stabilized weapons mount, significantly improves accuracy of weapons mounted on it.
Store Room Access Code
>1247
These crates have been sealed, the only visible markings are "Project Atlas".
You are about to leave this floor and travel to the 25th floor. Continue?
The scientist lays dead beside a small pile of smashed glass, and a number of beakers have been knocked over on the nearby table.
Junior Executive Werner Harrdegger
Earthquake
Wind Dancer
Locked. Looks like security has control of the doors again.
MKVI
Monolithic. Plastic. Sterile. The Berlin office of AG Chemie Europa is all of these things and more. The worst qualities of modern corporate culture, all mixed into a toxic stew and sluiced into a single prefab office building.

Thankfully, you shouldn't have to stay long. According to the intel that your client provided, this should be a simple smash-and-grab operation, and you've been given the tools to carry it out with a minimum of fuss.

The MKVI Prototype - whatever it is - is waiting for you on the 25th floor. It's time to go and get it.
AG CHEMIE EUROPA - Satellite Administrative Complex. After hours.
Intruders!
Intruder alert! Engaging!
Access Denied
24th Floor
Player 0
Hearth Spirit
AGC Security Captain
AGC Security Mage
AGC Security Guard
AGC Security Enforcer
AGC Security Conjurer
Security Camera 14
Security Camera 9
Security Camera 7
Scientist
Security Camera 4
Security Camera 13
Security Camera 10
Digital Archive Terminal
Control Console
Door Controls
Elevator Controls
Schockwellenreiter Message Drop
Security Camera 6
Security Camera 8
Security Camera 11
Security Camera 12
Passcode Found: 44719
You've discovered a security door code
Passcode Found: 54139
Passcode Found: 84792
Reach the 25th Floor
Reach the Vice President's office on the 25th floor.
Shutdown Building Security
Lodge: Return the Prototype Undamaged to the Lodge
The Lodge has contacted you and requested that you return the prototype to them instead of Herr Shmidt. They'll match his offer, so you don't have to worry about the money. But they're only interested if the prototype is undamaged.
Clear the Toxic Gas from the Lab
You found a lab with some sort of toxic contaminent in it
Find out more about Project Atlas
Tap into Camera System
Schockwellenreiter: Project Data
The Schockwellenreiter want a copy of all the data you can find from the project responsible for the MKVI prototype.
Schockwellenreiter: Drug Formula
The Schockwellenreiter believe that a new drug has been developed for use on the MKVI prototype, and wants a copy of the formula.
Schockwellenreiter: Visual Records
The Schockwellenreiter have learned that there are visual recordings of the project undergoing trials, wants them.
Schockwellenreiter: $(scene.iNumCCCFound) of 3 Datafiles Found
Schockwellenreiter wants 3 pieces of data recovered, and will only pay out if all three are recovered.
The elevator whisks you upward, toward the executive-level 25th floor. As expected, the run has been relatively smooth sailing so far. A chime breaks the silence as the elevator glides to a stop.

The MKVI is somewhere on this floor. All that you have to do is find it.
Activation complete: Follow and protect protocol engaged, awaiting further instructions.
Target spotted, activating remote control rig.
Oh Yeah! This thing is awesome boss! You sure we can't keep it?
Those Knight Errant drekheads have a little surprise coming their way.
Let's just make sure we don't lose control over this thing!
Target spotted, engaging!
Fall back and re-group!
Accessing prototype override.
Root system access attempt registered. Override in progress.
Prototype control gained.
Root override accepted.
Override signal lost. Reverting to previous control structure.
MKVI Cyberzombie
SYNTAX ERROR.
Brute
Knight Errant Sniper
Door Console
Glory
Security Camera 5
Recover the Prototype
Escape with the Prototype
The Schockwellenreiter want a copy of the data from the project responsible for the MKVI prototype.
The troll working the door might be the shortest you've ever seen. And the thickest.

Despite the pounding music and the writhing bodies, his face is buried in a comic book.		 Le troll travaillant à la porte d'entrée doit être le plus petit que vous n'avez vu. Et le plus épais.

Malgré la forte musique et les corps se contorsionnant sur la piste, son visage est concentré sur une bande dessinée.
{{GM}}He looks up, gives you a cursory once-over, and sighs.{{/GM}}

Welcome to Das Kesselhaus, now under new management. Again.

There's no cover. Just go on in and get your fix.		 {{GM}}Il lève les yeux, vous inspecte rapidement, et soupire.{{/GM}}

Bienvenue au Das Kesselhaus, subissant un changement de direction. Encore une fois.
That's Kroner at the bar over there. He'll take care of you.

{{GM}}He buries his nose back into his comic book while tapping a meaty thumb on the black plastic slung from his belt. A high-powered stun gun.{{/GM}}

Just play nice, or you'll meet Herr Zapp. 		C'est Kroner au bar là-bas. Il s'occupera de vous.

{{GM}}Il replonge le nez dans sa bande dessinée tout en tapant un pouce charnue sur le plastique noir en bandoulière de sa ceinture. Un pistolet paralysant haute puissance.

Restez cool, ou vous ferez la rencontre de Herr Zapp.
Have fun. Bon amusement.
I'm looking for someone. Maybe you know him. Je suis à la recherche d'une personne. Peut-être que tu la connais.
This is a hotel, right? I want a room. C'est un hôtel, non? Je voudrais une chambre.
No need for Herr Zapp. I'm just here to party. Pas besoin de Herr Zapp. Je suis juste la pour faire la fête.
{{GM}}He keeps his nose in his comic book.{{/GM}}

I doubt it.

This place is filled with interesting people just dying to meet you. So go meet 'em.		 {{GM}}Il ne relève même pas le nez de sa bande dessinée.{{/GM}}

J'en doute.

Cet endroit est rempli de personnes intéressantes qui meurent d'envie de te rencontrer. Alors va les voir.
His name's Green Winters. Know him? Son nom est Green Winters. Ca te parle?
He's supposed to be some sort of F-State activist. Calls himself Green Winters. Il est sensé être une sorte d'activiste du F-State. Il se surnomme Green Winters.
Think any of these "interesting people" might know him? Tu penses que ces "personnes intéressantes" pourraient le connaître?
No.

{{GM}}He puts down his comic, and his voice slows to a crawl. He makes a point of enunciating each word.{{/GM}}

I point people to the bar. If someone starts trouble, I give them a taste of Herr Zapp.

That's it. That's all I do.		 Non.

{{GM}}Il pose sa bande dessinée, et sa voix se réduit à un murmure. Il prend soins de prononcer distinctement chaque mot.{{/GM}}

Je signale aux gens l'emplacement du bar. Si quelqu'un commence à chercher des noises, je lui présente Herr Zapp.

C'est tout. C'est tout ce que je fais.
{{GM}}He brightens.{{/GM}}

An F-State activist? Why didn't you say so?		 {{GM}}Vous captez son attention.{{/GM}}

Un activiste du F-State? Pourquoi ne pas l'avoir dit plus tôt?
You know him? Tu le connais?
Know where I can find him? Tu sais où je peux le trouver?
Maybe you could introduce me? Tu pourrais nous organiser une rencontre?
{{GM}}His expression falls flat again.{{/GM}}

No.

{{GM}}He puts down his comic, and his voice slows to a crawl. He makes a point of enunciating each word.{{/GM}}

I point people to the bar. If someone starts trouble, I give them a taste of Herr Zapp.

That's it. That's all I do.		 {{GM}}Son attention retombe à nouveau.{{/GM}}

Non.

{{GM}}Il pose sa bande dessinée, et sa voix se réduit à un murmure. Il prend soins de prononcer distinctement chaque mot.{{/GM}}

Je signale aux gens l'emplacement du bar. Si quelqu'un commence à chercher des noises, je lui présente Herr Zapp.

C'est tout. C'est tout ce que je fais.
{{GM}}The troll sighs.{{/GM}}

I have no idea.

Frank's watching the floor tonight. Ask him. Just don't expect an answer.		 {{GM}}Le troll soupire.{{/GM}}

J'en ai aucune idée.

C'est Frank qui surveille la piste de danse ce soir. Demande lui. Mais n'espères aucune réponse de sa part.
{{GM}}His eyes never leave his comic book.{{/GM}}

Do I look like a front desk clerk?

Hotel's closed. Renovations.

You want somewhere to crash? Go somewhere else.		 {{GM}}Ses yeux ne quittent même pas sa bande dessinée.{{/GM}}

Est-ce-que je ressemble à un gratte papier?

L'hôtel est fermé. Pour rénovations.

Tu cherches un endroit où te poser? Va voir ailleurs.
I really need to get up there. Can you help me out? J'ai vraiment besoin de monter là-haut. Tu peux surement m'aider?
Maybe you could take a room deposit now. You know, for when it opens again. Tu pourrais peut-être prendre un acompte pour la chambre maintenant. Tu sais, pour quand ca sera de nouveau ouvert?
I booked a reservation last week! What's the problem? J'ai appelé pour réserver la semaine dernière. C'est quoi le problème?
Not really, no.

{{GM}}He puts down his comic, and his voice slows to a crawl. He makes a point of enunciating each word.{{/GM}}

I point people to the bar. If someone starts trouble, I give them a taste of Herr Zapp.

That's it. That's all I do.		 Pas vraiment, non.

{{GM}}Il pose sa bande dessinée, et sa voix se réduit à un murmure. Il prend soins de prononcer distinctement chaque mot.{{/GM}}

Je signale aux gens l'emplacement du bar. Si quelqu'un commence à chercher des noises, je lui présente Herr Zapp.

C'est tout. C'est tout ce que je fais.
Now, what's it gonna be? The bar or Herr Zapp? Maintenant, qu'est-ce-que ca sera pour toi? Le bar ou Herr Zapp?
Anyone else feel like a drink? Quelqu'un à envie d'un verre?
{{CC}}Summoning: 3{{/CC}} How about option three? You drop the attitude, or one of my spirit friends drops you. {{CC}}Invocation: 3{{/CC}} Et l'option trois? Tu changes d'attitude, ou un de mes compagnons spirituels le fera pour toi.
{{CC}}Strength: 5{{/CC}} Look in my eyes, sweetheart. You really wanna go down this road? {{CC}}Force: 5{{/CC}} Regardes moi dans les yeux, mon chou. Tu as vraiment envie de t'engager sur ce chemin?
{{CC}}Etiquette: Gang{{/CC}} I hear you, big man. But this is biz, you feel me? {{CC}}Etiquette: Gang{{/CC}} J'ai entendu, mon grand. Mais c'est pour le taf, tu me suis?
Have a good time. And behave yourself.

{{GM}}He returns to his comic book, licks a thick finger, and turns the page.{{/GM}}		 Bonne fin de soirée. Et faites attention à vous.

{{GM}}Il replonge dans sa bande dessinée, se lèche un doigt épais, et tourne une page.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}He stands up straight. For the first time, you have his full attention.{{/GM}}

Whoa, there... whoa. I'm sorry, I didn't know.

We don't want any shaman trouble.		 {{GM}}Il se redresse. Pour la première fois, vous avez toute son attention.{{/GM}}

Whoua, c'est... whoa. Je suis désolé. Je n'avais pas réalisé.

Nous ne voulons aucun problème avec un chaman.
Look. I'll tell you what. If you want a room and you can pay - and I mean PAY - go talk to Frank. He can hook you up.

Just don't go putting a hex on me or anything, okay?		 Ecoutes. Je vais te dire. Si tu veux une chambre et que tu peux payer - et je dis bien PAYER - va voir Frank. Il pourra te dépanner.

S'il te plait, ne me maudit ou quoi que ce soit, d'accord?
{{GM}}The bouncer's hand tightens on the butt of his taser. Then he takes another look at you, sighs, and drops it to his side.{{/GM}}

Look. I'll tell you what. If you want a room and you can pay - and I mean PAY - go talk to Frank. He can hook you up.

You'll find him on the VIP Lounge, way back there on your right.		 {{GM}}La main du videur se resserre sur la crosse de son pistolet Taser. Puis il vous jette un œil, soupire, et la laisse retomber.{{/GM}}

Ecoutes. Je vais te dire. Si tu veux une chambre et que tu peux payer - et je dis bien PAYER - va voir Frank. Il pourra te dépanner.

Tu le trouveras dans la loge VIP, juste sur ta droite.
Just leave me out of it. Laisses moi simplement en dehors de ça.
{{GM}}He eyes you suspiciously.{{/GM}}

What kind of biz?		 {{GM}}Il vous regarde suspicieusement.{{/GM}}

Quelle sorte de taf?
The kind that makes people rich. Point me in the direction of the guy who runs this place. He'll thank you for it. Le genre qui rend les gens riches. Indiques moi le bureau du mec qui dirige cet endroit. Il te remerciera pour ca.
All right. You wanna talk business, you go talk to Frank, back there on the VIP balcony. If he decides that you're on the level, he can get you upstairs.

But God help you if he doesn't, understand? God help you.		 Très bien. Si tu veux parler affaire, tu dois aller voir Frank, là-bas sur le balcon VIP. S'il juge ta proposition intéressante, tu pourras prendre monter à l'étage.

Mais que Dieu t'aide si c'est pas le cas, compris? Que Dieu t'aide.
Smart move, pal. You'll see. Sympa, mon pote. On verra bien.
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment.{{/GM}}

200 nuyen. Right here, right now. Give me that, and I'll tell you how you can get access to the hotel.

Or don't, and get lost. Your choice.		 {{GM}}Il réfléchit un instant.{{/GM}}

200 nuyen. Ici, et maintenant. Donnes moi ça, et je te dirai comment accéder à l'hôtel.

Ou pas, et reste perdu. Ton choix.
{{CC}}¥200{{/CC}} Here you go, chief. Now tell me who I need to talk to. {{CC}}¥200{{/CC}} Ils sont à toi, chef. Maintenant, dis moi à qui je dois parler.
That's nuts. Forget it. Mes couilles. Oublies ça.
Go talk to Frank. He's hangin' out on the VIP balcony, way back there on your right.

He's got the only key to the elevator, and he can get you up there. Won't be cheap, though.		 Va parler à Frank. Il traine sur le balcon VIP, juste sur la droite.

Il détient la seule clé pour l'ascenseur, et y'a que lui qui peut vous faire monter. Ca ne sera pas donné, par contre.
So now I look like the concierge? Alors maintenant je ressemble à un concierge?
{{GM}}His voice slows to a crawl. He makes a point of enunciating each word.{{/GM}}

I point people to the bar. If someone starts trouble, I give them a taste of Herr Zapp.

That's it. That's all I do.		 {{GM}}Sa voix se réduit à un murmure. Il prend soins de prononcer distinctement chaque mot.{{/GM}}

Je signale aux gens l'emplacement du bar. Si quelqu'un commence à chercher des noises, je lui présente Herr Zapp.

C'est tout. C'est tout ce que je fais.
{{GM}}He stares at you.{{/GM}}

That's great. Really.

Anything else?		 {{GM}}Il vous sourit.{{/GM}}

C'est génial. Vraiment.

Autre chose?
I was thinking about taking a nap. How 'bout a room? Je pensais faire une petite sieste. Combien pour une chambre?
I'm trying to find a friend. J'essai de retrouver un ami.
Nope. Guess I'll check the place out. Nope. Je suppose que je vais jeter un œil dans la salle.
And I'm trying to read this.

{{GM}}His voice slows to a crawl. He makes a point of enunciating each word.{{/GM}}

I point people to the bar. If someone starts trouble, I give them a taste of Herr Zapp.

That's it. That's all I do.		 Et, moi, j'essai de lire çà.

{{GM}}Sa voix se réduit à un murmure. Il prend soins de prononcer distinctement chaque mot.{{/GM}}

Je signale aux gens l'emplacement du bar. Si quelqu'un commence à chercher des noises, je lui présente Herr Zapp.

C'est tout. C'est tout ce que je fais.
Yeah? Whaddya want? Ouais? Qu'esses vous voulez ?
Who do I talk to about getting a room in the hotel? A qui je dois parler pour obtenir une chambre dans l'hôtel?
Nah, no problem. Just here to party. Nah, aucun problème. J'suis juste ici pour faire la fête.
Then get back out of my face and go do it. Alors casses toi d'ici et va la faire.
Deck Upgrade
Gain Gear:
Cyberdeck
Blitz gains a Fairlight Excalibur cyberdeck, replacing his old VirtuaX deck.
Cyberware Installation
Gain Cyberware:
Hydraulic Jack
Blitz gains a hydraulic jack cyberware, increasing his move speed by 4 as a 0 AP action. Duration: 1 RND.
This node contains the password to the armory door.
Trithemius's Amulet
A small cystal attached to a sliver chain, taken from Trithemius as proof of his demise.
Slowly, you swim back to consciousness. Struggling to your feet, you find Glory already standing and alert.
I can feel them. The Spirit set them free, but they're trapped somewhere here in the complex.
The initiates, you mean?
Best get to them in a hurry, then. This place feels like it's shaking itself apart.
Yes... and others.

{{GM}}She surveys the room, a worried expression on her face.{{/GM}}

We need to find them and get out of here. The connection between this compound and... wherever we were... is breaking down. As that place disintegrates, more and more things are spilling through.
Like rats fleeing a sinking ship.
Say no more. We're getting out of here.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah. And it's only a matter of time before Feuerstelle is consumed, too. Look in the corner there... you can already see it happening.
I'll take your word for it. Let's move.
Not without the cultists. But yes.

{{GM}}She strides toward the door.{{/GM}}

Let's get moving.
Be on your guard. The connection between this compound and... wherever we were... is breaking down. As that place disintegrates, more and more things are spilling through.
YOUR CHOICE IS FOOLISH AND SHORT SIGHTED. DRAGONS MUST BE STOPPED.

{{GM}}The old drone's servos whir as it trains its turrets on you.{{/GM}}
THIS UNIT WILL REMAIN TO OVERSEE THE CAPTIVE.
{{GM}}As you step toward the doorway, Dietrich grabs your shoulder.{{/GM}}

Whoa, hold up, boss. We're just... leaving? We're not gonna kill the dragon, or set her free, or anything?

Are you sure about this?
{{GM}}Exit the facility.{{/GM}} We came here to stop Vauclair. He's a corpse now. Let someone else deal with the dragon.
{{GM}}Turn back.{{/GM}} No, you're right. We can't just leave her like this.
{{GM}}Eiger interposes herself between you and the doorway.{{/GM}}

Hang on a second, $(l.name). We're just... leaving? We're not going to kill Feuerschwinge, or set her free, or anything?
{{GM}}Glory interposes herself between you and the doorway.{{/GM}}

Just a moment, $(l.name). We're just leaving? We're not going to kill the Firewing, or set her free, or anything?

Are you sure about this?
{{GM}}As you step toward the doorway, Blitz grabs your shoulder.{{/GM}}

Hang on a second, chief. We're just... leaving? We're not going to kill the dragon, or set her free, or anything?

Are you sure about this?
You punch the button, and alarm klaxons blare. An ominous rumbling sound fills the air, and the walls start to shake.
That settles that! C'mon, boss, let's get the hell out of here!
Right behind you.
You don't have to tell me twice!
We need to leave. Now.
You have a gift for understatement. Let's get the hell out of here!
That settles that! C'mon, chief, let's get the hell out of here!
That settles that! Let's get the hell out of here!
From the shattered screen of the console, your own distorted reflection stares back up at you.
Are we doing the right thing, just... leaving her like this?
{{GM}}Eiger eyes the smashed console.{{/GM}}

It's not the call that I would’ve made, but...
What’s done is done.
Yeah, I guess.

C'mon, people. Let's get the hell out of here.
{{GM}}Dietrich shoots a backward glance at the wretched woman, still silently wailing in her glass prison.{{/GM}}

Yeah, all right. Let's do that.
{{GM}}He eyes the smashed console, frowning.{{/GM}}

Guess it doesn't matter now. What's done is done.
{{GM}}She shoots a backward glance at the wretched woman, still silently wailing in her glass prison.{{/GM}}

Yeah, I guess.

C'mon, people. Let's get the hell out of here.
As you turn to leave, Blitz pulls you aside.
Hey, chief... I didn't want to say this in front of the others, but what you did there was cold. You didn't just kill her, you left her soul trapped in a jar.

That was hardcore, $(l.name). As in, cold-blooded.

Remind me not to piss you off.
What’s done is done.

{{GM}}Her tone is cool. Seemingly indifferent.{{/GM}}
I guess that's true.

C'mon, let's get out of here.
{{GM}}Dietrich shoots a backward glance at the wretched woman, still silently wailing in her glass prison.{{/GM}}

Yeah, I guess. C'mon, boss... let's get the hell out of here.
{{GM}}Blitz shrugs.{{/GM}}

What's done is done, man. It's too late to worry about it now.
Hey, chief... I didn't want to say this in front of Dietrich, but what you did there was cold. You didn't just kill her, you left her soul trapped in a jar.

That was hardcore, $(l.name). As in, cold-blooded.

Remind me not to piss you off.
Guess it doesn't matter now. What's done is done.

{{GM}}Dietrich shoots a backward glance at the wretched woman, still silently wailing in her glass prison.{{/GM}}

C'mon, boss. Let's get the hell out of here.
{{GM}}Glory eyes the smashed console.{{/GM}}

We're leaving her trapped here. Interesting choice.

I wonder if it was the right one?
It's not the call that I would’ve made, but...
What's done is done.

{{GM}}Her tone is cool. Seemingly indifferent.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She pauses. Tilts her head. Finally, she answers her own question.{{/GM}}

It doesn't matter. What's done is done.
Yeah, I guess not. Come on, Glory... let's get out of here.
Hey, chief... I didn't want to say this in front of Glory, but what you did there was cold. You didn't just kill her, you left her soul trapped in a jar.

That was hardcore, $(l.name). As in, cold-blooded.

Remind me not to piss you off.
Are we doing the right thing, just leaving her like this?

Feels kind of wrong, considering.
{{GM}}He eyes the smashed console, frowning.{{/GM}}

What's done is done.
Oh well. I guess it doesn't matter any more. What's done is done. But chief... what you did there was cold. You didn't just kill her, you left her soul trapped in a jar.
That was hardcore, $(l.name). As in, cold-blooded.

Remind me not to piss you off.
It's not the call I would’ve made but...

{{GM}}She shoots a backward glance at the wretched woman, still silently wailing in her glass prison.{{/GM}}

What's done is done.
Are we doing the right thing, just leaving her like this?
Maybe. Maybe not. But we won't have to worry about her any more, and that's all that matters to me.
Damn right. She's insane, and dangerous, and she's murdered thousands.

I would’ve made the same call.
I wonder how long she’ll last in there.

{{GM}}Her tone is cool. Seemingly indifferent.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Eiger shoots a backward glance at the wretched woman, still silently raging in her glass prison.{{/GM}}

Forever may not be long enough.
Maybe not. But it's a start.

C'mon, let's get the hell out of here. When we get back to the Kreuzbasar, the first round of drinks is on me.
I wonder how long she’ll last in there.
{{GM}}Blitz smirks.{{/GM}}

Good start though, don’t you think?
C'mon, let's get the hell out of here. When we get back to the Kreuzbasar, the first round of drinks is on me.
{{GM}}Dietrich shoots a backward glance at the wretched woman, still silently raging in her glass prison.{{/GM}}

Forever may not be long enough.
{{GM}}Blitz smirks.{{/GM}}

Not a bad start, though.
Maybe not. But it's a start.
It was a little anticlimactic. I was expecting us to kill her, or set her free, or *something.*

Just walking away feels wrong, somehow.
{{GM}}Blitz shoots a backward glance at the wretched woman, still silently raging in her glass prison.{{/GM}}

Forever may not be long enough.
{{GM}}He turns to you and smirks.{{/GM}}

...Not a bad start, though.

C'mon, chief. Let's get the hell out of here. I've had enough of dragons... I just want to go home.
I wonder how long she’ll last in there.

{{GM}}Dietrich shoots a backward glance at the wretched woman, still silently raging in her glass prison.{{/GM}}

Forever may not be long enough.
Maybe not. But she won't be our problem any more.
Fair enough, boss. Let's get the hell out of here.
Damn right it is. That thing is insane, and dangerous, and she murdered thousands.

I would’ve made the same call.
It's a start.

Let's get out of here, $(l.name). There's nothing more for us here.
I wonder how long she’ll last in there.

{{GM}}He shoots a backward glance at the wretched woman, still silently raging in her glass prison.{{/GM}}

Forever may not be enough.
I wonder how long she’ll last in there.

{{GM}}She shoots a backward glance at the wretched woman, still silently raging in her glass prison.{{/GM}}

Forever may not be long enough.
Fair enough.

There's nothing more for us here. Let's get back to the Kreuzbasar.
You did the right thing by smashing that console, $(l.name). Feuerschwinge is insane, and dangerous, and she's murdered thousands.

I would’ve made the same call.
Come on. There's nothing else for us here, and I want to put as much distance between myself and this place as possible.

Let's get back to the Kreuzbasar. Let's go home.
{{GM}}Blitz eyes the smashed console.{{/GM}}

Did we do the right thing, leaving her like that?
I wonder how long she’ll last in there.

Forever may not be enough.
Yeah, chief. And *that* is a sentiment that I can get behind.

C'mon. Let's get the hell out of here. When we get back to the Kreuzbasar, I'll buy you a drink.
You steady yourself and your senses return in time to see the faint form of the dragon disappearing in the distance. Then Feuerschwinge is gone.
My head tells me we released a dragon, but I can't help feelin' that we did the right thing.
I'm surprised to hear you say that. The Firewing wasn't just any dragon.
She was a Great Dragon, Dietrich. An *insane* Great Dragon. Lord knows what she's going to do now.
It'll be fine. My gut tells me that she's gonna disappear. Find a nice, cozy place to sleep off this age of the world, and try again next time.
Let's hope your gut is right.

{{GM}}She turns to you.{{/GM}}

There's nothing more for us here. Let's get back home.
No, she wasn't. She was a legendary Great Dragon, and she was completely off her rocker. And we set her loose like a caged bird.
{{GM}}Blitz turns to you, and he cracks a wide grin.{{/GM}}

That was a badass play, chief. Ten points for style, no question about it.
Badass, huh?

{{GM}}Dietrich smiles wryly.{{/GM}}

Well, then I *know* that we did the right thing. Come on, boss... let's get out of here.
No. But she wasn't exactly her old self, either. Vauclair tortured that out of her. The broken thing in that cage deserved better than to be put to death.

My gut tells me that she's gonna disappear. Find a nice, cozy place to sleep off this age of the world, and try again next time.
She was a Great Dragon, Dietrich. An *insane* Great Dragon. Lord knows what she's going to do now.

What Vauclair did to her was wrong, but all the same... I’m not sure that I'd have made the same call.
Right. Wrong. What does it matter now? What's done is done.

Besides, chief, that was a totally badass play. Ten points for style, no question about it.
Well, it's too late to worry about it now. What's done is done.

C'mon, boss. There's nothing else for us here. Let's go home.
That wasn't just any dragon we let go. She was a legendary Great Dragon, and she was completely off her rocker. And we set her loose like a caged bird.
We just released a Great Dragon. An *insane* Great Dragon.
She has a point, $(l.name). What Vauclair did to the Firewing was wrong, but I don't know if that justifies setting her free... Lord knows what she's going to do now.

I’m not sure I would’ve made the same call.
Oh, come on, Eiger. How many other people can say that they've released a captive dragon into the wild?

{{GM}}Blitz turns to you, and he cracks a wide grin.{{/GM}}

That was a badass play, chief. Ten points for style, no question about it.
What's done is done now. There's nothing else for us here.

Let's get back to the Kreuzbasar.
Yep. Glory's right... she was a legendary Great Dragon, and she was completely off her rocker. And we set her loose like a caged bird.
Do you know what we just did, chief? We released an insane Great Dragon into the wild. And not just any Great Dragon... a *legendary* Great Dragon. The Firewing.

We set her loose like a caged bird.
I don’t know, $(l.name). Blitz may have a point. I’m not sure I would’ve made the same call.
No, Eiger. That's not my point at all. What $(l.name) just did was *epic.*

{{GM}}Blitz turns to you, and he cracks a wide grin.{{/GM}}

That was a badass play, chief. Ten points for style, no question about it.
{{GM}}Eiger sighs.{{/GM}}

Come on, you two. There's nothing else for us here.

Let's go home.
We released a great dragon. An *insane* great dragon.

I don’t know, $(l.name). I’m not sure I would’ve made the same call.
{{GM}}Dietrich stares at the crumpled form of the woman in the glass cage.{{/GM}}

Such a small, fragile thing.

I dunno, boss. I always thought slaying a dragon would be... different.
You did the right thing, $(l.name). She was insane and dangerous. I would’ve made the same call.
Yeah. Maybe. But I'd always thought that killing a dragon would be a heroic thing to do. I used to dream about it as a kid.

{{GM}}He shakes his head, his eyes never moving from the broken body in the containment cell.{{/GM}}

I don't feel like a hero.
This isn't about you, Dietrich. It's about the people who might have died if we'd set the Firewing go.
Yeah. I guess so.

Come on, boss. Let's get the hell out of here.

I want to go home.
Feuershcwinge was insane and dangerous. Killing her was the right thing to do.
Yeah... I know what you're sayin', man. I'm not sad that she's dead, but I almost feel a little sorry for her.
I'd always thought that killing a dragon would be a heroic thing to do. I used to dream about it as a kid.

{{GM}}He shakes his head, his eyes never moving from the broken body in the containment cell.{{/GM}}

I don't feel like a hero.
Don't get too carried away. We *won,* Dietrich. We kicked ass and took names, and saved a lot of lives to boot.

We *are* heroes. Don't tell yourself any different.
{{GM}}He stares at the body for a long while. Finally, he shakes his head and turns to you.{{/GM}}

Come on, boss. Let's get the hell out of here.

I want to go home.
Such a small, fragile thing.

Hard to believe that was all it took to kill a dragon.
As would I. We saved a lot of lives today.

{{GM}}She pauses for a beat, then a small smile crosses her face.{{/GM}}

That's a good feeling.
{{GM}}Eiger's eyes widen in surprise.{{/GM}}

Yeah, Glory. Yeah, it is.
C'mon, people. There's nothing else for us here.

Let's go home.
Let's get out of here, $(l.name). There's nothing else for us here.

{{GM}}She shoots one last glance back at the body of the dead dragon, then turns away.{{/GM}}

Let's go home.
{{GM}}She turns to you.{{/GM}}

It was the right choice to make. The Firewing was insane and dangerous. She had to be put down.
{{GM}}Blitz shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Kinda hard to believe that was all it took to kill a dragon.
You did the right thing, $(l.name). She was insane and dangerous. I would’ve made the same call.
More importantly, we *won.* We kicked ass and took names, and saved a lot of lives to boot.

We're heroes, chief! Not bad for a day's work!
{{GM}}Eiger sighs.{{/GM}}

Yeah, Blitz. Heroes is what we are.

Come on, $(l.name). There's nothing else for us here. Let's get back home.
Well, anyway, we *won,* chief. We kicked ass and took names, and saved a lot of lives to boot.

Not bad for a day's work.
No, Blitz. Not bad at all.
C'mon, chief. I don't think there's anything else for us here.

Let's go home.
{{GM}}She glances around the facility before looking you in the eye.{{/GM}}

I don't think there's anything else for us here. Let's go home.
I always thought that slayin' a dragon would be... different.
You did the right thing, $(l.name). She was insane and dangerous.

I would’ve made the same call.
Agreed. She was too dangerous to live. Better to kill her and be done with it.
And we did. With the push of a button.
{{GM}}Glory turns to you.{{/GM}}

There's nothing more for us here, $(l.name). Let's get back home.
Well, she's dead and gone now.
Yeah, with the push of a button.
Too bad about the “no treasure” thing.

{{GM}}He looks at the sea of blank faces surrounding him.{{/GM}}

Just sayin’.
{{GM}}Dietrich shakes his head.{{/GM}}

C'mon, boss. Let's get the hell out of here.
Feuerschwinge was insane and dangerous. We had to kill her.
Yeah, and we did. With the push of a button.
Too bad about the “no treasure” thing.

{{GM}}He shuffles his feet.{{/GM}}

Just sayin’.
Come on, boss. Let's get the hell out of here.

I want to go home.
Too bad about the “no treasure” thing.

{{GM}}He looks at the blank faces surrounding him.{{/GM}}

Just sayin’.
Too bad about the “no treasure” thing.

{{GM}}There is an awkward pause. Blitz shuffles his feet.{{/GM}}

Just sayin’.
Well, that's that. Mission accomplished, dragon slain. We're heroes, chief.
No one else needs to hear about that part.

{{GM}}He pauses.{{/GM}}

Too bad about the “no treasure” thing, though. Just sayin'.
{{GM}}Eiger sighs.{{/GM}}

Yes, Blitz. It's too bad.

Come on, $(l.name). There's nothing else for us here. Let's get back to the Kreuzbasar.
I guess that's that. Mission accomplished.

With a push of a button.
I'll take what I can get.
Right there with you, $(l.name).

C'mon, let's get the hell out of here. When we get back to the Kreuzbasar, I'll buy you a drink.
APEX's voice reverberates off the cavern walls, then slowly fades.

There is a long moment of silence, punctuated only by the rasping breaths of the shackled dragon.
Did we do the right thing, leaving all of this to APEX? The dragon, the research... everything?
It's hard to say. But I'd like to believe that we did.
Right. Wrong. Who the hell knows? We're dealing with things so much larger than us that it's hard to say any more.

If this gets APEX off of our backs, then I'm all for it. The Firewing can fend for herself.
I still don't trust APEX. We just handed it a tremendous amount of power.
It was already too powerful to handle. I don't think that handing it another weapon is going to change much in the long run.

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

I don't know. Maybe it'll use all of this to protect the F-State, like it said. We'll just have to wait and see.
Come on, everyone. Let's get the hell out of here.

I want to go home.
I don't know any more. I really don't.

I'm guessing that it would've been better for the world if we'd killed the dragon. But then, APEX would've killed us.

Who knows? Maybe it'll even use all of this to protect the F-State, like it said it would.
It was already too powerful to handle. I don't think that handing it another weapon is going to change much in the long run.

C'mon, chief. Let's get the hell out of here. I want to go home.
Only time will tell, I suppose. But at least we got the AI off of our backs. Who knows? Maybe it'll even use all of this to protect the F-State, like it said it would.

Come on, $(l.name). Let's get back to the Kreuzbasar.

Let's go home.
What do you think?
That's the hope.
Come on, chief. Let's get the hell out of here.

I want to go home.
It was already too powerful to handle. I don't think that handin' it another weapon is going to change much in the long run.

{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

I dunno. Maybe it'll use all of this to protect the F-State, like it said. We'll just have to wait and see.
Agreed. APEX was already too powerful to handle. I don't think that handin' it another weapon is going to change much in the long run.

{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

I dunno. Maybe it'll use all of this to protect the F-State, like it said. We'll just have to wait and see.
I think that we made a mistake. Not just now, but back when we set that thing free in the first place. And I'm nervous to see what the future's gonna hold.

C'mon, boss. Let's get the hell out of here.

I want to go home.
It's hard to say. The AI was already too powerful to handle. I don't think that handing it another weapon is going to change much in the long run.

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

I don't know. Maybe it'll use all of this to protect the F-State, like it said. We'll just have to wait and see.
This crate appears to have been pried hastily open. There is a partially-torn shipping label on its side. Most of the ink has worn off, but the word "Kreuzbasar" is still clearly visible.
These crates don't seem to be part of the shipment that was en route to the Kreuzbasar.
They're all empty.
Just full of old simsense recordings.
Smells like something died in here. Upon closer inspection, it's just moldy soy-cakes.
The drawers look to be hand-made, out of rusty sheet-metal. Nothing of value catches your eye within.
Surface access has been welded shut - probably an attempt to keep security tight.
The area is in extreme disrepair. Water is flooding out of the walls and stagnating in pools on the tile floor. You can smell the mildew from here.
The old flourescent grow-lights are barely keeping the plants alive. Almost no light from the surface makes it this far underground.
The stairwell down looks to have completely collapsed.
HARD TIMES
It is a short train ride to Gesundbrunnen. You exit the subway car, stepping onto the old, grungy platform. The place is deserted, though signs of life are everywhere. A gaping hole in the ceiling filters cool, hazy light in from above. To your right, a small plot of crops struggles to endure in the cold and the limited light of the station. Trash and junk litters the platform. It’s clear this place hasn’t had anything resembling a janitorial staff in quite some time.

Somewhere in this old, run-down U-Bahn station lies the entrance to Gesundbrunnen kiez, and hopefully some leads on the whereabouts of the Rabengeister and Gunari’s missing shipment.
Man, I am parched.
Don't shoot!
Shopkeeper
Quorin
Bartender
Ork Guard
Guard
Militia Captain
Militia Mage
Militiaman
Gang Enforcer
Old Information Terminal
Odd Merchant
Player One
Goldfish
Locate the Missing Shipments
Maintenance Guy's Code
Slick Decker Outfit
Keepin' it fresh.
I've accessed the door controls. Say when, and I'll force it for you!
Once it's open, you've got to get in there and release the southern lock from the control panel.
We're ready! Force it!
Hold for a second, Blitz. We aren't in position yet.
Hasenkamp walks to a nearby safe and taps a code into the keypad. The door swings open.

He reaches inside and pulls out a small plastic box, then taps the activator on his commlink.
Yes, Mr. Grinder. The package is secure.

That's right, I'm holding it right now. I'll have it in your hands within the next fifteen minutes.
{{GM}}Your commlink crackles, and Blitz whispers into your ear.{{/GM}}

This is bullshit, chief. By all rights, that box should be ours... this was *our* run.
{{GM}}Whisper.{{/GM}} Do you even know what the box is, Blitz?
{{GM}}Whisper.{{/GM}} What do you want me to do, steal it from him?
{{GM}}Whisper.{{/GM}} I'm with you there, man. But from the way he's cradling that thing, I don't think he's gonna let go of it willingly.
Well, no... but I still want it.
{{GM}}Whisper.{{/GM}} Remind me, Blitz: what was the purpose of this run?
{{GM}}Whisper.{{/GM}} What do you think Grinder would do if we took the box from Hasenkamp?
{{GM}}Whisper.{{/GM}} Well, I like a mystery as much as the next $(l.guy). Maybe I can find a way to get it away from him.
To get me out of hot water with Meat Grinder.
{{GM}}Whisper.{{/GM}} And Meat Grinder wants the box, right?
Well, yeah, but...
{{GM}}Whisper.{{/GM}} But nothing. I came out here to bail you out, not to get you a Mystery Box.
All right, chief. If that's the way you feel about it, I'll drop it.

For now.
Blitz falls into a disgruntled silence. You can hear the soft murmur of Hasenkamp speaking into his commlink from across the room.

Finally, he taps the power button and deactivates the device.
All right. The deal is done.

Let's get out of here.
Well, uh...

{{GM}}There's a long pause, then a sigh.{{/GM}}

He'd take my thumbs off, wouldn't he?
I think that's the safe bet.
Hell yeah, chief. Keep your eyes open. Maybe, when his back is turned...

{{GM}}His voice trails off.{{/GM}}

No, wait. Damn it. This isn't going to work.
Well, Meat Grinder obviously wants that thing. And Hasenkamp isn't going to give it to you.

If you steal it from him, I think he's going to figure out where it went. And if you kill him, Grinder takes my thumbs off.

Damn it.
Well, no, of course not... I'm just saying...
No. If Meat Grinder wants it, he won't let go of it without a fight.

{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

...And if we fight him for it, Grinder takes my thumbs off. Damn it.
Would you like to rotate the open Matrix ports?
{{GM}}Rotate Ports{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave Them Alone{{/GM}}
Ports Rotated.
The broken body of a human man lies on the floor. His face is a mess of fresh cuts and congealing blood, and his head is oddly deformed.

Despite his wounds, his mouth is twisted into a macabre smile.
{{GM}}Inspect the body.{{/GM}}
Judging by the shape of the ganger's head, you'd guess that his skull has been fractured in at least three places.

The center of his forehead is particularly gruesome; it looks *soft,* as though the skin were stretched like a tent between shards of broken bone.
Looking up, you can see a great smear of gore on the door of the room that you found him in.

The implications are clear: this man bashed his own head in trying to get out, and he did it with a smile on his face.
His hands are badly broken, too. You've seen these sorts of injuries after bare-knuckle fistfights, but never anything this severe.

This man punched something hard, and went on punching until his hands were reduced to useless slabs of meat.
{{CC}}Biotech: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Draw a medical conclusion.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Search the body for the missing chip.{{/GM}}
All of these symptoms point to one thing: something drove this ganger into a homicidal fury, and that fury didn't die out until he did.

You've heard of pharmaceuticals that can cause this sort of reaction - PCP, datura, substituted cathinones - but without a lab test, there's no way to say for sure what drove him to this.
The ruined body lies crumpled on the floor. Its fractured skull glistens wetly in the light.
{{GM}}Search for the missing chip.{{/GM}}
Peeling back a patch of matted hair, you find something that a casual viewer would have missed: the man had a chipjack. It's a cheap model, sufficient for loading simsense chips and BTLs, but little else.

It doesn't take much effort for you to pry it open.
Inside the chipjack, you find a glob of plastic. It looks as though whatever this guy was running melted down sometime after he slotted it.

A chipjack like this couldn't generate enough heat to destroy a simsense chip. The only logical conclusion is that the chip itself was wired to melt down after use.
{{GM}}Take the burned-out chip and leave.{{/GM}}
That's done it, $(l.name)! The generators are set to blow!

Well done making it all the way there undetected... I wouldn't have thought it possible.
Now, on to the bad news... I'm seeing a huge spike in comm traffic.

Get your team out of there, $(l.name). Not only is the building set to blow, but enemy reinforcements are on the way!
Uh oh.

I don't know what you just did, but I'm seeing a sudden burst of comm traffic. You must have tripped an alarm of some kind.

Get ready, $(l.name). The High Threat Response Team is on its way.
{{GM}}The elevator guard steps toward you, his weapon slung.{{/GM}}

I didn't hear anything about KE assets being deployed in this sector.
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, then checks himself.{{/GM}}

Then again, with the power overload, nobody knows what the hell is going on. I haven't heard from Central in a half an hour.

Why are you here?
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Thanks to the power overload, Central has me doing a sweep of this entire sector. See anything unusual lately?
{{CC}}Etiquette: Security{{/CC}} Yeah, I was in the same boat until a few minutes ago. Just heard from Central, they want a complete perimeter assessment.
I was sent to check on you. So, uh... how are you doing?
Not much.

{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

To be honest, I can't see much of anything. You'd think that a fancy building like this would come with better emergency lighting.
I know what you mean. An intruder could be *anywhere.*
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah, tell me about it.

Well, best of luck with your sweep. Let me know if anything's out of order... it is my sector, after all.
You got it, pal.
Strange. Did they give you any explanation for this request?
Do they ever?
{{GM}}He chuckles.{{/GM}}

No. Of course they don't.

Well, best of luck. Let me know if anything's out of order... it is my sector, after all.
You got it, pal. And be careful... an intruder could be *anywhere.*
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah, tell me about it.
{{GM}}The guard's eyes narrow. He half-raises his weapon.{{/GM}}

Let me see your ID. Reach for it slowly.
Uhhh... I, um... I don't have it yet.
{{GM}}He shoulders his weapon.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Prepare for combat.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Quickness: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Shoot first.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The elevator guard steps toward you, his weapon slung.{{/GM}}

I didn't hear anything about KE assets being deployed in this sector. Why are you here?
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} Yeah, I was just transferred from HQ. They've got me walking the perimeter to familiarize myself with the building.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Security{{/CC}} I just got the assignment myself. Central wants a complete perimeter assessment.
{{GM}}He smirks.{{/GM}}

Well, enjoy the walk. And get used to it... they'll have you walking perimeter for the next few months at least.
{{GM}}The guard shoulders his weapon.{{/GM}}
RFID ID Card
An outdated RFID style ID card last used around the awakening. There is a name written on it "Franz Klien : Foreman" and "Access Level: 3"
A boutique food kiosk. The sign out front advertises a variety of locally sourced foodstuffs, all of them terribly overpriced.
{{GM}}Take a closer look at the food on offer.{{/GM}}
Glancing in the self-serve refrigerated section of the kiosk, you find a variety of sandwiches wrapped in slick plastic.

You could eat for a week for the price of one of these things.
Your commlink buzzes.

There is a series of clicks as the connection is established. A moment later, Paul Amsel begins to speak.
All right, $(l.name). That's the Aztechnology complex, just in front of you.
You'll note the heavy security posted at the front door. Those are Aztechnology employees.

They're dangerous, to be sure, but you could probably take them without too much difficulty.
Unfortunately, the Azzies have also contracted Knight Errant to protect this facility.

They're the ones that we need to worry about.
Just to reiterate, you'll want to keep a low profile on this run. Get in and out as quickly and quietly as possible.

Knight Errant keeps a High Threat Response Team on-site, and you don't want to tangle with them. Trust me on that.
If you do need to go loud, give it everything you've got. You're going to be reducing the building to a smoldering crater anyway.

But I'd highly recommend stealth over a frontal assault.
I'm not worried about Knight Errant. Let 'em come.
We won't start shooting until we run out of words.
No problem. If I were you, I'd begin by trying to find an alternative path into the building... something out of sight.

Once the facility calls for help, you're going to be on a tight timetable.
{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

It's your call, $(l.name). But I'd at least recommend finding an alternative path into the building... something out of sight.

Once the facility calls for help, you're going to be on a tight timetable.
Good $(l.man). I'd begin by trying to find an alternative path into the building... something out of sight.

Once the facility calls for help, you're going to be on a tight timetable.
Earth Attunement
Gain Item:
Bound Earth Elemental
Dietrich now carries a Earth Elemental fetish on each mission.
Shotgun Ammo Mod
Gain Ability:
Dragon's Breath Round
Eiger gains a shotgun ability that sets targets on fire, and strips 1 Armor. Ongoing DMG: 4 Cost: 1 AP. Cooldown: 3.
Fire Attunement
Gain Item:
Bound Fire Elemental
Dietrich now carries a Fire Elemental fetish on each mission.
Sniper Specialist II
Gain Ability:
Interdiction Shot
Eiger gains a sniper rifle ability. Fires a discarding-sabot HTI round that ignores armor completely. Cost: 2 AP. Cooldown: 5.
Prototype Monofilament Axe
A heavy axe made for cutting up your enemies.
You enter the room to find your team preparing. Their faces are grim.

Eiger looks up and locks eyes with you. Without looking away, she addresses the rest of the team.
With APEX down, we have our opening. The estate's automated defenses will be offline.

Attacking the holdfast should be doable now. Still risky, but doable.
You enter the room to find your team preparing in relative silence. Their expressions are grim.
In the back of the room, an ominous presence hovers silently at chest-height. Light glints off of the machine's pitted metal carapace.

Eiger sees the look on your face, and her voice cuts through the quiet in the room.
APEX's present to us. Calls itself "PANZERDROHNE," but that's about all that I could get out of it.
I don't like havin' that thing in here, boss.
It's here now, like it or not.

{{GM}}She looks up and locks eyes with you. Without looking away, she addresses the rest of the team.{{/GM}}

But enough of that. We have business to discuss.
If APEX did what it said it would, then the estate’s automated defenses have already targeted Vauclair's security forces. That'll give us a serious tactical advantage.

Attacking the holdfast should be doable now. Still risky, but doable.
{{GM}}Blitz stops what he's doing and shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Yeah, we'll have an opening, sure. But to do what? I mean... with everything we just learned, what's our new plan?
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

We enter the estate, locate Vauclair, and shut him down.

Same plan, different target.
It's possible that APEX fabricated that comm feed. Vauclair might still be innocent.
I doubt it. My gut tells me that what we saw was real, and second-guessing ourselves isn't going to get us anywhere.
{{GM}}Glory pauses, considering, then nods.{{/GM}}

Fair point.
Okay. So let's assume that Vauclair *is* the one who's behind all of this. What's he doing in that lab? How does the dragon tie into this?

I mean... this whole thing was always about rescuing the old man from the Firewing. Is she still in the picture at all? Has she ever been?
After what APEX showed us, I don't even know what we're trying to stop anymore.

All that I see is a lot of dead bodies, with no explanation why.
It doesn't *matter* why Vauclair killed Monika, and Paul, and all of those other people in the Kreuzbasar. All that matters is that he did.

I'm going to bury him for that. You're welcome to help.
I, for one, want answers. Amsel said that there was a lot of money flowing into the Harfeld estate. And he found evidence that a bioweapon was being stockpiled there.

Whatever Vauclair is doing, he had APEX kill his own brother to hide it. I intend to find out what that is.
We'll get you your answers. But Eiger's right... we need to focus on stopping Vauclair.
I don't care about Vauclair's reasons. He crossed me, and he's going to pay for that.
I'm with Glory. I want answers, and we're going to go get them.
There is a moment of silence as the group pauses to consider your words.

Finally, Glory steps forward.
That's... satisfactory. I'm in.
This is your show, chief.

Whatever you choose to do, I'll come along for the ride.
When we reach Vauclair, I'll take him out. He'll never know what hit him.
You lead, and I'll follow, boss.
{{GM}}Eiger glances at you and cocks her head.{{/GM}}

Looks like the team’s good to go. What’s our next move?
Now that we’ve got the keys to the castle, I say that we use them.
We hit the estate, find Vauclair, and extract whatever information we can. Improvise from there.
We stop talking about this and go do it. We've hit the Harfeld Manor once before. We already know what we need to know to do it again.
{{GM}}Blitz offers you a halfhearted smirk.{{/GM}}

I've always wanted a castle.
{{GM}}Eiger raises a hand.{{/GM}}

Word of caution, $(l.name). Our objective may be simple, but taking the same approach that we took last time would be a mistake.
Why? Going in through the museum worked just fine last time. If anything, it should be even less well defended now that we've taken care of APEX.
You questioning my orders, Eiger?
I'll defer to your judgment. What would you suggest?
I’ve been reviewing the intel that Alice sent us and comparing it to what I gathered on our original run. There has been a substantial increase in the number of heat signatures on the ground.

That means new security troops. Lots of them.
Great.
They know that we’re coming.
{{GM}}She slings her rifle over her shoulder.{{/GM}}

That just means that we'll be fighting in a target-rich environment.
{{GM}}Dietrich cracks his knuckles.{{/GM}}

Works for me.
We’ll want to get into the lab area as quickly as possible. So I'd suggest bypassing the main floor of the estate entirely.

We can enter via the servants' entrance that you escaped through last time.
Unfortunately, they’ve blocked off the route we used between the stables and the tree line.

That means we’re going to have to fight our way there.
Let’s assume that we make it across the grounds alive. What about Vauclair?
Once we’re in, how do we find Vauclair?
So we turn Vauclair’s security team into a pile of corpses. Check. We’ll still need to find the old man.
I'm okay with assuming that we live. In fact, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that us surviving should always be a part of the plan.
The lab that Vauclair was talking about wasn't on the ground floor. So it's either in the basement or a sublevel.

We go down. And we scour every level until we find it.
That might take a while - that facility could be *massive.* There was clearly a lot more to it than we saw.

We've got no way of knowin' how far underground the complex extends.
We go in prepared for an extended search, then.

{{GM}}Eiger looks down, checking her gear.{{/GM}}

Ammo won't be a problem.
Okay, people, it’s go time. You got something to say, speak up now.
If anyone has any reservations about this, now’s the time to say it.
There’s nothing to say. We’ll do what we have to do.
Okay, that’s it. Finish gearing up and head to the tunnel at the back of the safehouse. I'll meet you where we stashed the van.
No, fearless leader. I'm preventing you from walking us into a trap.

I’ve spent the last hour reviewing the intel that Alice sent us and comparing it to what I gathered on our original run. There has been a substantial increase in the number of heat signatures on the grounds.

That means new security troops. Lots of them.
{{GM}}Dietrich offers you a halfhearted smirk.{{/GM}}

I've always wanted a castle.
{{GM}}Blitz offers you a halfhearted smirk.{{/GM}}

Like riding a bike. You never forget.
{{GM}}Dietrich offers you a halfhearted smirk.{{/GM}}

Like ridin' a bike. You never forget.
There's more going on here than we understand, and it could be dangerous to ignore it. I think that you're making a mistake, $(l.name).

But I've got your back, all the same.
This is your show, chief.

Whatever you choose to do, I'll come along for the ride.
When we reach Vauclair, I'll keep his security off of you. The old man is all yours.
There is a moment of silence as the group pauses to consider your words.

Finally, Eiger steps forward.
All right, fearless leader. You go looking for your answers... I won't get in your way. And when the time comes to put a bullet in Vauclair's brain, I'll be there to make it happen.
We're going to find out what's happening at that holdfast. And then we're going to stop it.
{{GM}}Dietrich stops what he's doing and shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Yeah... we'll have an opening, sure. But to do what?
This desk is catastrophically messy. Candy wrappers litter its work surface, and the bottom drawer is ajar.
{{GM}}Search the desk.{{/GM}}
You about through over there?
Hang on a second. I want to check this out.
I'm not sure that we're on the same page, here. So we should probably hash this out now and save ourselves some time.
We are here to fetch the money that your friend owes to Mr. Grinder.

That means that we aren't here to ransack desks or steal office supplies. So, what you're doing right now could accurately be described as a waste of time.
This isn't going to take long, don't worry.
Your boss will get what's coming to him. Now back down.
You don't want to get on my bad side, Hasenkamp.
{{GM}}Walk away.{{/GM}} Yeah, sorry. It was nothing anyway.
I'm not worried, I'm irritated. But fine, whatever, do your thing. Just do it fast, okay?
{{GM}}Continue searching.{{/GM}} You got it.
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} I was just finishing up anyway.
Rummaging through the desk, you find an old-fashioned binder stuffed with cheap paper.

Leafing through the pages, you discover what appears to be a business plan. Apparently, the Landenberg Ring is in the process of opening a string of payday loan centers across Drogenkippe.
Hey, Hasenkamp, what does Grinder think about this? Isn't money lending *his* racket?
Yeah. These Landenberg pricks have been a tick on his ass for years now, sucking away at the revenue that should be lining *his* pockets. Bad business, all around.

Thankfully, we're gonna recover at least a little of that cash tonight. And speaking of which...
Just a second. I'm almost done.
At the back of the binder, you find a note scrawled on a slip of scrap paper.
PLOTZ,

I have REAL and PRESSING concerns about this "silent partner" that you've brought on for the loan center scheme.

We DON'T NEED HIM. I keep saying it, but nobody listens. CALL ME!!!

- JB
Any idea who this "Plotz" guy is, Hasenkamp?
Plotz. I've run into that name a couple of times since we arrived. Any ideas, Hasenkamp?
Miserable son of a bitch, I had to share an office with that man for--

{{GM}}He cuts himself short.{{/GM}}

Never mind. You don't need to know.
{{GM}}Blitz whispers through your commlink.{{/GM}}

The plot thickens...
Jürgen Plotz. He's the leader of the Landenberg Ring.

I had to share an office with that miserable son of a bitch for five years before we went our separate ways. He's the greediest, most narcissistic piece of work that I've ever met, and I work for a loan shark.
{{GM}}He crosses his arms.{{/GM}}

All right. Fine. Search away. But Mr. Grinder is waiting for my call, and believe me: it isn't wise to keep that man waiting long.
{{GM}}Continue searching.{{/GM}} I'll take my chances.
And *you* don't want to keep Mr. Grinder waiting. That would be a terrible mistake on your part.
Oh, for Christ's sake. Here we go again.
Quit whining, man. You're disturbing my calm.
Look, $(l.man), this is *really* getting old. At this rate, my grandkids will be fast asleep by the time I get back, and that makes me irate.
Now, will you *please* leave that alone so that we can get finished with this?

I don't know about you, but I don't like this place, and I don't want to spend the next four hours here.
Something is going on here, Hasenkamp. I'm sure of it. And I won't stop searching until I figure out what it is.
You begin to rummage through the desk again. Hasenkamp glances at the chronometer on his PDA and scowls.
Oh, come on. This again?
The floor at this end of the room is beginning to cave in. A trickle of light spills up through the cracks in the floorboards from another room below.

With a little force, you could probably open a hole big enough to drop down to the second floor from here.		 Le plancher dans le coin de la pièce commence à céder. Un filet de lumière se répand à travers les fissures provenant de la pièce en dessous.

En forçant un peu, vous pourriez probablement ouvrir un trou assez grand pour descendre au deuxième étage à partir d'ici.
{{GM}}Smash the boards and jump down.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Défoncer le plancher et sauter.{{/GM}}
The hole that you made previously is still there. You can jump down to the second floor kitchen. Le trou que vous aviez fait est toujours là. Vous pouvez sauter vers la cuisine du second étage.
{{GM}}Jump down the hole.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Sauter dans le trou.{{/GM}}
Hasenkamp
DANGER : ACTIVE BLASTING AREA
DRAGONFALL
You exit the clean-room to find yourself at the threshold of a vast underground chamber. If the abandoned facility that you just fought through was purgatory, then you now stand at the gateway to hell. The heat emanating from ahead hits you like a hammer - the smell of sulphur and ozone is enough to make your lunch want to find somewhere to hide.

Above the noise created by the whir of turbines, you can hear the deep rumble of something feral waking up. Something very, very big.

You check your weapons and step into the vast chamber.
Feuerschwinge Virus Level: $(scene.countPoisonClock) / 10
Vent A safety protocol disengaged.
Vent B safety protocol disengaged.
Virus venting... Infusion decelerated.
You don't know what you've done...
The virus infusion has been aborted.
Keep the process going, Doctor! I'll kill them myself.
One of the runners is down!
I got another one. We're almost there!
Got... to keep going!
The process is almost complete!
I'll kill you myself!
Vanguard Mercenary
Vanguard Mage
Mercenary Grenadier
Mercenary
Mercenary Mage
Executive Bodyguard
Feuerschwinge
APEX
Computer Terminal
InvisibleCamera
The infusion process completes, filling Feuerschwinge with the deadly virus. Vauclair shouts in triumph as he releases her. Berlin will burn. You have failed.
Defeat Audran
Stop the Virus Infusion Process Before It Completes
Confront Vauclair
Exit the Facility
Free Feuerschwinge
Transfer Control of Feuerschwinge to APEX
Confront Audran
The infusion process completes, filling Feuerschwinge with the deadly virus. Audran shouts in triumph as he releases her. Berlin will burn. You have failed.
INTO THE DARK
$(story.a3_Endgame_s4_LoadingScreen)
Select someone to examine the rock.
Scorpyrine
Door Panel
Broken PDA
Paramilitary Guard
Paramilitary Enforcer
Paramilitary Rigger
Firedrake
Paramilitary Grenadier
Explosive Control Panel
Ventilation Controls
Messages
Paramilitary Security
Emergency Field Trauma Unit
Find a Way Back Into the Facility
There is large crack that runs right though this section of wall.
"ERROR: APEX CONTROL ENTITY OFFLINE"
"ERROR: APEX CONTROL ENTITY SET TO ATTACK ALLIES"
PANACEA
The sounds of machinery fade behind you as you venture further underground. Whoever built this facility was clearly well financed. It must have taken years to design, excavate, and build a complex like this in secrecy.

You continue through dimly lit halls, finally stepping into what appears to be another laboratory area. The corridor before you is deserted.

Dr. Adrian Vauclair is somewhere within this facility… and with him, the answers you seek.
Can't let you do this, boss.
I won't let you join him.
I have to keep the Kreuzbasar safe.
Strange Woman
InvisCameraFocus
ElfFemaleSecurity
Descend to the Levels Below
THE LAB BELOW
After making your way across the manor grounds, you find the servants' entrance open and the immediate interior clear of any resistance.

You find the elevator that you used during your prior escape waiting patiently for your arrival. It shudders to life now, ready to carry you down into the facility below. To the place where Monika met APEX and the world turned upside down.

Where this whole thing began.
Locked.
Security Terminal
Paramilitary Security Enforcer
PANACEA Project Terminal
Guardian Drone
Drone Control Box
WallExploder
Paramilitary Security Grenadier
Admin Terminal
Find Vauclair to Stop Feuerschwinge
RETURN TO HARFELD
The van lurches forward. The smell of anxious sweat hangs close and thick inside, making the cramped vehicle feel even smaller. The streets of Berlin are strangely quiet as you make your way past the city limits. It’s as if the whole of the Flux State is waiting for something. A calm before the storm.

An hour later, the van rounds a corner. In the distance you can see the silhouette of Harfeld Manor, backed by the light of the full moon. You switch the van’s headlights off and shift to electric. A short while later, you kill the ignition and roll quietly down the last hill, pulling to a stop on the side of the road. A bird of prey takes wing from a tree above you, beginning its nocturnal pursuit.

You know how it feels.
Get to the panel!
Cover me!
What the...?
Gargoyle
Gate Control
Hellhound
LTG Panel
Paramilitary Security Rigger
Paramilitary Security Mage
Freight Elevator Door Panel
Side Door Panel
1stGuargAreaTurnEnforcer
Find Vauclair
Get to the Freight Elevator
Bergfalk's Note
Plotz,

I have REAL and PRESSING concerns about this "silent partner" that you've brought on for the loan center scheme.

We DON'T NEED HIM. I keep saying it, but nobody listens. CALL ME!!!

- JB
This trendily-designed panel reads "Apartment 303."

A slick, high-grade keypad has been mounted into the door frame.
14291
Ingram Smartgun (Smartlink)
SMG: The professional street samurai's weapon of choice, with an integral Smartlink System.
It looks like this media setup is wired into the building's security system.

Video feeds from cameras all over the facility can be viewed here.		 Il ressemble à cette installation multimédia est raccordé dans le système de sécurité du bâtiment.

Les enregistrements des caméras vidéo de tout le bâtiment peuvent être consultés ici.
{{GM}}Search the machine's video archive.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rechercher les archives vidéo de la machine.{{/ GM}}
Paging through the computer's file system, you find a number of archived video feeds from the building's surveillance system.

In addition, episodes one through six of an old Slovakian period-fantasy series called "Knight-Kings of Lightninghold" have been saved to the machine's desktop.		 En parcourant les fichiers système de l'ordinateur, vous trouvez un certain nombre de flux vidéo du système de surveillance du bâtiment archivés.

De plus, les épisodes 1 à 6 d'une ancienne série fantastique slovaque appelée « Knight-Kings of Lightninghold » ont été enregistrés sur le bureau de l'ordinateur.
I remember that show. It was horrible. I mean, really, *really* bad - made "Neil the Ork Barbarian" look like high art.

Me an' my buddies in the Schwarze Herzen used to get high and laugh at it. It only ran for seven episodes before it got pulled.		 Je me souviens de cette série. C'était horrible. Je veux dire, vraiment, *vraiment* mauvais - en comparaison, "Neil the Ork Barbarian" c'est du grand art.

Moi et mes potes du Schwarze Herzen on avait l'habitude de se défoncer et le mater. Ca a été annulé après sept épisodes.
According to the computer's file system, each of the six episodes has been viewed over four hundred times in the past two years.

The last marathon viewing was this morning.		 Selon les fichiers système de l'ordinateur, chacun des six épisodes a été visionné plus de quatre cents fois au cours des deux dernières années.

Le dernier marathon de visionnage était ce matin.
{{GM}}Watch the security archive dated 18 months ago.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Regarder les archives de sécurité d'il y a 18 mois. {{/ GM}}
{{GM}}Watch the security archive dated 14 months ago.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Regarder les archives de sécurité d'il y a 14 mois. {{/ GM}}
{{GM}}Watch the security archive dated 11 months ago.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Regarder les archives de sécurité d'il y a 11 mois. {{/ GM}}
{{GM}}Watch the security archive dated 8 months ago.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Regarder les archives de sécurité d'il y a 8 mois. {{/ GM}}
{{GM}}Watch the security archive dated today.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Regarder les archives de sécurité d'aujourd'hui. {{/ GM}}
As the video feed kicks in, Philip is engaged in an animated discussion with someone who's standing just outside camera range. You can see his shoes and his shadow, but nothing more.

The voice sounds human. You'd guess that the off-camera speaker is a man in his early twenties.		 Au lancement de la vidéo, Philip est engagé dans une discussion animée avec quelqu'un qui se trouve juste en dehors du champ de vision de la caméra. Vous pouvez voir ses chaussures et son ombre, mais rien de plus.

La voix sonne humaine. Vous êtes prêt à parier que le type hors caméra est un homme d'une vingtaine d'années.
...Look, we've survived this long. If we play our cards right and do a proper bit of rationing, I reckon that we can live off of the executive snack bar for a long time to come.

We'll have plenty of fat and sugar - those won't be a problem. We've got mixed nuts for protein. And we can get our vitamins and minerals from diet bars... There aren't many of those, but like I said, we'll ration.		 ... Ecoutez, nous avons survécu si longtemps. Si on la joue bien et qu'on fait un peu de rationnement, je pense que nous pouvons encore tenir pendant un bon moment avec la bouffe de la cafétéria de la direction.

Nous avons beaucoup de gras et de sucre - c'est pas un problème. On peut mélanger des cacahuètes pour les protéines. Et nous pouvons obtenir des vitamines et minéraux des barres énergétiques... On en a pas des masses, mais comme je disais, on se rationnera.
I'd be willing to bet that we can hold out for two to three months on what's stashed away in that snack bar.

We're sure to be rescued before we run dry.		 Je serais prêt à parier que nous pouvons tenir pendant deux ou trois mois avec ce qui est caché dans cette cafétéria.

Nous serons forcément secourus avant de mourir de faim.
You're fooling yourself, man. Ignoring an unpleasant truth rather than facing it.

We have to accept the fact that we could be stuck in here for the long haul.		 Tu te voiles la face, mec. Tu préfères ignorer cette vérité désagréable, plutôt que de lui faire face.

Nous devons accepter le fait que nous pourrions être coincés ici pour un bon bout de temps.
The snacks are great and all, but they can't be our staple foodstuff. We need to stretch them out as far as humanly possible. And that means supplementing them with something more substantial. Les snacks sont super et tout, mais ils ne peuvent pas être notre aliment de base. Nous avons besoin de les faire durer autant qu'il est humainement possible. Et cela signifie qu'on doit les accompagner de quelque chose de plus substantiel.
{{GM}}There is a long pause.{{/GM}}

You don't mean...?		 {{GM}}Il y a une longue pause. {{/ GM}}

Tu ne veux pas dire... ?
Look, just think of it like farming, right? If we look after our crops, we'll always have food to eat. We have enough supplies on hand to keep the tissue cultures in the OrgChem Wing growing indefinitely.

What I'm talking about is growing meat for our own survival. That's all it is.		 Ecoute, il suffit de voir ça comme de l'agriculture, okay? Si nous nous occupons de nos cultures, nous aurons toujours à manger. Nous avons assez de matériel sur place pour faire croître indéfiniment les cultures de tissus dans l'aile OrgChem.

Je te parle d'assez de viande pour notre survie. C'est tout.
*Metahuman* meat, Phil. Synthetic hearts and livers and kidneys, grown to be implanted into people like you and me.

You're talking about eating people parts. It's fucking disgusting, and I won't do it.		 Viande "metahumaine", Phil. Des cœurs synthétiques et des foies et des reins, cultivés pour l'implantation sur des gens comme toi et moi.

Tu parles de manger des bouts de personnes. C'est foutrement dégueulasse, et je ne le ferai pas.
Unless you fancy dying of malnutrition, you're gonna have to. You know that as well as I do.

Organ meats are rich in vitamins and minerals - choline, CoQ10, vitamin D, bioavailable iron. All things that we're gonna need if we want to survive in the long term.

You won't find much vitamin D in licorice sticks and choco nubs.		 Sauf si tu veux mourir de malnutrition, tu vas devoir le faire. Tu le sais aussi bien que moi.

Les abats sont riches en vitamines et en minéraux - choline, COQ10, vitamine D, fer biodisponible. Toutes les choses dont nous avons besoin si nous voulons survivre à long terme.

Tu ne vas pas trouver beaucoup de vitamine D dans les bâtons de réglisse et les marshmallow au chocolat.
You're talking like they're never going to rescue us. Tu parles comme s'ils n'allaient jamais venir nous sauver.
We're in Berlin, Heiner. What "they"? Who do you think is coming?

We need to be prepared to survive here for a long time. Maybe years. And that means making the most of the resources at our disposal.		 Nous sommes à Berlin, Heiner. C'est qui « ils » ? Qui crois tu qui va venir ?

Nous devons être prêts à survivre ici pendant un long moment. Des années peut être. Et ca signifie utiliser toutes les ressources à notre disposition.
You're talking about resorting to cannibalism, man. Tu parles de recourir au cannibalisme, mec.
No.

I'm talking about eating meat.		 Non.

Je parle de manger de la viande.
The video feed flickers and winks out.

You find yourself deposited back at the main menu.		 Le flux vidéo scintille et disparaît.

Vous vous retrouver au menu principal.
An image flickers onto the frame: Philip, leaning against a wall, listlessly chewing on an unidentifiable hunk of cooked meat. He looks miserable.

A drone comes to inspect him, and he pushes it away.		 L'image scintille sur le moniteur: Philip, adossé contre un mur, mâchant nonchalamment un morceau non identifiable de viande cuite. Il a l'air misérable.

Un drone vient l'inspecter, et il le repousse.
{{GM}}Heiner's voice crackles in over the intercom. Philip doesn't look up.{{/GM}}

I'm going now, Phil. No more arguments, okay?		 {{GM}}La voix d'Heiner crépite dans l'interphone. Philip ne réagit pas.{{/GM}}

J'y vais maintenant, Phil. Plus d'objections, okay?
There is a long pause.

In lieu of responding, Philip takes another bite of meat and gnashes at it with his teeth.		 Il y a une longue pause.

Plutôt que de répondre, Philip prend une autre bouchée de viande et la mâche entre ses dents.
I'll kill that fucking thing - you'll see. That goddamned basilisk is going *down.*

Once we can get down into the sewers again, we might be able to find a way out. This is our chance, Philip!

Wish me luck.		 Je vais buter cette putain de chose - tu vois. Cette foutue basilic va se *coucher*.

Si nous pouvons redescendre dans les égouts à nouveau, nous pourrions trouver un moyen de sortir d'ici. C'est notre chance, Philip.

Souhaite moi bonne chance.
Philip says nothing.

The video continues to play for a time, then cuts to static.		 Philip ne dit rien.

La vidéo continue de jouer pendant un certain temps, puis se fige.
The video feed flickers onto the screen. In it, you find Philip standing in the corner of the room that you're in now. He looks haggard, exhausted, and he carries a haunted look in his eyes.

Heiner is notably absent.		 Le flux vidéo clignote sur l'écran. Dedans, vous retrouvez Philip se tenant dans un coin de la pièce où vous êtes maintenant. Il semble hagard, épuisé, et son regard est comme hanté.

Heiner est absent.
Cheap, synthesized music pipes in from somewhere off-screen. Philip turns to stare in the direction that the music came from.

A smooth baritone voice sings out a phrase in Slovak. A half-second later, a different voice shouts a translation in German.		 Un tube de musique synthétique bon marché retentit hors de l'écran. Philip se tourne pour regarder dans la direction de la musique.

Une voix de baryton chante une phrase en slovaque. Une demi seconde plus tard, une voix différente crie la traduction en Allemand.
KNIGHT-KINGS of LLLLLIGHTNINGHOLD! KNIGHT-KINGS of LLLLLIGHTNINGHOLD!
Oh, man! That's it, that's the show! I forgot how bad the dub job was! Oh, mec! C'est ca, c'est la série! J'avais oublié comment le générique était pourri.
Philip stares, glassy-eyed, as the show begins. The synthesized music blares. Le regard vitreux, Philip attend que la série commence. La musique synthétisée retentit.
{{GM}}A deep, trollish voice rumbles out of the media center's speakers.{{/GM}}

I, Titonius Rex, will DEFEND my REALM! I do so swear it before my MAGIC SWORD, *ARGO-NAR!*

THIS, I DO SWEAR!		 {{GM}}Une profonde voix de troll gronde des haut-parleurs du média center.{{/GM}}

Moi, Titonius Rex, je vais DEFENDRE mon ROYAUME! Je le jure sur mon EPEE MAGIQUE, *ARGO-NAR!*.

AINSI, JE LE JURE!
{{GM}}An alarmingly breathy elvish voice sings out in response.{{/GM}}

But Titonius! The Jubuthon hordes will smite you if you stay!

The people in that valley are only peasants. You needn't throw your life away for them! Flee with me, into the Enchanted Wood of Trala-sheen! 		{{GM}}Une voix elfique alarmée souffle une réponse.{{/GM}}

Mais Titonius! La horde des Jubuthon va vous tuez si vous restez!

Les gens de cette vallée ne sont que des paysans. Vous n'avez pas besoin de sacrifier votre vie pour eux! Fuyez avec moi, dans les Bois Enchantés de Trala-Sheen!
Please make this stop. S'il vous plait, arrêtez ça.
My life is sworn to PROTECT those PEASANTS, she-elf! Run back to your enchanted trees if you will, but a KNIGHT-KING will *NEVER* flee! J'ai juré sur ma vie de PROTEGER ces PAYSANS, she-elf! Retournes dans ta foret enchantée si tu veux, mais un ROI-CHEVALIER ne s'enfuira *jamais*!
But Titonius!

{{GM}}Her voice comes out in a lilting wail.{{/GM}}

You cannot die! I... I *love* you!		 Mais Titonius!

{{GM}}Sa voix sort en un gémissement mélodieux.{{/GM))

Vous ne pouvez pas mourir! Je... Je vous *aime*!
Then go to your father, and beseech him to rally his elf-troops southward! For if TITONIUS REX falls, LIGHTNINGHOLD will fall! And Lightninghold WILL NOT FALL! Alors va voir ton père, et supplie le de rallier ses troupes elfiques au sud! Car si TITONIUS REX tombe, LIGHTNINGHOLD tombera aussi! Et Lightninghold NE TOMBERA PAS!
The troll drones on, audibly struggling to emote and occasionally tripping over his lines. Overall, the acting quality is roughly on par with what you'd expect from a primary school Christmas pageant.

Philip stares at the screen, listlessly chewing his meat. His nose is wrinkled in distaste, and his fists clench and unclench.		 Le troll galère, sûrjouant le coté tragique et se trompant occasionnellement dans son texte. Globalement, le jeu d'acteur est à peu près comparable à ce que vous attendez du spectacle de fin d'année d'une école primaire.

Philip regarde l'écran, mâchant nonchalamment sa viande. Son nez est plissé de dégout, et ses poings se serrent et se desserrent.
Mercifully, the video feed cuts to static. Heureusement, le flux vidéo se stoppe.
The screen flickers, and a video feed of Philip pops onto the screen.

He's standing in the corner, watching an episode of "Knight-Kings of Lightninghold." His jaw hangs slack, and he stares at the screen in rapt attention.		 L'écran scintille et un flux vidéo de Philip apparaît sur l'écran.

Il est debout dans un coin, et regarde un épisode de « Knight-Kings of Lightninghold. » Sa mâchoire semble flasque, et il regarde à l'écran avec une expression extatique.
...But Father! Titonius Rex is risking his life - nay, his very SOUL - to defend Lightninghold from the Jubuthons!

His enchanted sword, Argo-Nar, *feeds* upon his honor and bravery, and it seeks to transform him from a noble Knight-King into an evil Demon Lord!		 ...Mais Père! Titonius Rex risque sa vie - si ce n'est, son âme - pour défendre Lightninghold des Jubuthons!

Son épée magique, Argo-nar, se *nourrit* de son honneur et sa bravoure, cherchant à le transformer d'un noble Roi-Chevalier en un Seigneur démon maléfique!
Philip's lips move silently, mouthing the words as they are spoken. Evidently, he has committed the entire script to memory. Les lèvres de Philip s'ouvrent silencieusement, prononçant les mots simultanément. De toute évidence, il connaît tous les textes par cœur.
My darling daughter, that is *why* I cannot send my troops. Your beloved Titonius Rex walks the knife's edge between light and darkness every time he draws that devil-blade from its scabbard.

It is long past time that you learned the truth about me, Brenna-thay. *I* was the one who trapped the Demon Lord Karabork within that blade.		 Ma fille chérie, c'est *pourquoi* je ne peux envoyer mes troupes. Ton bien aimé Titonius Rex s'éloigne de la lumière et s'approche des ténèbres chaque fois qu'il tire cette maudite épée de son fourreau.

Il est grand temps que tu apprennes la vérité sur moi, Brenna-thay. *Je* suis celui qui a emprisonné le Seigneur Démon Karabork dans cette épée.
{{GM}}The breathy actress lets out a sharp gasp. Phil mimes the motion, and a tear begins to trace its way down his cheek.{{/GM}}

But Father! You can't mean...		 {{GM}}L'actrice a bout de souffle laisse échapper un soupir pointu. Phil mime le mouvement, et une larme commence à tracer son chemin vers le bas de sa joue.{{/GM}}

Mais Père! Vous voulez dire...
Yes, my daughter.

*I* was the one they called "THUNDERSPEAR" - the sworn enemy of Titonius Rex's people, the Honga barbarian tribe!		 Oui, ma fille.

*Je* suis celui qu'on nommait "THUNDERSPEAR" - l'ennemi juré du peuple de Titonius Rex, la tribu barbare Honga!
Then all of this is your fault! The Jubuthons, the threat to my beloved's soul... all of it! Alors tout cela est de votre faute! Les Jubuthons, la menace pour l'âme de mon bien-aimé... tout ça!
It was the only way to save Trala-sheen, my darling daughter.

Trala-sheen... and your *mother,* whom I hid away when you were but a girl. She's *still alive,* Brenna-thay!		 C'était le seul moyen de sauver Trala-sheen, ma fille chérie.

Trala-sheen... et ta *mère*, de qui je me suis caché alors que tu n'étais qu'une enfant. Elle est *toujours en vie*, Brenna-thay!
A security drone floats by to inspect Philip. Idly, he reaches out and begins to stroke its casing, petting it as if it were a house cat.

The video feed flickers and sputters out, and you find yourself back at the main menu.		 Un drone de sécurité flotte vers Philip pour l'inspecter. Négligemment, il tend la main et commence à le caresser, comme s'il s'agissait d'un chat domestique.

Le flux vidéo clignote et crachote, et vous vous retrouvez au menu principal.
The screen flickers, and Philip appears on the screen. He appears to be dancing with one of the security drones.

The little machine weaves and bobs frantically to avoid colliding with him, and with every motion, the lab tech slides in to fill the empty space.		 L'écran scintille, et Philip apparaît à l'écran. Il semble danser avec l'un des drones de sécurité.

La petite machine esquive et zigzague frénétiquement pour éviter d'entrer en collision avec lui, et après chaque mouvement, le technicien de labo s'avance pour combler le vide.
Around and around they go, twirling and writhing across the laboratory floor. There is an enormous smile on Philip's face.

Then the lights go dim, and an alarm begins to sound.		 Ils vont et viennent, virevolant et se tordant sur le sol du laboratoire. Il y a un énorme sourire sur le visage de Philip.

Puis les lumières se tamisent, et une alarme commence à sonner.
Danger. Danger. Intruder Detected.

Security Protocols Engaged.		 Danger. Danger. Intrus détecté.

Protocoles de sécurité engagés.
I admire your bravery, noble vassal.

{{GM}}Philip rests a hand on top of the little drone.{{/GM}}

But this is *my* fight. I, Philip Rex, will defend this land with my life - indeed, with my very soul!		 J'admire votre bravoure, noble vassal.

{{GM}}Philip pose une main sur le dessus du petit drone.{{/GM}}

Mais c'est *mon* combat. Moi, Philip Rex, je défendrai cette contrée avec ma life - en fait, avec mon âme!
Sir: Please Clear the Area. Hostiles Inbound. Monsieur: Veuillez évacuer la zone. Ennemis en approche.
No, noble spirit. It is *you* who must... Non, noble esprit. C'est * vous * qui devez...
I Repeat: Clear the Area.

Hostiles Inbound.		 Je répète: Evacuez la zone.

Ennemis en approche.
{{GM}}He nods slowly, his face beaming with pride.{{/GM}}

Maybe you're right. I am already a Knight-King; perhaps this is *your* time to shine.

I will not rob you of this moment of glory. I will allow you your moment in the sun! And when you return victorious, I will grant you lands and titles to reward your heroism.		 {{GM}}Il hoche la tête lentement, son visage rayonnant de fierté.{{/ GM}}

Peut-être vous avez raison. Je suis déjà un Roi-Chavalier; peut-être est-ce *votre* moment de briller.

Je ne vous déroberai pas cet instant de gloire. Je vous laisserai votre moment sous le soleil! Et quand vous reviendrez victorieux, je vous donnerai terres et titres pour récompenser votre héroïsme.
Please Clear the Area. Veuillez évacuer la zone.
Philip turns and steps out of camera range. The drone is joined by two others, which wait in a holding position facing the camera.

The picture breaks into static, and the video feed cuts off.		 Philip se tourne et sort du champ de la caméra. Le drone est rejoins par deux autres, qui attendent face à la caméra.

L'image se fige, et la vidéo s'arrête.
I've heard of that show. Supposed to be horrible. I mean, really, *really* bad.

Never watched it myself, but I hear that it made "Neil the Ork Barbarian" look like high art.		 J'ai entendu parlé de cette série. C'est supposé être horrible. Je veux dire, vraiment, *vraiment* mauvais.

Je l'ai jamais vu, mais on m'a dit qu'en comparaison "Neil the Ork Barbarian" c'était du grand art.
This looks like the terminal that Blitz was telling you about.
{{GM}}Disengage the second firewall.{{/GM}}
The button depresses with a meaty thunk.
That's done it, chief! The final firewall just went down.

I should be clear to access that secure node now.
Get to it, then.
Done and done. This'll be easy as pie, you wait and see.
That's all fine and good, but be quick about it. There were some guards in the other room, and I don't want to be here if they decide to come exploring.
Yeah, yeah, I'm on it.

You two cool your jets. I'll let you know as soon as the vault door is open.
This file cabinet is crammed full of Humanis propaganda.
{{GM}}Read the first pamphlet.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read the second pamphlet.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read the third pamphlet.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Close the file cabinet.{{/GM}}
HUMAN,

You work hard. You play fair. And still, you can't get ahead. But have you ever wondered why?

The answer is simple. The ELF is using the ORK and the TROLL as muscle against you.
Think about it. When you turn on your trideo after a hard day's work, who do you see?

The pampered ELF, basking in the lap of luxury. Squandering the money that YOU could be using to feed your children!
When you walk through a dark alley on your way home from the market, what do you fear?

The mongrel ORK and the savage TROLL, lying in wait to rob you of your hard-earned gains.
THE ELF. THE ORK. THE TROLL. All are parasites, leeching away at your prosperity and happiness.

It's time to WAKE UP and DO SOMETHING about it!

So what are you going to do, HUMAN?
SUPPORT THE HUMANIS POLICLUB!

Together, we will show PRIDE in what we are and DEFEND OURSELVES from the jackals at our door!

HUMANIS FOREVER!
HUMAN,

They say that you can't get a job because of the economy, but you know the real reason.

METAHUMANS.
The ELF, with his pretty-boy looks, takes the high-paid corporate desk job, rises to the top, and blocks the top positions forever - NEVER aging, NEVER retiring.

The ORK is willing to work for table scraps, driving the cost of labor down and depriving YOU of a decent wage.

The TROLL takes all of the manual labor jobs. That's right, not even the sweat of your own brow can earn you a living these days!
JOIN HUMANIS and TURN THE TIDE on economic repression!

HUMANIS FOREVER!
HUMAN,

Ever wonder why DWARF shops are all family-run?

Free labor.

And whose businesses suffer?
You guessed it! We, the HUMANS, wind up paying in reduced sales and lost wages.

Every day, another DWARF-run store opens. And every time that happens, more DWARVES flock to our neighborhoods, driving good, honest, HUMAN businesses OUT.
They say it's for "community." They say it's for "protection."

But why can't they keep to their own neighborhoods? WHAT ARE THEY HIDING?

Stand up for your people. Stand up for what's right. JOIN THE HUMANIS POLICLUB!

HUMANIS FOREVER!
{{GM}}Blitz's voice crackles in over your commlink.{{/GM}}

Uh, chief, there’s somebody in here with me… hey! Get away from that!
I could use a little help in here, chief! I can't fight this son of a bitch and run all of the turrets at once...
I'm a little busy out here, too, Blitz! What do you want me to do?
I dunno! Find a terminal, push some buttons! Do *something!*

{{GM}}Your comm goes dead, taking Blitz's panicked voice along with it.{{/GM}}
You and your little friend are both going down, pal.

Say goodnight.
You reach into the vent and retrieve a navy-blue duffel bag, just as the Engineer said you would.

The distinctive shape of a rifle barrel can be seen through the canvas.
Here you go, Eiger. All yours.
She takes the bag from you and unzips it.

Her eyes go wide.
When he said that this was custom, he wasn't kidding.

{{GM}}Gingerly, she reaches into the bag and pulls out a sleek, angular shape.{{/GM}}
This is a Steyr AUG-CSL multiweapon system. A very nice - and very expensive - piece of hardware.

Yuli put a lot of after-market work into this. I don't even recognize some of the accessories he's bolted onto this thing.
You feel comfortable using it?
{{GM}}She shoulders the rifle and peers through its scope. A grin grows on her face.{{/GM}}

Yes. Yes, I do.

It looks like these after-market mods have more or less locked it into in an assault rifle configuration. But that's all right... I've been looking for a worthy midrange weapon, and this'll do nicely.
{{GM}}She slings the rifle, then claps you on the shoulder.{{/GM}}

Come on, fearless leader. Let's get back home.
Lead the way, I'm right behind you.
Hang on, Eiger... I'm not comfortable leaving Winternight to the Flux State. I think that we should handle them ourselves.
What you're suggesting is beyond the scope of our capabilities.

I don't have any contacts in Norway. We wouldn't even know where to begin looking for Winternight, and if we found them, what then? The two of us aren't going to stop an international conspiracy our own. We're good, but we're not *that* good.
It's a lot, $(l.name). Believe me.

{{GM}}She claps a hand onto your shoulder.{{/GM}}

Come on, fearless leader. We're still in gang territory. Let's drop this and get moving.
Good call. Let's go.
{{GM}}She shoulders the rifle and peers through its scope. A grin grows on her face.{{/GM}}

It looks like these after-market mods have more or less locked it into in an assault rifle configuration. But that's all right... I've been looking for a worthy midrange weapon, and this'll do nicely.
{{GM}}Your commlink crackles to life.{{/GM}}

Hey, chief! I just cracked open a security door somewhere in your area... it might be worth checking out.
Will you please tell him to concentrate on the job? We're here to settle his debt, not to hunt for souvenirs.
All right, Blitz. We'll look into it.
He's right, Blitz... this isn't a scavenger hunt. We need to get this done and get out of here.
You're a big boy, tell him yourself.
Yeah, sure, chief. Doing it now.

Just sayin'... the door's open. So if you wanted to take a look in there *while* I'm "getting this done," it probably wouldn't hurt anything. I'm just sayin'.
Blitz, you need to--
Yeah, yeah. I heard you the first time.
The garbage pile was concealing a small HVAC vent. The steam that pours from it smells much cleaner now that it isn't being filtered through a heap of filth.

A dwarf might be able to fit inside the vent, but nothing larger.		 Le tas d'ordures masquait un petit conduit de climatisation. La vapeur d'eau sortant de celui ci semble beaucoup plus propre maintenant qu'elle n'est filtrée par un tas d'ordures.

Un nain pourrait se glisser à l'intérieur, mais rien de plus grand.
{{GM}}Hop in.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Ramper dedans.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Send in a drone.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Envoyer un drone.{{/GM}}
You press a key, and the screen begins to flash. After a moment, the system reboots itself.

When the screen winks back on, you find yourself staring at the contents of an administrative inbox.
WELCOME, ADMINISTRATOR.

>>ADMIN:// UNREAD MESSAGE_BORCHARD_HANS
>>ADMIN:// UNREAD MESSAGE_FALKENRATH_ADOLF
>>ADMIN:// UNREAD MESSAGE_DENEUF_INGRID
{{GM}}Read the first message.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read the second message.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read the third message.{{/GM}}
>>*Borchard, Hans*
>>to: Admin

We need to organize an all-staff meeting to discuss lab safety. Everyone is overworked and overstressed, and that's a perfect recipe for workplace accidents.

I am telling you, we *cannot* afford any more accidents.
The loss of van Wijk has been hard on everybody. He was well liked, and watching him die in such a horrible fashion has been hard on morale.

The staff is still committed to the cause... they all know what they signed up for, and they know how important this is. But losing such a good man because of such basic lapses in lab safety has been a difficult pill to swallow.

-Borchard
>>*Falkenrath, Adolf*
>>to: Admin

I am writing this to request additional security for the animal testing lab. You know how large and vicious these creatures can be... without more trained handlers on staff, we're just begging for another accident.

You remember what happened to van Wijk.
I'd also like to repeat my request that the animals be defanged, declawed, and muzzled, preferably someplace far away from the lab. Our having to use them is unavoidable due to their genetic similarity to our targets, but that doesn't mean that we can't take precautions.

-Falkenrath
>>*DeNeuf, Ingrid*
>>to: Admin

I just wanted to thank you for pushing to bring the new hermetic lab online. It's good to know that you're listening to our requests.

The research that the hermetic researchers have been doing should make our work with the Panacea much more manageable.

-DeNeuf
{{GM}}Danni looks up at you with a smile.{{/GM}}

There $(l.he) is. Our hero.
Thank you so much, man. Thanks for bringing her back to us.
Yeah. Thanks. And thank you for helping to keep the Azzies off of our tails.

If Danni had been captured...
It would have been bad.
{{GM}}She reaches up. Grabs Danni's hand. Clutches it tight.{{/GM}}

Worse than "bad," babe. A lot worse.
{{GM}}She looks down at Mira and smiles. Squeezes her hand tight.{{/GM}}

Anyway. Thanks again for the rescue. We all owe you a lot.

If there's ever anything that any of us can do for you, you just let us know.
Thank you so much, ma'am. Thanks for bringing her back to us.
{{GM}}Mira looks up at you, desperation in her eyes.{{/GM}}

Did you find Danni? Where *is* she?
Gone. She never should've gone down there in the first place.
Dead. A security drone took her out.
I'm sorry, Mira. She didn't make it.
{{GM}}His voice quivers with grief.{{/GM}}

I'm so sorry, Mira.
No. You're wrong! You have to be!

Danni *can't* be dead!
I knew that this was going to happen. I *knew* it.

I *told* you that she had no business going down there.
Shut up, Heimer! Shut UP!

{{GM}}She starts in the direction of the utility hatch.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Charisma: 4{{/CC}} We did what we could, Mira. But by the time we got there, it was already too late.
It's only a matter of time before more security drones show up. You wanna get shot, too?
Learn from your girlfriend's mistake. Don't go down there.
We understand.

Mira, stay here. I don't want you getting shot, too.
She collapses to her knees, sobbing.
{{GM}}Mira looks up at you, her face contorted in grief.{{/GM}}

*You* get the hell *out* of here! GET OUT!

And DON'T COME BACK!
The shelf is mostly bare, but there is a large metal canister with a yellowed label that catches your eye.
{{GM}}Take a closer look at the canister.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the canister alone.{{/GM}}
Judging by the warning label, you think that this container holds a very powerful nerve gas.
{{GM}}Pick up the canister of nerve gas.{{/GM}}
Razor-clawed, close-combat street samurai and battlefield medic.
Crew: Combat Medic
The desk before you is well kept. The papers are stacked neatly, the drawers are closed, and the terminal is shut off.
{{GM}}Search the drawers.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Turn on the terminal.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the desk alone.{{/GM}}
The contents of the drawers make it clear that this desk belongs to a supervisor of some sort... a Mr. Steven Williams, according to the name plate.
You find plenty of employee performance evaluations, schedules of upcoming meetings and deadlines, and other decidedly uninteresting files and papers.

One of the drawers, however, is locked.
{{GM}}Investigate the locked drawer.{{/GM}}
The drawer appears to be secured by some sort of electronic lock. The desk itself, however, looks relatively flimsy.

You might be able to force the drawer open.
{{CC}}Intelligence: 3{{/CC}} {{GM}}Examine the lock further.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Strength: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Force the locked drawer open.{{/GM}}
There's no visible keyhole, no input pad, and no card reader. The lock must be controlled through the computer terminal.
You grab hold of the handle and pull sharply. The magnetic lock holds firm for a moment, then tears free.
Amongst the various other items in the locked drawer, you find the supervisor's ID badge.
You shift your attention away from the locked drawer.
The terminal boots up quickly.
Please Log In:
{{GM}}Attempt to log in.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Crack the password.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Shut the terminal down.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Have your decker crack the password.{{/GM}}
Enter Username:
drogers
tstevenson
bsampson
jbeerman
swilliams
mmiller
mjohnson
Enter Password:
9257
8459
1234
0209
3491
0629
1337
Incorrect Username or Password.
Logged In As: swilliams
{{GM}}Unlock the drawer.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Log Off.{{/GM}}
With a sharp clicking sound, the maglock releases, and the drawer pops open.
{{GM}}The guard wheels to face you.{{/GM}}

Hey, what do you think you're doing? I told you that those doors were off limits!
Look, I really need to get through here. Would you mind...?
Ease down. I'll do what I need to do from here.
{{GM}}Attack!{{/GM}}
I can't help you, $(l.sir). You're cleared to be in this room, but only under direct supervision, and we can't leave our posts to escort you into the other room.

{{GM}}He sounds uncertain - and suspicious.{{/GM}}

You just stay in this room, all right? Check your software from where you're at and leave, or I'll have to call this in to Central.
I need direct server access to do my job, pal. I can't complete my check from this terminal.
{{GM}}Attack him.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The guard sighs.{{/GM}}

Hold there, I'm calling this in to clear it with Central. If they give the go-ahead, I'll take you wherever you need to be.

{{GM}}He reaches for the commlink stud at his collar.{{/GM}}

This'll only take a minute.
{{GM}}Wait.{{/GM}}
Moments later, his shoulders jerk back in alarm. In a flash, the guard readies his weapon.
Central didn't send anyone here! Put your hands where I can see them, you're coming with me! Le central n'a envoyé personne ici! Mettez vos mains où je peux les voir, vous venez avec moi!
Enstad's lifeless body lies crumpled on the ground. His mouth is frozen open in a silent scream.
That's that.
Whoa. That... that was cold, chief.

At the very least, you could've talked to the guy. He was a shadowrunner.

One of us.
For once, $(l.name) and I are in complete agreement.

{{GM}}She nods at you.{{/GM}}

We all knew what we were here to do. Good on you for stepping up and doing it.
That was pretty cold, boss.

At the very least, you could've talked to the guy. He was a shadowrunner.

One of us.
{{GM}}Glory calmly inspects the body. She shakes her head slightly.{{/GM}}

Pity.

I'd have liked to hear what he had to say.
Well, $(l.name). For once, you and I are in complete agreement.

{{GM}}She nods at you.{{/GM}}

We both knew what we were here to do. Good on you for stepping up and doing it.
Good call, $(l.name).

{{GM}}Eiger nods at you.{{/GM}}

We all knew what we were here to do. Good on you for stepping up and doing it.
Does minor damage, but unbalances the target making them easier to hit. The target is also flushed from cover.
Hanging on the wall is a large, gaudily framed painting. An unimaginative still life of some kitchen objects sitting on a table. Une grande peinture, somptueusement encadrée, est accrochée au mur. Une nature morte, dénuée d'imagination, représentant quelques objets de cuisine gisant sur une table.
{{GM}}Move the painting aside.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Déplacer la peinture sur le coté.{{/GM}}
There is nothing here. Il n'y a rien ici.
There is a small, locked safe installed in the wall behind the painting. A keypad mounted to its base glows invitingly. Il y a un petit coffre-fort installé dans le mur derrière la peinture. Un clavier numérique monté sur sa base luit de manière engageante.
Inside the safe you find a bundle of old, well-worn media discs. The words "WATCH ME" have been hastily written on the back of the topmost disc. A l'intérieur du coffre, vous trouvez un paquet de vieux DVDs. Les mots "REGARDEZ MOI" ont été écrit à la hâte sur le dos du premier disque.
{{GM}}Inspect the discs.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Inspecter les disques.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Take the discs.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Prendre les disques.{{/GM}}
The disc labeled WATCH ME looks almost new. The others are clearly much older, and many of them are badly scratched.

The last two discs in the bundle are stuck together, and when you try to pry them apart, the readable surface of the bottom disc peels away.		 Le disque marqué du "REGARDEZ MOI" semble presque récent. Les autres sont nettement plus anciens, et pas mal d'entre eux sont salement rayés.

Les deux derniers disques dans la pile sont collés ensemble, et quand vous essayez de les décoller, la surface lisible s'écaille du dernière s'étiole en lambeau.
Leave me alone.
Hey, buddy... sorry to bother you, but I could use some help over here.

You wanna make a little extra scratch? Shouldn't take long.
Sure. What's the problem?
No.
Well, me and my buddy Viktor got called in from the next kiez over.

Somethin's wrong with the sewers around here.
Your local plumbers and mechanics are all useless. Vik and I talked to 'em, tried to get 'em to give us the maintenance schedule for your sewer pumps.

They just scratched their heads at us. Said that the machinery down there "just took care of itself."
My best guess is that your pumps have shut down. Happens from time to time without proper maintenance.

When the pumps shut down, the waste started pilin' up, and it's causin' some pretty major overflow problems downstream.
What do you want me to do about it?
Doesn't sound like something I'd be good at.
Go on. I'm listening.
Well, Viktor went down into the sewers while I was gettin' stuff out of the truck.

When I came back... well, I was about to climb down there, but I heard these awful screams. They went on and on. And then they just... stopped.
I froze up. Nearly shit myself, to be honest.

I dunno what to do. But I can't go down there... not after that.
The problem is probably somethin' basic. A clog that needs to be cleared, somethin' like that... restarting the pumps should take care of it.

But no goddamn way am I going in there.
If you'll do the job for me, I'll give you the nuyen we were paid for it. I don't need it, you can have it all.

I can live without the money, but someone's got to fix those pumps before I can leave.
Fine, I'll do it.
How many nuyen are we talking about, here?
I'm not a plumber. No deal.
You're a life-saver, chummer. If you find Viktor... well, if he's still alive down there, tell him I'm sorry.
Five hundred. For a job this quick, it's good money.
Just... just hear me out, $(l.guy).

This has to get done, but I think... I think that somethin' got Viktor. That's why I need your help.
All right. Keep talking.
Not interested. Take your problems somewhere else.
If you change your mind, please come back. I could really use your help.
You change your mind?
Yeah, I'll do it.
I'll be waitin' right here, $(l.guy).

Let me know what happens.
Drek, finally. I was worried that you wouldn't come back, either.

So tell me. what happened. Everything go okay?
It's taken care of. You can leave... after you give me my money.
What about Viktor?
Your friend isn't coming. I'm sorry.
Don't know. Couldn't find him.
Christ. Poor Vik.

I don't know how I'm gonna tell his folks. Real close-knit family, they were.
{{CC}}Item: Maintenance Manual{{/CC}} I found this on his body. Maybe you could give it to them.
Tough break. Best of luck.
Hey, thanks. They'll...

{{GM}}He turns the manual over in his hands, rubs his thumb over the careworn paper cover.{{/GM}}

...they'll appreciate it. Here's the money I promised you.
Yeah. Thanks, pal.

Guess I've got some bad news to deliver.

Here's the money I promised you.
No sign of him? Christ. I guess maybe I don't want to know what happened in there.

Here's the money I promised you.
Thanks again for helping me out.
This is a drone remote control box with both manual and direct-rig controls. Although its small screen is cycling error messages, it appears to be partially functional. A rigger would get the most use out of equipment like this.
Add the drone control box to your inventory.
Leave it alone.
A plain-looking man in a fancy suit taps away at his PDA. He's an older guy, probably in his late fifties; in the filth-strewn streets of Drogenkippe, he stands out like a sore thumb.
{{GM}}At the sound of your approach, he stops what he's doing and shifts his gaze to you.{{/GM}}

$(l.name), right?
I might be. Who's asking?
Yeah, that's me. Do I know you?
My name is Hasenkamp.

I'm Mr. Grinder's accountant.
What a remarkable coincidence.
{{GM}}Hasenkamp nods. His expression is deadpan.{{/GM}}

Mr. Grinder sent me to ensure that the money transfer goes according to plan. When you enter the building, I'm going in with you.
Well, the more the merrier, I guess. Welcome aboard.
I don't think so. I don't bring strangers along on runs, period.
How did Meat Grinder even know that I would be here?
Did you know anything about this, Blitz?
Really? No arguments? Not even a veiled threat?

{{GM}}He blinks.{{/GM}}

I have to admit, I wasn't expecting this to go so smoothly.
We're here to get Blitz back in Grinder's good graces. If he wants you to be here, who am I to argue?
If things go south, every shot that security takes at you is one that they won't be taking at me.
You're an extra set of eyes and a gun, and you aren't asking me to pay you. That's good enough for me.
This is a pleasant surprise. You shadowrunners have a reputation, you know... amateurish, headstrong, unwilling to listen to reason--
{{GM}}Blitz's voice crackles in over your commlink.{{/GM}}

What the hell is this? Grinder didn't say anything about his accountant tagging along!
...Case in point.

Hello, Blitz.
Answer the question, man. If Grinder wanted you here, why didn't he say so up front?
{{GM}}He nods appreciatively.{{/GM}}

Pragmatic. I like that. And I have to admit, $(l.name), this is a pleasant surprise.

You shadowrunners have a reputation, you know... amateurish, headstrong, unwilling to listen to reason--
{{GM}}The old man chuckles softly.{{/GM}}

If you want to get your pal off of Mr. Grinder's hit list, I'd suggest that you reevaluate that position.
{{GM}}Hasenkamp's lip curls into a wry grin.{{/GM}}

Mr. Grinder doesn't have to explain himself to you. You're in his pocket, remember? If you want back out of it, you'll do what he says.
Out of curiosity, how did Meat Grinder even know that I'd be here?
Tell me the truth, Blitz. Did you know anything about this?
That settles it for me. Let's get this show on the road.
Amen to that.

{{GM}}He glances at his wristwatch.{{/GM}}

I wanna get back home before my grandkids go to bed.
Your pal, Blitz. He sent Mr. Grinder a message with a complete breakdown of your plan about an hour ago.
He did, huh?
Blitz?
That's all water under the bridge now. Let's just get this thing over with.
{{GM}}Your comm crackles to life.{{/GM}}

Well, of course I did, chief... how could I be sure that this would get me off the hook if I didn't ask?
...And so, to find out, you let a homicidal loan shark know exactly when and where to find me.
You should've run this by me before the run, Blitz.
That's... fair, I suppose.
Well, uh... that's not exactly how I'd put it, but... yeah. I guess.

{{GM}}There is an awkward pause.{{/GM}}

In my own defense, I didn't expect him to send his accountant to shadow you, though! That's a new one on me.
I hate to interrupt, but if you two are finished, I'd like to get this show on the road.

{{GM}}He glances at his wristwatch.{{/GM}}

I wanna get back home before my grandkids go to bed.
Couldn't agree more. It's your turn, Blitz... get the door open so that we can get inside.
You have grandkids?
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

My daughter married young. You got a problem with that?
No. Fine. Whatever. Let's just get this over with.
Are you always this hostile?
Of course not. I was just curious.
Amen to that. Now tell your pal to work his magic.
You heard the man, Blitz. Get that door open so that we can get this thing done.
Your turn, Blitz. Show us what you've got.
You got it, chief!

{{GM}}His voice is eager.{{/GM}}

Heading inside - this won't take five seconds.
No, I'm not. On the whole, I'm a pretty nice guy. But standing around here waiting for you hasn't put me in the best of moods.
{{GM}}He jerks his head in the direction of the doorway.{{/GM}}

Now tell your pal to work his magic. The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can get out of this hellhole.
Well, if your curiosity is assuaged, I'd suggest that you tell your pal to work his magic. The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can get out of this hellhole.
Yeah, chief... you're probably right about that. Sorry.

{{GM}}There is an awkward pause.{{/GM}}

But in my own defense, I didn't expect Grinder to send his accountant to shadow you. That's a new one on me.
'Course it is! I wouldn't go behind your back on anything that *wasn't* fair, chief.

{{GM}}There is an awkward pause.{{/GM}}

I, uh, just didn't want to bother you, is all.
{{GM}}Your comm crackles to life.{{/GM}}

No, chief! If I did, I'd've told you!
Your pal left Mr. Grinder a message about an hour ago. It had a complete breakdown of your plan, including which door I should use to meet you.
Well, it wasn't like *that*... I mean, *yeah,* I ran the plan by Grinder, but I had to do that! I mean, it wouldn't have made sense to go on the run without making sure that it had his blessing, would it?

How could I even be sure that this would get me off the hook if I didn't ask?
No, you don't. But you're about to.

My name is Hasenkamp. I'm Mr. Grinder's accountant.
Once again, a transplast window separates you from Adrian Vauclair. But this time, his steadfast will is gone. He stands motionless - hands at his sides, eyes dead.

Spent.

The strength that drove him, the steely resolve that couldn’t be shaken by sickness or time or age, is gone.
It’s theirs now. The world.
All theirs.
You’re going to have to pay for this, you know.
Come out of there, Vauclair. Get away from that control panel.
It doesn’t have to be that way, Doctor. You can still make a difference.
We will all pay. All of us.
For what? To be toyed with by creatures beyond time?

To receive justice?
I am old. Dying. My blood betrayed me long ago when it met the radiation of the SOX.
The wyrms will continue their machinations, consolidate their power, exact their tribute.

And humanity?
We are no more than treasure to them.

Favored baubles to be collected. Items to be traded. Resources to be spent.

Or hoarded.
He sweeps his eyes across the carnage that was his life's work until they come to rest on the dragon. He grits his teeth.
Forty-two years. Forty-two years and we finally had our chance to make a difference.

And you destroyed it.
I gave everything I had.

Everything... everything I loved.
I'm sorry, Hermie.
Paydata: Antiquities Delivery Schedule Bordereau: Calendrier de livraison des antiquités
A valuable shipment of antiquities will be arriving soon at the Seattle docks. Useful information to someone who can take advantage of it. Une cargaison importante d'antiquités sera bientôt livrée sur les quais de Seattle. Quelqu'un pourrait trouver cette information utile.
Causes minor bleeding to target upon impact. Damage is your Strength + 4.
Causes minor bleeding to target upon impact. Damage is your Strength + 2.
Bleeding: HP -1 per RND
Maxim... he's dead, man. Maxim is fuckin' *dead.*
That doesn't change what we have to do.
He couldn't hack it in a fight. Too bad for him.
My condolences.
{{GM}}The smuggler's eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

What're you talkin' about, $(l.man)? We ain't gonna finish nothin'.

Those Humanis pukes won't even talk to us without Maxim there.
If they want their cargo, they will.
They'll talk to me.
I can talk my way past anybody. Humanis included.
{{GM}}$+(s.he) slowly nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah... yeah, I guess that's true. Whether they like it or not, we *do* have something they need.
Your ears look round enough for those racist pigs.

{{GM}}$+(s.he) spits on the ground.{{/GM}}

So yeah. Yeah... I guess they might.
I don't think so, pal. You're no more human than I am.

'Sides which, even if you were, they'd call you a race-traitor and shoot you as soon as blink.
They don't have to like me. They just need to want what we've got in the trucks.
*I'm* human. And I know those bastards.

They'll talk to me. Believe it.
Hey, if you wanna try talking your way past 'em, be my guest. It's your funeral.
Let's get out of here. We have a job to do.
Of course it is. Now get in the van. We've got a delivery to make.
Come on, pal. Let's get this over with.
All right. Yeah. Let's do it.
Too bad for *all* of us, $(l.man). We can't finish the trade without Maxim!

Those Humanis bastards... they won't even *talk* to anyone else. We're screwed!
I... I don't know what we're gonna do.

We can't finish the trade without Maxim. Those Humanis bastards, they won't even *talk* to anyone else.
Weakened, the spirit's form flickers and sparks. The burning coals that cling to its body fall off in clumps, and its searing antlers begin to cool.

The chorus of lilting voices warbles and shrieks as its body transmogrifies into something else.
Through the haze, you can see Harrow's eyes go wide. At once, his rippling silhouette begins to fade back into the shadows whence it came. His body becomes insubstantial.
Go ahead and run, you fucking coward. Run back to the real world and whatever hole you crawled out of. We'll catch you.
{{GM}}Shadows in the shape of a man smile back at you. The distance in his voice has increased - it sounds like he's shouting from miles away.{{/GM}}

I don't think so. You don't even know where the real me *is,* Glory.
Oh, don't worry. We'll find you - we're good at that sort of thing.
{{GM}}The projection flashes you a condescending grin.{{/GM}}

Believe whatever you like, fool. It won't do you any good. Years from now, I'll still be doing what I do, and you will have accomplished nothing.
Go ahead, Harrow. Try to set up another cult.

You won't get far before I hunt you down.
We've stopped you for now. The kids that you've lured here are going someplace safe. That isn't nothing, Harrow.

It's everything.
{{GM}}The projection chuckles. The sound is thin and hollow.{{/GM}}

You know better than that. But nothing makes me happier than the sound of you lying to yourself.

Good-bye, Glory.
The shadow slowly dissipates, and Harrow is gone.
Run, coward. Run far, far away. We'll find you.
Glory continues staring for a long moment at the spot where the projection of Harrow vanished. Her expression is unreadable.

Slowly, she turns away.
The spirit's writhing form continues its transformation. Twisted claws buckle, break, and reform. Charred bone begins to heal.

The barn fire stench of it slowly dies away, replaced by an array of more pleasant smells: oak and pine and mineral oil, rustic feasts and mulled wine.
{{GM}}As it cools, the spirit raises its head. Its body is as shaky as a newborn foal's.{{/GM}}

<What... what has happened to us?

What have we done?>
Aside from warping children into remorseless killers, you mean?
You did what the Adversary wanted you to do. Use your imagination.
What have you done? Terrible things, Spirit. Loathsome, unforgivable things.

You have corrupted children. Turned them into killers. You've been a party to violence, torture, and the desecration of corpses.

You've created monsters.
The spirit cringes, shaking its great head from side to side. It doesn't speak, but a low rumbling sound emanates from somewhere deep in its chest.
Unpleasant to think about, isn't it? But you have to, Spirit.

You can't run from what you've done. Your actions are a part of you, whether you like it or not.
The rumbling sound turns into a tormented howl. The noise conjures images of mourning mothers and caged animals, screeching orphans and dying men.

It is a sound of pure, unmitigated despair.
{{GM}}Glory takes a step toward the giant creature.{{/GM}}

Listen to me, Spirit. I need your help.
We're here to rescue the cultists of Feuerstelle. The street kids whose minds you touched.

We're getting them out of here, before the Adversary can do to them what it did to you.
{{GM}}The spirit stares at Glory for a long moment. Finally, it dips its head in a nod.{{/GM}}

<Yes. We will help you.>
Good. Now get out of those kids' minds.
There's no time like the present. Get to it.
I'll be damned. Something's gone right for a change.
<We have already done so. The cultists of Feuerstelle are themselves again.>

{{GM}}The spirit bows its head.{{/GM}}

<We... we wish to do more. We have much to atone for, as you said.>
Go ahead. We won't stop you.
Just what do you hope to do?
No... I don't think so. I'm not comfortable accepting any more of your "help."
<No. But the stone will.

We are still bound to this shrine. Anchored here. We can do nothing without your help.>
Tell us what you need us to do.
<We need an appropriate vessel to carry us out of the rock. Something touched by magic, but more dead than alive.>

{{GM}}It dips its head.{{/GM}}

<Do you have anything that can help us?>
{{GM}}Gingerly, she reaches up and wraps a hand around the protective ward that hangs around her neck.{{/GM}}

Yes. I think that I do.
Bad idea, Glory. I don't trust this thing.
Go ahead... if this thing wants to help us, I don't see why you shouldn't.
With a single motion, she snaps the chain. The pendant falls to the floor.

The Heart of Feuerstelle lowers its eyeless head, then traces an elaborate gesture into the air. A warm glow envelops it, and a similar glow spills from Glory.
There is a bright flash, and the spirit is gone.
I do, $(l.name). I trust it implicitly.

{{GM}}With a single motion, she snaps the chain. The pendant falls to the floor.{{/GM}}

After all, it and I are very much alike.
The Heart of Feuerstelle lowers its eyeless head, then traces an elaborate gesture into the air. A warm glow envelops it, and a similar glow spills from Glory.

There is a bright flash, and the spirit is gone.
Glory! Are you okay?
{{GM}}Slowly, she rises. She looks you in the eye, a quizzical expression on her face.{{/GM}}

I... I can feel it. The spirit.

It's bound to me now.
So what does that mean for us? Can the spirit help us, like it said?
That was stupid, Glory. It could have been lying to you. Hell, it still could be.
I've always wanted a bound spirit.
See for yourself.

{{GM}}She raises an arm, and you feel a burst of warmth and comfort in your chest.{{/GM}}

It wants to help people - to heal them. It wants redemption, just like I do.

Together, maybe we'll find it.
No. I don't think so.

{{GM}}She raises an arm, and you feel a burst of warmth and comfort in your chest.{{/GM}}

It wants redemption, just like I do. And together, we will find it.
{{GM}}Behind your eyes, your vision starts to twist. It feels as though you're being turned inside out.{{/GM}}

Time to go. With the spirit's link to the Adversary severed, this entire reality is falling apart.
See you in the real world, Glory.
Yeah.

{{GM}}She offers you a grateful smile.{{/GM}}

I'll see you there.
It isn't yours, or mine, $(l.name). It has its own desires, and it belongs to no one but itself.
{{GM}}She raises an arm, and you feel a burst of warmth and comfort in your chest.{{/GM}}

It wants to help people - to heal them. It wants redemption, just like I do.

Together, maybe we'll find it.
<Make amends. Heal the sick and the wounded. Bring them the succor of hearth and home.

But we can do nothing without your help.>
<We are still bound to this shrine. Anchored here. We cannot leave without your assistance.>
<Please.

We *must* make amends. We *need* to. But we can do nothing without your assistance.>
{{GM}}The spirit bows its head.{{/GM}}

<We have withdrawn ourselves from the minds of the people here. They are themselves again.>
Thank you. We'll take our leave of you now.
{{GM}}The Heart of Feuerstelle's head jerks up in alarm.{{/GM}}

<Wait! We... we wish to do more.

We have much to atone for, as you said.>
<But... we couldn't have...>
You don't get to run from this. You've committed unspeakable acts, Spirit. Loathsome, unforgivable crimes.

You have corrupted children. Turned them into killers. You've been a party to violence, torture, and the desecration of corpses.

You've created monsters.
{{GM}}Maxim glances at you, an eyebrow raised.{{/GM}}

I'm starting to get the feeling Tuck was a little... less than forthcoming about you.

You're not run-of-the-mill muscle. What's your angle in all of this?
Doesn't matter what I'm in this for. What matters is that I'm on your side until I get it.
I'm here to bust some Humanis skulls. Riding with you got me in the front door.
I'm just here to do a job. Helping you out was part of it.
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, regarding you with a critical eye. Then he shrugs.{{/GM}}

Works for me.
Out of curiosity... why were you helping Humanis in the first place? You must've known that they'd double-cross you.
Do you recognize any of these other crates out here?
I've gotta run. I have a job to do.
It was a calculated risk. Humanis are racist scum, but they've paid us for our work in the past.

We rolled the dice, and we lost on this one. But something tells me that they're about to lose a whole lot more.
You have no idea.
Yeah... some of them came through us, and I recognize the stamps of a couple of other smuggling rings on the others.

Between what I see out here and what I know we've delivered, I'd say you're looking at nine recent shipments, at least.
So whatever these bastards are planning, it's going to be big.
Yeah, I suppose... might not be a bad idea for you to look into that, $(l.name).
Vindicator Minigun Vehicle Mount
Rifle: Six rotating barrels with an impressive rate of fire, for mount on a drone or vehicle.
>>DRAGON CHAMBER OPERATIONS CONTROL
>>Sequence operations control transfer: AudranA1

***** PANACEA HAS BEEN TAKEN OFFLINE VIA EXTERNAL OVERRIDE *****
***** INFUSION PROCESS ABORTED *****
***** DRAGON IS NOT INFECTIOUS *****
{{GM}}Lower the Astral Entity Containment Cell into the chamber.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Transfer Feuerschwinge control to APEX.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Set the facility to self-destruct.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Unlock the chamber's exit door.{{/GM}}
Astral Entity Containment Cell has been lowered.
ERROR: No astral entity found. Astral Entity Containment Cell offline.
>>Control transferred.

>>Operations Control System going offline....
{{GM}}APEX's voice throbs through the terminal's speakers.{{/GM}}

I AM ASSUMING CONTROL OF THIS SYSTEM. YES.

PROCESSING. PROCESSING.
I NOW HAVE COMPLETE CONTROL OF THIS FACILITY AND ALL CONNECTED SYSTEMS.

THE DRAGON FEUERSCHWINGE IS MINE. PANACEA IS MINE.
YOU HAVE DONE WELL, $++(L.NAME). I WILL NOT FORGET IT.

VACATE THE PREMISES AT YOUR LEISURE. I HAVE ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD.
WARNING: This process will lock down all further terminal access. Are you sure you wish to proceed?
{{GM}}Hit the "N" key.{{/GM}}
>> Base destruction commencing...

>> System offline.
As you are about to tap your finger on the key, you feel a hand clasp your shoulder.
Hang on. That'd leave Feuerschwinge - both the dragon and the woman - to burn to death. Is that really what you want?
{{GM}}Press the "Y" key.{{/GM}} Yes. It serves her right.
Hmm. Let me reconsider.
The screen flashes rhythmically at you, awaiting your decision.
Hang on, chief. That'd leave Feuerschwinge - both the dragon and the woman - to burn to death. Is that really what you want?
Hang on, boss. That'd leave Feuerschwinge - both the dragon and the woman - to burn to death. I'm on board, just sayin'.
The computer reminds you that there is a living being remaining in the facility and that she will be killed.
{{GM}}Press the "Y" key.{{/GM}}
>> Action completed. Auxiliary door unlocked.
You notice a set of scuff marks on the ground, as if something heavy was dragged across here. The marks vanish into the wall.
{{GM}}Inspect the nearby wall more closely.{{/GM}}
You find a small seam in the wall that suggests there might be a passageway hidden in the wall here, but you can spot no clear mechanism for opening it.
Maybe we should ask around.

This looks like the place, so I'm sure someone might spill the beans.
{{CC}}Strength: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Attempt to force open the wall.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Get your teammate to force open the wall.{{/GM}}
It takes some doing, but you manage to force open the false wall. The hinges give way with a scrape and a crunch, and the passage behind is revealed.
It takes some doing, but your teammate manages to force open the false wall. The hinges give way with a scrape and a crunch, and the passage behind is revealed.
As you walk away from the frightened shopkeeper, a menacing dwarf approaches you, and he's packing heat.
Not gonna happen, stranger. Give the money back, and my friend here doesn't have to raise his voice.

{{GM}}He pats the barrel of his shotgun.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Hand back the money.{{/GM}} All right, easy there. Can we talk about this?
Sorry, the money's mine. Now get out of my way.
The money's mine, dwarf. Now get out of my way.
Sure, we can talk.

But not here. You've overstepped your bounds, stranger. Now you need to come with us.

{{GM}}His free hand reaches down to produce a thick leather blindfold.{{/GM}}
Our leader would like a word.
All right. I'll go with you if you promise safe passage.
I'm not going anywhere with you. {{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The dwarf grins.{{/GM}}

Naturally. We'll take you safely to see him.
He reaches out to blindfold you, and the world goes dark.
Well, then. Looks like we're doing this the hard way.
Hearthfire
Heals the last wound taken by the target.
Compound Attack
A slash followed up by a kick. Pierces up to 1 Armor. May do AP DMG.
Encrypted PDA PDA crypté
You'd need a monster rig to decrypt this. Mogens asked you to drop it in the trash near the Stuffer Shack. Vous auriez besoin d'une installation monstrueuse pour le décrypter. Mogens vous a demandé de la déposer dans la poubelle près du Stuffer Shack.
Meltdown
Augment Spell:
Electro Core
Dietrich's Electro Core spell now strips 1 Armor from affected targets.
Blade Specialist I
Increase Skill:
Thrown Weapons
Dietrich trains further with thrown weapons, increasing his accuracy with throwing knives.
Vauclair. He looks up from his computer, a cigarette dangling from his lip.

He looks shriveled and frail. His eyes are shrunken into his skull, and liver spots dot his paper-thin skin.

The way that his legs are shaking, it looks like it's a miracle that he's standing upright at all.
$(l.name).

{{GM}}He nods at you.{{/GM}}

Thank you for coming.
Hello again, Doctor.
I got your message. You said that you wanted to talk.
I'm here for me, not for you.
{{GM}}Vauclair takes a long drag on his cigarette. The taut muscles in his neck relax somewhat as he lets loose a great stream of smoke.{{/GM}}

You helped me save the world once before. Or at least, you didn't stand in my way.

The plan worked. The dragons are dead. But the world is still in trouble... it still needs saving.
That's news to me. I've been living off the grid for a while - no Matrix access, and I don't hear much news.
Strange things have been happening out there, Vauclair. Do you have an explanation?
{{GM}}He raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Oh?
You know what I'm talking about. There's an AI that wants me dead for helping you.
Don't act so surprised. APEX wants to murder you, too - you must know that.
{{GM}}He nods, chuckling darkly.{{/GM}}

APEX. It's a testament to your fortitude that you've survived this long.

That thing - that *monster* - does not forget. It has made several attempts on my own life as well.
Thankfully, I am rather well protected down here. Living in a contained environment has its advantages.
You've had it easy, Doc. I've had more drones out for my blood than I can count, and I can't set foot in a city without building defense turrets training on me.
I'm sure that it does. Now do you wanna cut to the chase and tell me why I'm here?
I feel safer already. It's good to get a chance to breathe...when an AI wants you dead, staying alive is a full time occupation.
{{GM}}He takes a drag on his cigarette.{{/GM}}

Sounds like you've made a hard life for yourself. My condolences.
Consider yourself lucky to be talking to me. I barely made it here in one piece.
It is what it is - I stand by my decisions. All of them.
Yeah, well. Hindsight is twenty-twenty.
Calm yourself. You are safe here with me.

{{GM}}He flicks the ash from the tip of his cigarette.{{/GM}}

Short of employing a tactical nuclear weapon, APEX cannot touch us down here... and that is unlikely, to say the least.
That's something, at least. But from what you just said, I'm guessing that we have other problems to contend with.
Good to know. Now tell me what's going on.
It seems that we may.

Many terrible things have happened over the past few months, $(l.name)... and I do not believe them to be coincidences.

These events are all connected somehow - I'm sure of it.
Why did you ask me here?
Your message said that you needed me here. I'm here. Now tell me what you want.
All right. So let's say that there is some connection. What do you expect me to do about it?
Because I need your help, $(l.name).

I'm still alive, but only barely... I don't have the strength to do much myself anymore, and Audran cannot handle this task on his own.
What task? Tell me what you need.
If you want my help with something, you'd better be willing to pay.
Find someone else. I have better things to do with my time than play second fiddle to Audran.
I *need* you to help me set things *right.* To help me save the world, once again.

{{GM}}He stumbles toward you unsteadily, his legs shaking.{{/GM}}

My body may be failing, but I still have my mind. We can find a way out of this... there has to be a solution.
All right, Vauclair. Tell me what you need me to do.
If you want my help, it's going to cost you.
{{GM}}A wave of relief washes over his face.{{/GM}}

Thank you. I was worried that you wouldn't come... that you wouldn't be willing to help once you got here. I should have trusted you, my friend.
The first thing you'll need to do is get up to speed. I have terminals... information terminals throughout the lab. With our Matrix hard line severed, gathering information has been difficult, but we have done what we can.

{{GM}}He taps at his console with a frail hand.{{/GM}}

There, I've unlocked them for you.
The first thing you'll need to do is get up to speed. I have terminals... information terminals throughout the lab.

{{GM}}He taps at his console with a frail hand.{{/GM}}

There, I've unlocked them for you.
Say no more. I'll go check them out.
And you want me to...?
Good $(l.man).

When you are finished, come back to me so that we might discuss.
Read them. Familiarize yourself with what we're up against.

Then come back to me, so that we might discuss.
The world is crumbling around you, and all that you care about is money.

{{GM}}He lets loose a heavy sigh.{{/GM}}

Very well, you will be paid. How much do you want? A hundred thousand nuyen? Two hundred? What is the world worth to you?
A hundred would do fine.
Well, now that you mention it, two hundred thousand doesn't sound bad...
Make it two-fifty, and you've got a deal.
Very well. Fine. Money holds no value for me anymore... and it won't for you, either, unless we can find a way to stop what is happening.
So, you are mine now. Bought and paid for. Yes?

You're ready to get to work?
For that kind of money, I'm all yours, Doc.
{{GM}}He stares at you. His face may look haggard, but his eyes are as sharp as ever.

Abruptly, he nods.{{/GM}}

Good.
{{GM}}Vauclair shakes his head in exasperation. He looks very, very tired.{{/GM}}

Very well. Fine. Money holds no value for me anymore... and it won't for you, either, unless we can find a way to stop what is happening.
{{GM}}He grits his tar-stained teeth.{{/GM}}

Don't be petty, $(l.name). My team is smaller than it once was. I *need* Audran, just as I need you.

I have to set things right. To save the world, once again. And I need you to help me.
Isn't it obvious? I want your *help,* $(l.name).

I'm still alive, but only barely... I don't have the strength to do much myself any more, and Audran cannot handle this task on his own.
I expect you to *help* me.

I'm still alive, but only barely... I don't have the strength to do much myself any more, and Audran cannot handle this task on his own.
Something disquieting is happening to the world.

Many terrible events have transpired over the past few months, and I do not believe them to be coincidences. Disparate as they may seem, these phenomena are all connected somehow... I'm sure of it.
That is your prerogative, I suppose.

{{GM}}He flicks the ash from the tip of his cigarette.{{/GM}}

Anyway, you have nothing to worry about now. Short of employing a tactical nuclear weapon, APEX cannot touch us down here... and that is unlikely, to say the least.
Indeed.

{{GM}}He flicks the ash from the tip of his cigarette.{{/GM}}

Well, you have nothing to worry about now. Short of employing a tactical nuclear weapon, APEX cannot touch us down here... and that is unlikely, to say the least.
You're here because something is happening to the world, $(l.name). Something disquieting.

Many terrible events have transpired over the past few months. I do not believe them to be coincidences... disparate as they may seem, they are all connected somehow. I'm sure of it.
{{GM}}He nods, chuckling darkly.{{/GM}}

Oh, yes. Over the past few months it has made several attempts on my life.

Thankfully, I am rather well protected down here. Living in a contained environment has its advantages.
An explanation? No. But I do have thoughts on the matter.

Many terrible things have happened over the past few months, and I do not believe them to be coincidences. These events are connected somehow - I'm sure of it.
Yes, I'm sure that you are.

{{GM}}Vauclair takes a long drag on his cigarette. The taut muscles in his neck relax somewhat as he lets loose a great stream of smoke.{{/GM}}

You helped me save the world once before. Or at least, you didn't stand in my way.
The plan worked. The dragons are dead. But the world is still in trouble... it still needs saving.
Have you gone over my research? Do you understand what we're up against?
I've read all of the information on your terminals.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} I've read all of the information on your terminals.
No, I'm still making the rounds. Just wanted to check up on you.
And?

{{GM}}He leans forward, intensity burning in his eyes.{{/GM}}

Your thoughts?
{{CC}}Intelligence: 5{{/CC}} I can't say for sure what's going on here, but I have some ideas.
I think it's pretty obvious, right? We did what we did, and a year later, everything is going to shit.
Honestly, Doc, I don't know. You say that all of this adds up to something, but I'll be damned if I know what it is.
I was hoping that you would.

Outline your thoughts, if you will. I'd like to see how close they come to mine.
Mana is bleeding into our world at an accelerated rate. All of these other catastrophes - the insanity, the insect spirits, the paranatural disasters, and the strange creatures - they all tie into that.
Yes. I have come to the same conclusion.
{{GM}}He turns to stare at you.{{/GM}}

You're confusing correlation with causation, $(l.name). A childish mistake... motivated, no doubt, by latent feelings of guilt over the deaths of your friends.

A great many tragic events have transpired in the past year, yes. But to pin them all on *our* actions without a shred of supporting evidence is both narcissistic and ridiculous.
{{GM}}He turns to study his terminal, frowning.{{/GM}}

Get your head in the game, $(l.name), and drop the notion that what's happening is all about you.
If you say so.
All right then, go ahead. Tell me what *you* think is happening.
I'm not being ridiculous - you're in denial.
I do. And I will tell you what I think is happening, and what I think that we must do.
We are looking at a natural - or, if you prefer, *paranatural* - catastrophe. Something has thrown off the balance between magic and reality.

The magical background count of the world is rising, and as the Earth becomes more and more mana-rich, we're seeing increasingly devastating results.
Very well, $(l.name).

I will.
{{GM}}He scoffs.{{/GM}}

Stubborn as an ox, just like Audran.

I will give you an alternative theory to entertain.
And nor do I... not exactly, at least. But I can make an educated guess.
We are looking at a natural - or, if you prefer, paranatural - catastrophe. Something has thrown off the balance between magic and reality.

The magical background count of the world is rising, and as the Earth becomes more and more mana-rich, we're seeing increasingly devastating results.
Paranatural disasters, like the mana rift that consumed Sydney. Widespread madness. And most terribly, the appearance of dangerous new paranormal life-forms.

Predators that couldn't survive in mana-poor environments are flooding into our world. And as the mana level continues to rise, larger and more dangerous things are appearing.
In order to solve the problem, we need to find a way to plug the leak. But we have a more immediate concern: the creatures that are invading our world are growing larger and more dangerous at an exponential rate.
Our first priority must be finding a way to combat these things.

*Then* we tackle the long-term challenge of staunching the tide of mana that is flowing into the world.
All right, let's talk about killing these things. What's our best option?
Give me a big enough gun, and I can kill just about anything.
These things are magical in nature. Seems to me that we need to find a magical solution.
Conventional weapons haven't done much to hurt them, I'm afraid. Even the small ones have shown an extraordinary resilience to physical damage, and bigger ones that have been popping up are nigh unkillable. There was an amoeboid thing with many tongues terrorizing the skies above Buenos Aires... they destroyed half the city trying to bring it down.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Bad business.
Magic might work better, but as the global background count rises, it will become less and less reliable as a solution.

We need to find something else, and we need to find it fast.
{{GM}}He lights another cigarette, musing.{{/GM}}

Maybe a biological control could work? Perhaps a natural enemy could be found to fight these things... or, at the very least, to buy us some time.
What about germ warfare? You did it with Panacea; maybe you could do it again?
Anything capable of killing one of these things would also be dangerous to us, wouldn't it?
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

No. It took me over forty years to develop Panacea, and I'll be lucky to live another six months.

Besides which, the physiology of these creatures is so alien that I wouldn't know where to begin.
{{GM}}He stubs out his cigarette and grabs another with a shaking hand. Lighting it, he eagerly sucks in the smoke.{{/GM}}

What we need is something powerful enough to keep these things at bay, but intelligent enough to be capable of reason.
Yes, there is that.

{{GM}}He stubs out his cigarette and grabs another with a shaking hand. Lighting it, he eagerly sucks in the smoke.{{/GM}}

What we need is something powerful enough to keep these things at bay, but intelligent enough to be capable of reason.
...You mean, like a dragon?
Yes.

{{GM}}Vauclair stands there for a moment, blinking. Then his frail body begins to tremble.

The cigarette drops from his lip and falls to the floor.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Saucer-eyed, he covers his mouth with a withered hand.{{/GM}}

Oh, God. We did this.

*I* did this.
He leans forward, bracing himself against the computer terminal in front of him.

He gulps down air in short, panicked breaths.
Told you so, Doc. Who's a narcissist now?
You okay, Doc?
Hang on. How is this your fault? I don't see it.
Breathe, Vauclair. You still have a world to save.
Vauclair stands there, leaning on his console, his eyes bulging. His teeth grind.

Finally, he raises his head to look you in the eye.
Killing the dragons... it must have thrown the world out of balance somehow. But how... how was I to know? There were no signs, no indications... there was *nothing!*

What I did was *right!*
It looked that way to me, too, Doctor.
The evidence would argue otherwise.
If by "right" you mean "the worst thing you possibly could have done," then yes.
...But it wasn't right, was it?

{{GM}}He stares down at his trembling hands.{{/GM}}

I acted without considering all of the variables... didn't even consider that such variables could exist! I was *blind!*
{{GM}}He holds his silence for a long while, struggling with himself.

Finally, a quiet voice crawls out of him.{{/GM}}

I was a fool.
This isn't your fault, Vauclair. You didn't know that this would happen - you *couldn't* have known.
Well, I'm convinced. You're right, Vauclair - this is your fault.
Maybe. But you can still turn this around.
No. Not this, precisely. But when I rolled the dice with Panacea, I knew that there were risks.

I must be prepared to accept the consequences. To own them. And so I do.
Vauclair opens his desk drawer and reaches in with both hands. When he pulls them back out, you see the object that he's holding: a vintage Luger handgun.

Gingerly, he grips it in his right hand and raises it to his temple.
It was a pleasure working with you, $(l.name). I'm sorry that I asked you to come all this way for nothing.

Now turn away, if you please.
{{GM}}Attempt to knock the gun out of his hand.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Turn away.{{/GM}} Godspeed, Doctor.
{{GM}}Refuse.{{/GM}} No, I won't! Don't do it, Vauclair... you saved the world once. You can do it again!
The instant you begin to move, the old man's finger jerks the trigger.

For a moment - nothing more than a split second, really - you can read the fear and sorrow on Vauclair's face. Time seems to slow.

And then, all at once, it speeds up again, and Dr. Adrian Vauclair's body crumples to the floor.
You turn away.

Seconds later, you hear the roar of the Luger, and the dull smack of a body crumpling to the floor.
"Saved the world." Funny.

{{GM}}He smiles weakly at you, but there are tears pouring from his eyes.{{/GM}}

I didn't save the world, $(l.name). I damned it.
At least I know that, when I arrive in Hell, I'll be in good company.

{{GM}}His finger tightens on the trigger. The breath catches in his throat.{{/GM}}

I'll see you soon, Hermie.
{{GM}}He smirks at you, but his hands are still trembling.{{/GM}}

You're trying to get under my skin. To rub my nose in this, yes?

Well, the joke is on you. I've already accepted the consequences of my actions. I own them; they are mine to atone for, and mine alone.
{{GM}}He shakes his head sadly.{{/GM}}

Nothing can make this right. Nothing at all.

There is no "fixing" this. I can only atone for it. And so I shall.
{{GM}}He blinks up at you.{{/GM}}

It would, wouldn't it?
{{GM}}He stares down at his trembling hands.{{/GM}}

I acted without considering all of the variables... didn't even consider that such variables could exist! I was *blind!*
{{GM}}He spits his response out at you, his eyes burning.{{/GM}}

Lay blame if you like. You were *with* me on this, shadowrunner.
{{GM}}He gulps in another deep, rattling breath. Calms himself. When he speaks again, his voice comes out in a wooden monotone.{{/GM}}

You are quite right, though. I acted without considering all of the variables... didn't even consider that such variables could exist!

I was *blind!*
{{GM}}He doesn't meet your eyes.{{/GM}}

The... the dragons. Don't you *see?*

The dragons... they must have been keeping these things in check! And I *killed* them!
I admire your enthusiasm, but you're wrong about that. Conventional weapons haven't done much to hurt these things.

Even the small ones have shown an extraordinary resilience to physical damage, and bigger ones that have been popping up are nigh unkillable.
There was an amoeboid thing with many tongues terrorizing the skies above Buenos Aires... they tried to use helicopter gunships to shoot it down. They eventually succeeded, but not without destroying half of their own city in the process.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Bad business.
Magic might work in the short term, but as the global background count rises, it will become less and less reliable as a solution.

We need a weapon that won't fail us before the job is done.
Unfortunately, conventional weapons haven't done much to hurt these creatures.

Even the small ones have shown an extraordinary resilience to physical damage, and bigger ones that have been popping up are nigh unkillable.
{{CC}}Charisma: 5{{/CC}} Why don't you go first, Doc?
Um. Things are bad, all right.
Yes... very well.

Clearly, something has thrown off the balance between magic and reality.
Clearly.
The magical background count of the world is rising, and as the Earth becomes more and more mana-rich, we're seeing increasingly devastating results.

Paranatural disasters like the mana rift that consumed Sydney. Widespread madness. And most terribly, the appearance of dangerous new paranormal lifeforms.
Predators that couldn't survive in mana-poor environments are flooding into our world.

And as the mana level continues to rise, larger and more dangerous things are appearing.
Sounds about right. So how are we going to fix this?
{{GM}}He stares at you.{{/GM}}

You didn't read my research, did you?
Look, Doc, I'm really not much of a researcher. Can't you just sum this stuff up for me?
I skimmed over enough to get the drift. Bad things are happening, I get it. Let's move on.
Don't blow a gasket. I'll go read up.
I'd rather you read the notes. If you're going to help me, I need you fully informed.
I have better things to do with my time than run around reading old news clippings. Sum it up for me.
You win, Doc. I'll go read through your notes.
{{GM}}He grits his teeth.{{/GM}}

If you insist.
The long and the short of it is, something has thrown off the balance between magic and reality.
Keep going.
Good. Yes.

That would be best.
Be quick about it. No more foolishness.

We don't have a lot of time.
{{GM}}He shoots you an irritable glance.{{/GM}}

Don't worry about me, I won't be keeling over anytime today. Now read up so that we can move on to talking about solutions.
Project Atlas Data
Data on Project Atlas copied from the AGC computer systems.
A huge ork in ragged combat fatigues steps forward to meet you. He walks with the swollen bravado of a man who's used to getting what he wants.

One of his meaty arms jerks up, hand held upright in the universal sign for "stop." The other clutches a bulky assault rifle.
{{GM}}The ork inspects you. His body language is decidedly unfriendly.{{/GM}}

You don't look like a Magnifiker. You're not one of us, and I'm guessing you ain't here for the Hub, either. So tell me... who are you, and what's your interest in this building?
Business. Can't discuss it. I'm sure you understand.
I need to get into the basement. It's important.
Best step back and stand down before you get hurt.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} Actually, I am here for the Hub.
Yeah, sure, I get it.

But see, this building... it's under Arbeiter protection. We can't just let you waltz in and shoot up the place.

{{GM}}He smiles at you, revealing a mouth filled with jagged teeth.{{/GM}}

I'm sure you understand.
It looks plenty shot up already. A few more holes couldn't hurt.
Maybe I should put a few bullets in you instead.
I'm not planning on shooting anything. Not unless I have to.
That all depends on where you put 'em.

Look, pal, it'd be better for everyone if you'd just turn back. We don't want to fight you, but we can't risk letting an unknown player into this...

{{GM}}He pauses for a moment to search for the right word.{{/GM}}

...*situation* right now.
You don't get to make that call. I have business inside, and that's where I'm going. If you wanna try and stop me, be my guest.
Step out of my way, or your problems are gonna get a whole lot worse.
Maybe I could help you out with your situation.
Well, that puts a different spin on things.

{{GM}}He pauses for a moment to consider.{{/GM}}
You look like you can handle yourself. We could probably use you, if you'd be willing to help. There'd even be some money in it for you. But if not, well...

{{GM}}The assault rifle in his hand shifts position slightly.{{/GM}}

...That's a different conversation.
What would you need me to do?
And what, exactly, do you want us to do?

{{GM}}Eiger's tone is neutral, her posture relaxed. But one of her hands casually comes to rest on the butt of her shotgun.

Ullrich doesn't seem to notice.{{/GM}}
We're having some... trouble with a local mage gang. The Magnifikers.

{{GM}}The ork turns his head and spits.{{/GM}}

They attacked us without warning, took up in our building, and kicked us onto the street.
Me and my boys, we're the rightful protectors of this block. But the assholes that screwed us, they've got the building buttoned up pretty tight.

We can't get in there to make things right... but maybe you can.
If you could enter the building and do some damage to those drek-eating Magnifikers, the Arbeiters would be willing to pay you. Two hundred nuyen per kill - you bring me back their amulets, and you get paid.

How's that sound?
{{GM}}Eiger raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Your call, fearless leader. You know the timetable we're working on.
It's a deal, Ullrich.
{{CC}}Charisma: 5{{/CC}} 200 nuyen per head ain't bad. But from where I'm standing, it looks like you need my help... and that tells me that you can do better.
Thanks, but no thanks. I don't have time to go mage-hunting.
Good. Yeah, I think that this will work.
Eiger gives you a small nod. Her hand falls away from the the stock of her shotgun.
You need anything else? Or are you ready to go crack some skulls?
I want to know who I'm working for.
I want to know what I'm going up against. Tell me about the Magnifikers.
You look pretty dug in out here. How long do you intend to man the trenches?
Anything I should know about the building before I head inside?
Just one more thing. I need to get into the basement. Anything you can do that'd help me out?
Trithemius won't be a problem for you anymore. Here's his amulet.
I found Trithemius. Turns out, he makes better deals than you do. Care to make a counteroffer?
{{GM}}Attack him.{{/GM}} Trithemius sends his regards.
{{GM}}Attack him.{{/GM}} Trithemius is dead, and you're going to join him.
I've got a few Magnifiker trinkets to sell.
That's it for now.
I'm Ullrich, leader of the Berlin chapter of the Arbeiters. We're a policlub... small, but growing.

We serve the People of the working class. Protect them from the parasites that would exploit them.
You're not a fan of the F-State, then?
I support your ideals.
Well, best of luck with that.
Anarchy is not the solution to the People's problems. "Do what thou wilt" is a policy that rewards only the powerful... the working class gets trampled.

A strong, People-centered Communist movement is the only way to protect the interests of the common man.

Give us a few years, and that's exactly what we're gonna be.
{{GM}}He nods, a look of satisfaction on his face.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The ork's brow furrows, but he says nothing.{{/GM}}
A gang of parasites. They think that their magical talents make them better than everyone else. Because of that, they feel entitled to take whatever they want.

Up until recently, they've been content with pulling pranks and stealing purses. Childish drek, but they were basically harmless.
Then their new leader took over. Calls himself "Trithemius," but I remember when he was just a skinny little prick named Uri.

{{GM}}He lets out a derisive snort.{{/GM}}

I should've kept a better eye on him, I guess... should've stomped him flat when he started putting on airs. Would've saved everyone a heap of trouble.
"Trithemius" took over the Magnifikers, militarized them, and convinced 'em that they could take us. And thanks to the element of surprise, they actually managed to do it.

{{GM}}The ork folds his arms across his burly chest.{{/GM}}

Any day now, we're gonna show 'em exactly how bad an idea that was. I think I'll start by breaking Uri's neck.
We'll be out here as long as it takes.

We're taking our building back, one way or another.
For over three years, we protected that place. We held it for the People, to do with as they pleased. Kept it safe from parasites and exploiters.

Everything was cool until those drecksau Magnifikers sucker punched us.
No negotiation, no warning. They just turned on us out of the blue. Brought a couple dozen spirits down on our heads.

I didn't even know that we were under attack until the water in my bathtub snaked up and tried to drown me.
Most of us got out alive, but we've been stuck out here ever since. Just give us some time, though. We'll take the building back... we'll starve 'em out if we have to.

And when we do, those scrawny bastards are gonna pay.
You'll probably see some burnouts floating around the ground floor. They're all there for the Hub. It's like... some kind of church, or something. Guy called "Parson" runs it.

'Tween you and me, they're all batshit crazy. Not dangerous, just... nuts.
Why'd you keep them around at all, then?
Because a lot of them are rich. They paid a drekload in rent, and we redistributed that wealth to the common man.
Let me guess: you define yourselves as the "common man."
I have a hard time buying that.
I can support that.
Do you see a tie around my neck, pal? Do I look like a corporate stooge to you?

We are the friends of the People. And we *are* the People. Don't you dare to question it.
You believe whatever you want.

{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

I can't stop you from being wrong.
{{GM}}He gives you a slow nod.{{/GM}}

It's what we do.
Basement? What could you possibly want to go down there for?
You wouldn't believe me if I told you.
I just need to get in. Can you get me in or not?
You'd be surprised what I'll believe. Try me.
Look, man. I just need to get into the basement, and I don't have time to explain why. Can you help me, or not?
All right. I need to stop a killer AI so that I can rescue an elderly scientist from a ghost-dragon. The future of Berlin could be at stake.
Yeah. I can help you.

But it'll cost.
All right. How much do you want?
Yeah. Of course it will.

{{GM}}Dietrich sneers.{{/GM}}

Another bush-league extortionist, tryin' to milk us for cash.
You've got the wrong idea. I don't need nuyen, friend.

What I need is Trithemius' head on a fucking platter.
Problem is, he's holed up somewhere in the building, and we don't know where.

Best guess? He's hiding somewhere upstairs, in a room with no exterior windows.
Somewhere... probably someplace close... he's stashed the power coupling for the elevator. He pulled it to keep us from getting access to the guns we stashed in the basement.

So. You find and kill Trithemius. Grab the the coupling out of his apartment, and bring me that stupid amulet he's always wearing so I'll know he's dead.
{{GM}}He cracks a grin.{{/GM}}

Then, I give you the control chip that I pulled when we had to fall back. Slot them both back into the elevator, and it'll take you straight to the basement.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Gang{{/CC}} This deal's coming out all in your favor. If I'm going to hand your entire territory back, you'll have to sweeten the pot.
{{GM}}Attack him.{{/GM}} I've got a better idea. I think I'll just take the chip off of your corpse.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} You've got a deal.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Well, you've got a point there.

Tell you what. Like I said, we had a bunch of weapons stashed in the basement before the Magnifikers showed up.
You take care of Trithemius, I'll let you have your pick of the armory. Whatever piece of hardware you want.
That's more like it. One dead mage, coming right up.
Good. Just remember - no amulet, no basement.

Now go on through, and show that little prick what it means to screw with the Arbeiters.
You're charging us? Seriously? This isn't even your building any more!
How much do you want?
You're right. I don't believe you. You're either lying, or you're crazy.

But crazy has its uses. All right, I'll get you into that basement. But it'll cost you.
{{GM}}Ullrich accepts the amulet with a smile.{{/GM}}

Ha! Nice work, friend!
He raises the jewel high above his head, then hurls it to the ground.

It explodes into spray of dull, glassy shards across the concrete.
{{GM}}Ullrich favors you with an ugly smile, then reaches into his pocket and fishes out a badly scuffed control chip. He hands it to you.{{/GM}}

Well, I'm a man of my word. Here's the control chip for the elevator.

You slot this into the elevator terminal, and you'll be good to go. Oh, and you'll also need to plug in the power coupling that Udi stole... you did grab that, right? I'd imagine it's still up there somewhere if you didn't.
Yeah, I--
Well, n--
Hang on, you neve--
{{GM}}Ullrich holds a hand up and shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Whatever. It's not my problem... I've got bigger things to worry about. Besides which, you've got the chip.

I've held up my end.
{{GM}}Without waiting for a response, Ullrich takes a step back, then turns his head to shout at the toughs behind him.{{/GM}}

LISTEN UP, BOYS!
Our friend here just taught wizard-boy a permanent lesson about messing with the Arbeiters!

{{GM}}A chorus of cheers erupts from the assorted gangers assembled behind Ullrich.{{/GM}}

So GEAR UP, 'cuz we've got a GODDAMN BUILDING to take back!
Well, I'm a man of my word. Here's the control chip for the elevator.

Just slot this into the elevator's terminal with the part you got off of Trithemius, and you should be good to go.
{{GM}}He pauses, then reaches back into his pocket.{{/GM}}

And he's the key to our little armory down in the basement. Help yourself.
{{GM}}Ullrich snarls.{{/GM}}

You double-crossing slothead.

You want to negotiate? Fine, here's a counteroffer for you.
{{GM}}He takes a step back, then turns his head to shout at the toughs behind him.{{/GM}}

C'MON, BOYS! Let's show this PARASITE who's boss.
Excellent, $(scene.iNumMagnifikerToSell) amulets means $(scene.iBountyToCollect) nuyen in your pocket.
Here you are, payment in full.
Glory gives you a small nod. The blades slide back into her fingertips with a click.
Dietrich gives you a small nod. The uncanny feeling in the air around you dies away.
Blitz gives you a small nod. His hand falls away from the machine pistol at his waist.
Fine. 250 per head. But that's my final offer.
Works for me.
I changed my mind. Not interested.
{{GM}}He shrugs, then nods toward the building entrance.{{/GM}}

No help, no access. And I can't guarantee your safety out here on the street.

It's your choice.
All right. You've got your deal.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} All right, you've convinced me. I'll do it.
If you don't back down and let me through that door, I'm going to put you down.
{{GM}}Glory raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Your call, $(l.name). You know the timetable we're working on.
{{GM}}Dietrich raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Your call, boss. You know the timetable we're working on.
{{GM}}Blitz raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Your call, chief. You know the timetable we're working on.
What do you want us to do?

{{GM}}Glory's tone is neutral, her posture relaxed. But a glint of lamplight on steel tells you that the razors in her fingertips have slid from their housings.

Ullrich doesn't seem to notice.{{/GM}}
What do you need us to do?

{{GM}}Dietrich's tone is jocular, his posture relaxed. But an uncanny feeling in the air tells you that magic has already started to well in the astral plane around him.

Ullrich doesn't seem to notice.{{/GM}}
Hey, sounds great. What do you want us to do?

{{GM}}Blitz's tone is neutral... almost bored. But you catch the motion as he thumbs the safety off of his machine pistol.

Ullrich doesn't seem to notice.{{/GM}}
Yeah. Well. I can't exactly take that at face value.

Look. It'd be better for everyone if you'd just turn back. We don't want to fight you, but we can't risk letting an unknown player into this...

{{GM}}He pauses for a moment to search for the right word.{{/GM}}

...*situation* right now.
Oh, it's *important,* you say?

{{GM}}He makes a sweeping gesture in the direction of the building behind him. The other assorted toughs behind him smile.{{/GM}}

Well... by all means, go on in then.
Really? Thanks.
{{CC}}Intelligence: 2{{/CC}} ...You're being sarcastic.
{{GM}}He lets out a snort of derisive laughter.{{/GM}}

No, not really. You dense?

This building's under Arbeiter protection. We can't just let a stranger go waltzing on in... you might shoot up the place.
Ha! You're a sharp one.

{{GM}}He smiles at you, revealing a mouth filled with jagged teeth.{{/GM}}

This building's under Arbeiter protection. We can't just let you waltz in and shoot up the place.
{{GM}}His lips curl into a disdainful sneer.{{/GM}}

You sure you wanna go down this road, friend? We've got you outgunned, and we're in no mood to be screwed with.
Neither am I. So do you wanna drop the tough guy act? I'd rather not have to kill anyone today.
Outgunned? Take another look, fool. Back down, or I will end you.
Something's got you amped up, huh? Well, aim your guns at that, not me. I'm one of the good guys.
{{CC}}Race: Troll{{/CC}} Who said anything about guns? Back down, or I'll break you in half, little ork.
{{GM}}The ork gives you an appraising look.{{/GM}}

My kill list is already full up for the day. Long as you stay cool, we can settle this peacefully.
Good call. Bonne réponse.
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment to consider, a thoughtful look on his face.{{/GM}}

You look like you can handle yourself. We might actually be able to use you... easy money, if you're interested. If not, well...

{{GM}}The assault rifle in his hand shifts position slightly.{{/GM}}

...That's a different conversation.
Big mistake, $(l.man). BIG mistake.

{{GM}}He takes a step back, then turns his head to shout at the toughs behind him.{{/GM}}

C'MON, BOYS! Let's show this PARASITE who's boss.
You'll understand if I can't take that at face value.

You should turn back while you still can, stranger. I don't want to fight you, but we can't risk letting an unknown player into this...

{{GM}}He pauses for a moment to search for the right word.{{/GM}}

...*situation* right now.
{{GM}}The ork looks you up and down, and you can see the uncertainty gnawing at him. When he speaks again, the swagger has disappeared from his voice.{{/GM}}

Take it easy, friend. I'm not gonna draw on you. You just... you just caught me at a bad time.
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment to consider, then cranes his neck to look you in the eye.{{/GM}}

Y'know, if you're looking for work, we could use a troll like you. Get you some spare cash and a free pass into our building all at once.

How does that sound?
With that kind of gear? Bullshit.

If you're here for the Hub, then I'm a cross-dressing elf.
{{GM}}He grins, revealing a mouth filled with jagged teeth.{{/GM}}

This building is under Arbeiter protection. Can't let anyone by who's packing that kind of heat... we don't want the building getting shot up, after all.
{{GM}}Ullrich fixes you with a wary eye.{{/GM}}

Yeah? You need something else?
>>>BUILDING INTERFACE TERMINAL v. 2.71<<<
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Overload power to the turrets.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Create a remote control link to the turrets.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Drone Control: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Reprogram the turrets to target Knight Errant personnel.{{/GM}}
...And that takes care of that. Please return to the Kreuzbasar; the remainder of your post-run interview will conclude upon your arrival.
Hang on! What the hell was *that?*
{{GM}}He raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

What did it feel like?

An explosion, of course.
You said that we were just planting bugs, damn it! *Bugs,* not *bombs!*
This run wasn't a surveillance operation. It was an assassination.
You lied to me, Duerr.
You did plant bugs, $(l.name). You saw the footage yourself.

Your job was to plant the bugs. Jana's was to plant the bomb.

But we can discuss all of this upon your return.
{{GM}}Jana covers her mouth with her hand, a horrified expression on her face.{{/GM}}

Oh God. I killed someone. That man is dead because of me.
You didn't know, Jana. None of us did. This isn't on you.
From the sound of that explosion, I'd guess that you killed a fair number of someones. Aleshire and his bodyguard at the very least, and probably a good half dozen more.

{{GM}}A morbid grin creases the mage's thin-lipped mouth.{{/GM}}

That makes you a *mass* murderer, mouse. You're moving up in the world.
{{GM}}A sob wracks her chest. She begins to hyperventilate.{{/GM}}

I can never get away from this. This is going to follow me for the rest of my life.

I killed people. I'm a fucking *MURDERER!*
Say it louder, why don't you. I don't think they heard you in France.
I haven't heard a response from you, $(l.name).

Shall I make the preparations for your post-run interview? Are you ready to continue your test?
You're damned right we're going to talk about this, Luca. I'll be on the next train home.
Yes, of course. I'm eager to finish this test.
I'm looking foward to hearing what you have to say about this, Duerr. I'll see you soon.
Very good.

I'll be waiting.
{{GM}}There is a long pause, punctuated only by the muffled sound of Jana weeping into her hands. Then Duerr speaks.{{/GM}}

Your audition is only halfway finished, $(l.name). I'll expect to see you directly, unless you object...?
What about me? Do I get my money now, or--
The agreed-upon sum has already been transferred into your account, Herr Carver.

While we did not expect you to survive tonight's encounter, we do honor our debts.
But--
Concentrate on your meeting, Herr Carver.

Reflect on how lucky you are to be alive enough to attend it.
The mage's mouth tightens into a thin line. His hands clench and unclench, and he fixes his gaze upon the train.
It was both. And both tasks were carried out to the letter.

You should be pleased, $(l.name). The run was a resounding success.
When you described this run to me, you left out the part where we planted a bomb. That's a hell of an omission.
You think that I'm happy about this, you sick bastard?
Another satisfied customer. When I get hired to do a job, I deliver.
I told you what you had to do. Your job was to plant the bugs - a task that you succeeded in admirably, I might add.

Jana's was to plant the bomb.

But we can discuss all of this upon your return.
You have nothing to be upset about. You were given a task, and you carried it out. Admirably, I might add.

Jana's job was to plant the bomb. Not your problem, and not your responsibility.

But we can discuss all of this upon your return.
Indeed you do. The bugs were installed exactly as they should have been.

Jana should be happy, too. She did an excellent job of planting the bomb. Her debt to us has been cleared.
I told you that you would be planting bugs, and you did plant bugs. You did a wonderful job of it, I might add.

Jana's job was to plant the bomb.

But we can discuss all of this upon your return.
Enstad slows to a stop at the window. His eyes are locked on the stack of corpses piled up on the cell floor.
My old team. Sorry sons of bitches.

Bet they never thought I'd be the last man standing.
I'm sorry for your loss.
{{GM}}Keep walking.{{/GM}} The sooner we get you out of here, the sooner we can put this behind us.
I'm usually right in the thick of the action. Easy to get shot under those circumstances.

If I hadn't been downstairs when KE smashed in, I'd be in that pile with them.
Funny. In my experience, riggers usually stay away from the thick of combat. They tend to use their drones for that.
{{GM}}Start walking.{{/GM}} Let's get moving before Knight Errant sends reinforcements.
Well, I ain't that kind of rigger.

Drones ain't my thing, so much.
What kind of rigger are you?
...So you're a getaway driver?

{{GM}}Blitz shoots the rigger a sidelong glance.{{/GM}}

Vehicle riggers are even *less* likely to be found on the front lines.
Nah. I'm a spider... my specialty is taking over building systems.

To do that, I need to find a data tap. And to do *that,* I need to charge on in with the rest of the team.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Shadowrunner{{/CC}} A security rigger, huh? Don't see too many of those in the shadows. Lose your corporate job?
Don't deckers usually handle that kind of thing?
Corporate life... well, let's just say that it wasn't for me.

I needed to work in an environment where my creativity would be rewarded.
I think we might've seen some signs of your "creativity" on the way up here.
{{GM}}He chuckles.{{/GM}}

Yeah, they often do. They don't do it *well,* mind you. But they do.
Deckers can *manage* a building, sure. But when I rig into a security system, I *become* the building.

Anything hardwired into the system becomes a part of me. Turrets, doors, elevators... you name it.
And then...

{{GM}}He rubs his hands together excitedly.{{/GM}}

...It's time to get *creative.*
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Might've. Can't say one way or another until you show me what you're talkin' about.
...So you're a getaway driver?

{{GM}}Dietrich shoots the rigger a sidelong glance.{{/GM}}

Vehicle riggers are even *less* likely to be found on the front lines.
I'm a spider. My specialty is taking over building security systems.

To do that, I need to find a data tap. And to do *that,* I need to charge on in with the rest of the team.
{{GM}}He lets out a low chuckle.{{/GM}}

No loss, believe me. I hated those pricks.
A deep rumbling sound emanates from the rigger's chest.

He spits, and an enormous wad of phlegm spatters against the upturned face of the nearest corpse.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

If you knew 'em, you'd do the same.

Miserable bastards, the lot of 'em... no appreciation for creativity.
...Anyway, we should probably get movin', don'tcha think?

I don't wanna be here when more of those Knight Errant bastards show up.
{{GM}}He smirks.{{/GM}}

You got it, pal.
Disarm
On a critical hit, you force your opponent to drop their weapon. There is a -15% to hit.
"OPERATION: FALSE FLAG" Planning Report
A data plan that details Humanis' plans to drive metahumans into a violent rage.
Standing in the hallway is a janitor, a tired-looking woman in her mid-thirties. She is staring at you, her eyes wide with surprise.

You can't help but notice the alarm panel set into the wall just behind her. With a flick of her wrist, she could make your job infinitely more complicated.
Oh, excuse me!

You startled me there.
{{GM}}With a visible effort, she smiles and attempts to regain her composure.{{/GM}}

Working a late night, huh?
You and me both. Mind holding that door open for me?
You’re tellin’ me. They don’t pay us enough for this.
You know how it is this close to a product launch. We basically live here now.
{{GM}}Attack her.{{/GM}} Sorry about this, but we can’t chance you raising an alarm.
{{GM}}The janitor's eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

Oh, you know that I can’t do that! After last week’s security meeting? They’d have my job!
{{GM}}She jerks her head in the direction of a biometric fingerprint scanner set into the door frame.{{/GM}}

If you want in this door, you're going to have to clock in like everyone else.
Of course. Sorry. Must've slipped my mind... I've been working a lot of late nights recently.
C'mon, be a friend. Besides, who's gonna know? It's not like I'm gonna tell anyone.
Look, I just clocked out for a soykaf run, but I left my wallet on my desk. I'd rather not have Management see me clock out, then in, and then out again in the space of five minutes... couldn't you do me a favor just this once and hold the door? I'll literally be back in thirty seconds.
{{GM}}The janitor shakes her head, her tired eyes narrowing.{{/GM}}

Nice try, but no. I have two kids at home.

I'm not risking my job so that you can be lazy. It only takes a few seconds, anyway... if you'd just do it instead of arguing about it, you could be inside already.
Look, I'm sorry... I left my card on my desk. Couldn't you just let me in?
{{GM}}The janitor lets out an exasperated sigh and folds her arms across her chest.{{/GM}}

Okay, but just this once. You forget something else, and you're on your own.
You got it, thanks!
{{GM}}Her eyes pass from you to your teammates, then lock on yours.{{/GM}}

Who are your friends, by the way? They don't look like employees.
They're on-site QA testers. We've got some bugs to stomp, and we can't do it all ourselves.
Contractors. We're bringing them in to do some last-minute work on tomorrow's patch.
{{GM}}Attack her.{{/GM}} They're, um... oh, screw it. I'm done with this.
Old friends from school. A bunch of us in the office went to the Rhine University together, and they were passing through town, so I thought I'd bring them by to say hi.
Really? Huh. This is the first I've heard of it.

{{GM}}The janitor shrugs, her body relaxing. From the look on her face, you can tell that her mind is already elsewhere.{{/GM}}

Well, you know better than I do, I guess.
Oh, that's fun... but, um, should they be here tonight? Considering that it's crunch time, and that big speech last week about increasing our internal security, and all?

{{GM}}She pauses for a brief moment, and then fixes her eyes on yours, a serious look on her face.{{/GM}}

Seriously, they should leave. If you take them in there, Management's going to be pissed, and you know how touchy they've been recently.
Look, it's going to be fine. Even if Management does get uptight, I'll be the one who gets in trouble, and it's not like they're going to fire me. Just stand aside and let us through.
What Management doesn't know won't hurt them.
I can't ask them to leave - they've traveled a long way to be here. Just give us five minutes to make the rounds, and then we'll get out of your hair. Okay?
{{GM}}Attack her.{{/GM}} I can't waste any more time on this. You should've just let us through.
{{GM}}She rolls her eyes.{{/GM}}

All right, fine, whatever. I didn't see you. Go ahead and do your thing. But if you get caught, it's on you, got that?
That's what I just said, isn't it? C'mon, everyone, let's get out of the nice lady's hair.
Yeah, I've got it. I could do with a little less attitude, though.
Yes, got it. Thank you, I really appreciate this, and the guys in back will, too.
{{GM}}The janitor's face flushes pink.{{/GM}}

Okay, you know what? I've about had it with you.
{{GM}}In a flash, her hand darts out to smack the panel set into the wall behind her. The shrill wail of an alarm klaxon fills the air.{{/GM}}

You can discuss my "attitude" with Security. I'm sure they'd love to hear all about it.
You're going to regret that.
{{GM}}Her eyes pass from you to your teammate, then lock on yours.{{/GM}}

Who's your friend, by the way?
An on-site QA tester. We've got some bugs to stomp, and we can't do it all ourselves.
A contractor, here to do some last-minute work on tomorrow's patch.
{{GM}}Attack her.{{/GM}} Oh, screw it. I'm done with this.
An old friend from school. A bunch of us in the office went to the Rhine University together.
Oh, that's fun... but, um, is tonight really the best time? Considering that it's crunch time, and that big speech last week about increasing our internal security, and all?

{{GM}}She pauses for a brief moment, and then fixes her eyes on yours, a serious look on her face.{{/GM}}

Seriously, your friend should leave. Otherwise, Management's going to be pissed, and you know how touchy they've been recently.
Just give us five minutes to make the rounds, and then we'll get out of your hair. Okay?
That's what I just said, isn't it? C'mon, let's get out of the nice lady's hair.
{{GM}}The janitor chuckles uncomfortably.{{/GM}}

Well, some of us get paid better than others. Wanna trade your workstation for my bucket?

{{GM}}She offers you a lopsided smile.{{/GM}}

Kidding, kidding. I couldn't do what you do, and I've seen how you software people live. You probably wouldn't know a mop if it smacked you in the face.
No, they probably wouldn't. Hey, would you mind getting the door for me?
You’re telling me! I’ve had to step over three of you guys tonight!

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

It can’t be comfortable sleeping under those desks. The mom in me wants to go get you blankets, but I don't think that Management would approve.
No, they probably wouldn't. Now, if you'll just let me by, I do have work to get back to...
{{GM}}The janitor’s eyes go wide as she realizes what's happening, and her mouth falls open in a silent scream.

She turns in a panic and smacks the panel recessed into the wall behind her. A moment later, the shrill wail of a security alarm fills the air.{{/GM}}
A look of confusion crosses the janitor's face as her eyes flit from you, to your teammates, to the door that you just let them in through.

You are suddenly aware of how very out of place you look in this building, and the furrow in the janitor's brow tells you that she's made the same observation.
Who are you, exactly? And how did you get into this building?
I'm an old friend of the development lead. We shared a dorm together at the University of Berlin.
I'm, uh, with the night crew. I just went out for soykaf.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Corporate{{/CC}} I'm new... they just brought me on as a QA tester for the Ares project.
{{GM}}Attack her.{{/GM}} The hell with this, I've got a schedule to keep.
Uh-huh.

{{GM}}She does not sound convinced.{{/GM}}
We were the best of friends. Really! If I could just get back there to see him, he'd be able to clear this up in a second.
Look, how much will it cost me to get you to step away from that alarm? I can pay.
...No. Sorry. I was ashamed to admit it, but I'm new here, and I stepped out for a smoke. Now I can't seem to get back in. Would you mind holding the door for me?
{{GM}}Attack her.{{/GM}} Screw it, I'm done with this. You should've just let us in the door.
Oh, come on. You know that I can't do that.

{{GM}}The janitor pauses for a moment, considering.{{/GM}}

Well, I don't know. I'm not supposed to, but if you're new...
{{GM}}She grits her teeth.{{/GM}}

I hate being in this position.
Uh-huh.

{{GM}}The janitor does not sound convinced.{{/GM}}

So... where is it? The soykaf?
That's... that's a good question.
I drank it on my way back to the office.
I ran into a homeless guy on my way back to the office. I'm tired, but he needed it more than I did.
Yeah. Um... look. If you wouldn't mind hanging out right here, I think that Security might like to have a word with you.

{{GM}}She begins to turn toward the alarm panel set into the wall.{{/GM}}
No, wait! Don't do that!
Trip that alarm and you're a dead woman.
{{GM}}Attack her.{{/GM}} That was a mistake.
{{GM}}Compelling though they may be, your arguments fall on deaf ears.

The janitor smacks the panel with an open palm, and the shrill wail of an alarm klaxon fills the air.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The janitor freezes in her tracks. Her eyes wide with panic, she raises her arms at her sides.{{/GM}}

Look, just don't hurt me, okay? I have kids at home. You can go wherever you want.

{{GM}}She looks like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming truck. Through the glare of the room's halogen lighting, you can see that her eyes are brimming with tears.{{/GM}}

Please?
Thank you. You've been very cooperative.
I'm not getting paid to kill you, so unless you do something stupid, you'll be just fine. Just shut up and sit in the corner, okay?
I'm not going to hurt anyone if I can help it. Just move along and forget that you saw me, and I promise that everything will be all right.
She nods, tears streaming down her cheeks. From her body language alone, you can tell that she's petrified.

You've seen this look before: she's not going to cause you any more trouble.
Really? So did you, like, take an extra-long break during crunch time? Or did you chug a cup of scalding hot soykaf?
Lady, I've been working for the past 72 hours. If I want to take twenty minutes to enjoy a soykaf and get some fresh air, I'm gonna do it.
What business of yours is any of this? You're a cleaning lady! Knock off the twenty questions and let me in!
Scalding hot is the way I like it.
{{GM}}Attack her.{{/GM}} Screw it, I don't have time for this.
{{GM}}The janitor stops for a second to consider.{{/GM}}

Yeah, okay, that's fair.

{{GM}}She offers you a weak smile.{{/GM}}

Sorry about the attitude. I haven't gotten much sleep lately, either. Between the hours here and a toddler at home, I'm pretty much a wreck.
{{GM}}The janitor stops for a second to consider.{{/GM}}

My mom was the same way.

{{GM}}She offers you a weak smile.{{/GM}}

Sorry about the attitude. I haven't gotten much sleep lately, either. Between the hours here and a toddler at home, I'm pretty much a wreck.
Look, I don't want to give you the third degree, but they've been harping so much about lax security that I have to. "Everyone do your part," and all that.

So I've gotta ask: why are you still in your street clothes? You know how seriously they take the dress code here, especially if you work in one of the server rooms.
Well, there was this truck, see, and it splashed up all this filthy water from the gutter, and I got hosed.
Yeah, I'm not a fan of the dress code. I just sort of do my own thing.
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} I left my work clothes under my desk. I just needed to feel like a normal person again, even if only for twenty minutes... there's only so long you can stew in your work outfit. You know what I'm talking about, right?
{{GM}}Attack her.{{/GM}} I'm done with this.
All of you? What, were you, like, walking single file along the curb?
Something like that. Look, would you rather we tracked all that filth in here? We can do that if you'd prefer.
Look, this is getting old. We have work to do, and you're keeping us from it. Just hold the damned door and let us get back to our jobs, okay?
More or less... we were waiting for a traffic light to change. Look, would you rather we change back into our muddy work clothes? We can do that if you need us to.
{{GM}}The janitor lets out a weary sigh. Her body language is easy to read: she is officially tired of this conversation.{{/GM}}

No, of course not.
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, weighing her options, and then her shoulders relax. She has evidently come to a decision.{{/GM}}

Okay, fine. You can head on in, I won't rat you out to Security.

{{GM}}She makes a faint waving gesture in the direction of the door.{{/GM}}

But just this once, understand? I can't go making a habit of this.
Thank you. You've been a great help.
{{CC}}Nod at her.{{/CC}} Thanks.
Thanks! What was your name, by the way? I'd love to tell Management how helpful you've been.
Both of you? What, were you, like, walking single file along the curb?
Oh, I hate that.

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

I swear, I've lost more good pairs of slacks that way...
{{GM}}The janitor offers you a weak laugh.{{/GM}}

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. I've lost count of the number of nights I've gone home feeling sub-human. It sucks.

I can't blame you for wanting to get some fresh air, especially considering the kind of hours you folks have been putting in.
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, considering, and you can see her body relax as she finally lets her guard down.{{/GM}}

Okay, you're cool, you can head on in. I won't rat you out to Security or Management if you won't tell anyone that I held the door for you.

{{GM}}She smiles at you warmly.{{/GM}}

We're all in this together, right?
Yes, absolutely. All in this together.
Thank you so much! I won't forget this.
Oh! Well, welcome aboard... from what I've heard about QA testing, I don't envy you. The guys back in the server room will appreciate your presence, I'm sure.
Oh, I'm sure that we'll make quite an impression.
No joke.
Thanks! I'm just glad to be here... things are rough out there, and it's nice to have a job.
{{GM}}She gestures toward the open door.{{/GM}}

Well, step right on in and head to Mandy in reception. She'll get you logged in to the system so that you can clock in and out.

{{GM}}The janitor smiles at you warmly.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Nod at her.{{/GM}} Thanks.
Oh! I'm Jessie. Jessie Sanders.

{{GM}}She waves at you.{{/GM}}

Pleasure meeting you! I'm sure I'll catch you around.
{{GM}}She nods grimly.{{/GM}}

You're telling me. My husband has been unemployed for over a year now. He takes care of the kids, so that's something, but money is pretty tight.
A look of confusion crosses the janitor's face as her eyes flit from you, to your teammate, to the side door that you just opened.

You are suddenly aware of how very out of place you look in this building, and the furrow in the janitor's brow tells you that she's made the same observation.
A look of confusion crosses the janitor's face as her eyes sweep over you.

You are suddenly aware of how very out of place you look in this building, and the furrow in the janitor's brow tells you that she's made the same observation.
Savalette Guardian (Customized)
Glory has modified her burst-fire Savalette to increase its stopping power.
Glory pauses at the side of the van. She traces the side of it with a claw.
I remember cruising the back alleys of Tübingen, looking for kids in need of help.

The bait girls - Marta, and the others like her - would offer them money, or food, or drugs, or sex. Whatever it took to get them into the van. And once they piled in, Harrow and I would be waiting to greet them.
I remember so many nights like that.

{{GM}}She frowns.{{/GM}}

I remember how much I used to enjoy it.
You're not the same person that you were back then. Leave the past in the past.
In all of that time, nobody ever caught you?
Coming back here shows integrity, Glory. Most runners that I know wouldn't have done what you're doing tonight.
After tonight, I will.
Nobody ever seemed to care. These were street kids, remember - they didn't have money, or influence, or families. Nobody was out looking for them.

To be honest, I don't know if anyone ever noticed that they were gone.
Left to my own devices, I probably wouldn't have.

You pushed me to do this. To find some semblance of redemption. I owe you for that.
You don't owe me anything.
Y'know what? You're right, you do.
Don't thank me until we're safely back in the Kreuzbasar. We still don't know how this is going to turn out.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Tell yourself whatever you like. We both know the truth.

C'mon. Let's keep moving.
{{GM}}She rolls her eyes.{{/GM}}

C'mon. Let's keep moving.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

That's probably wise. We still have a long way to go.

Speaking of which, we should keep moving.
The terminal's display blossoms to life at your approach. Reams of technical information and arcane figures fill the screen.

Unfortunately, none of it is written in a language that you can understand.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Academic{{/CC}} {{GM}}Analyze the language.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Intelligence: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} {{GM}}Attempt to decipher the language.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Copy the data for later analysis.{{/GM}}
Sweeping your eyes over the written material, you recognize a number of words with Latin and Spanish roots, but it's the logograms that give it away. What you're looking at is a very old form of Nahuatl. Pre-17th century, by the looks of it... the orthography predates anything that you're familiar with.

Why the Azzies are using it here is beyond you.
Judging by the amount of arcane symbology on display, it's a fair bet that these files are related to the Bloodline project... the same files that the Schockwellenreiter asked you to find. They'd reward you handsomely for the information.

Alternatively, if you could find someone capable of translating them, the information contained within would almost certainly shed some light on what the Azzies have been up to... and what Frau Müller was so afraid of.
On the other hand, if the Bloodline project is really as dangerous as Frau Müller has made it out to be, it might be better to just bury it here.

If this information were to fall into the wrong hands, it would invalidate the entire purpose of this run.
{{GM}}Copy the data for the Schockwellenreiter.{{/GM}}
Judging by the amount of arcane symbology on display, it's a fair bet that these files are related to the Bloodline project.

If you could find someone capable of translating them, the information contained within would almost certainly shed some light on what the Azzies have been up to... and what Frau Müller was so afraid of.
Sweeping your eyes over the written material, you recognize a number of words with Latin and Spanish roots, but the language is something altogether different. Many of the words are long and exotic, and there appears to be a form of pictographic language interspersed throughout the text.

Your best guess is that this is an ancient form of Nahuatl. Why the Azzies are using it here is beyond you.
This terminal has been locked. There doesn't seem to be any way to unlock it from here, but it is connected to a number of other terminals in the room.

In theory, a decker could probably enter the lab's dedicated Matrix server and unlock the terminal from there, but doing so would almost certainly raise an alarm...
{{GM}}A stout, old man looks up from whatever old tech he’s tinkering with to squint at you through thick, old-fashioned glasses. He pushes them up with an oil-stained finger as he straightens up to nod at you. He speaks with a gruff, but well-meaning tone, heavily accented with German tonality.{{/GM}}

Guten Tag. What can I do fer ya?
I’m just looking around, really.
Hoi gramps. Working on anything good?
Guten tag. What’s that you’re working on now?
Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt.
Maliit tells me you’re the man to speak to about DVDs.
I'm back for my DVD player.
Don't worry about me, grandpa. I'm doing just fine.
That little shrew sent ya my way, huh?

{{GM}}Schrotty's smile broadens.{{/GM}}

Will wonders never cease.
Well, introductions are in order, I suppose. Schrotty Buchman, at yer service.

{{GM}}The old man raises a grimy hand in salute.{{/GM}}

Need somethin' salvaged? Some old components, vielleicht? I'm indeed yer man.
Wonderful. How about that DVD player?
Well, let's see... I think that I've got somethin' that'll work fer ya.

{{GM}}Schrotty rummmages through the junk heaped on the table behind him. A few second later, he snatches a battered plastic lozenge-shape from the pile.{{/GM}}
Ah, here we go. An old Korean player that I dug up last week. 2010 model, a real beauty.

{{GM}}Schrotty's smile broadens, and he gives you a conspiratorial wink.{{/GM}}

I fixed 'er up and got 'er runnin', but without any discs to read, I've mostly been usin' her as a paperweight.
Sounds like what I'm looking for. How much do you want for it?
{{GM}}Schrotty glances back at the DVD player, a rueful expression on his face.{{/GM}}

Well, I'll admit, I'm a little loathe to part with 'er... there're plenty of folks out there who'd really appreciate an older player such as this, and I don't know what your intentions are fer it.
I suppose, given the time an' trouble I took puttin 'er back togther, that I'd be willin' to part with 'er for, oh, say...

{{GM}}Schrotty's eyes dart over your gear, a calculated expression on his face.{{/GM}}

...'bout 500 nuyen?
{{CC}}¥500{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand over your credstick.{{/GM}} Deal.
{{CC}}Strength: 4{{/CC}} I've got a better idea. How about you give me the DVD player and we call it even?
That's ridiculous. I could buy a new tri-vid player for that!
I'm short on cash right now. Could I offer you something in trade?
{{GM}}Schrotty blinks a bit with surprise, but his beard betrays no movement in his face.{{/GM}}

You just... Alright there, friend.

{{GM}}He picks up the ancient device from the table gingerly and presses it into your hands. The plastic is scuffed and worn, and it rattles a bit when you move it.{{/GM}}

A hell of a deal.
Anyway, I'm happy knowin' that she's gonna see some use again. Give 'er some good use, okay?
{{GM}}Schrotty's eyes narrow, and you can see a scowl boiling up from under his mustache.{{/GM}}

All right. Fine. I see how it is.

{{GM}}He slowly the DVD player from the table, and thrusts it into your chest.{{/GM}}

Take it if you must. But I won't forget what you've done here today, and you shouldn't, either.

You should leave.
Yeah, but you can get one of those anywhere! You ain't gonna find another of these anytime soon.

But it's not like I get offers to buy these every day, so I'll cut ya a deal. How's 350 sound?
{{CC}}¥350{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand over your credstick.{{/GM}} Better.
{{CC}}Charisma: 3{{/CC}} Halve that, and you've got yourself a deal.
{{CC}}Strength: 4{{/CC}} Like highway robbery. I think I'll just take it from you instead.
Still too rich for my blood. Would you take a trade?
{{GM}}A flicker of surprise crosses over Schrotty's face, but he keeps his composure.{{/GM}}

You drive a hard bargain, friend. But it's not every day people ask to buy anything from me, so it's yours.

{{GM}}He swipes the ancient device from the table and presses it into your hands. The plastic is scuffed and worn, and it rattles a bit when you move it.{{/GM}}
I'm not overfond of your tone, but it's not every day I even get asked to sell any of my projects.

That'll be 175 nuyen, if you please.
{{CC}}¥175{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand over your credstick.{{/GM}} Here you go.
{{CC}}Strength: 4{{/CC}} I'm keeping my money. Just give me the bloody thing.
On second thought, would you be willing to take something in trade?
{{GM}}Schrotty gingerly picks up the ancient device from the table and presses it into your hands. The plastic is scuffed and worn, and it rattles a bit when you move it.{{/GM}}

Give 'er some good use, okay?
{{GM}}The old man pauses for a moment, considering.{{/GM}}

I'll tell ya what. A few months ago, I had a... well, call it a "difference of opinion" with that Burakgazi fellow from the soykaf shop.

He hasn't let me in to his establishment since, and I'd sell the family cow for a decent cup of coffee.
You get me a cup of Turkish coffee - the real deal, not that fake junk- and I'll give ya the DVD player.

Sound like a deal?
{{CC}}Turkish Coffee{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand him your coffee.{{/GM}} As it happens, I have a mug right here.
{{CC}}¥175{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand over your credstick.{{/GM}} I don't have time to run any more errands. I'll pay the 175.
No dice. I'll come back with the 175.
{{GM}}The old man pauses for a moment, considering.{{/GM}}

I'll tell ya what. A few months ago, I had a... well, call it a "difference of opinion" with that Burakgazi fellow from the soykaf shop.

He hasn't let me in to his establishment since, and I'd sell the family farm for a decent cup of coffee.
You get me a cup of Turkish coffee - the real stuff, not that fake junk- and I'll give ya the DVD player.

Sound like a deal?
{{CC}}¥350{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand over your credstick.{{/GM}} I don't have time to run any more errands. I'll pay the 350.
No dice. I'll come back with the 350 nuyen.
{{GM}}The old man pauses for a moment, considering.{{/GM}}

I'll tell ya what. A few months ago, I had a... well, call it a "difference of opinion" with that Burakgazi fellow from the soykaf shop.

He hasn't let me in to his establishment since, and I'd sell my mother for a decent cup of coffee.
You get me a cup of Turkish coffee - the real stuff, not that fake junk - and I'll give ya the DVD player.

Sound like a deal?
{{CC}}¥500{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand over your credstick.{{/GM}} I don't have time to run any more errands. I'll pay the 500.
No dice. I'll come back with the ¥500.
Well, it ain't yours yet. But I've got it right here... been keepin' it warm for ya.

Now, you got my coffee? Or do you have the 500 nuyen?
{{CC}}¥500{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand him your credstick.{{/GM}} Here's your money.
{{CC}}Turkish Coffee{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand him the coffee.{{/GM}} I got that coffee for you.
{{CC}}Strength: 4{{/CC}} Neither. I've decided to rob you instead. Hand it over, old man.
Sorry, false alarm. I'll be back when I can pay you.
Aah, thank you.

{{GM}}Schrotty gratefully accepts the coffee, then snaps the lid back and inhales deeply, wiggling his mustache as he processes the scent.{{/GM}}

Yep, that's the real stuff, all right.
Well, it ain't yours yet. But I've been keepin' it warm for ya.

Now, did ya get me some coffee? Or do you have the 350 nuyen?
{{CC}}¥350{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand him your credstick.{{/GM}} Here's your money.
Well, it ain't yours yet. But it's still right here... Ain't nobody else coming fer it.

Now, did ya grab me a coffee? Or do you have the 175 nuyen?
{{CC}}¥175{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand him your credstick.{{/GM}} Here's your money.
{{GM}}He snorts a brief assent.{{/GM}}
Anything in particular you looking for?
{{GM}}Ask about a random object{{/GM}}
Not exactly. Just interested to see what you’re about.
Nothing yet.
{{GM}}[You point at a random object.]{{/GM}} How about that? What's that?
Well, feel free to look. {{GM}}He nods and returns to whatever his project is at hand, all wires and broken plastic, giving you no more heed.{{/GM}}
The name is Herr Buchman, and it depends on what’s good. {{GM}}He turns from you without another word, not as much disinterested in continuing the conversation so much as he thinks his project is more worth his time than your prattle.{{/GM}}
Ah, this? This is a floppy disk drive reader. Not for actually floppy disks of course, but the three and one half inch kind, which were hard. Essentially, they were the predecessors of CDs, but with a magnetic rewritable disk inside of a hard case, whereas CDs merged the hard case and the disk.
This reader wasn’t rigged so that disks that had recorded data on both sides could be read, but I have another reader in worse condition that I am hooking up so that it can see the index hole on both sides and take down the information on flippy disks simultaneously.
Are you sure you meant flippy disks? Didn't you just say floppy disks?
Huh. Good to know, I guess. I think I’ll be on my way.
Ja. It’ll take a bit of doing, so if you don’t mind.

{{GM}}You can see something like a polite smile under the moustache as he nods goodbye and returns to his work.{{/GM}}
Indeed I did. Flippy disks were a term for floppies that had been flipped so that they could have data written to their opposite side, once the front was full up. These had very small data capacities, maybe 1.4 megs at the greatest. These days, you can’t write a credstick with that little data. They had to be much more meticulous with their data structures back in the 20th century, far more than we ever have to care about these days. People could learn a lot more from old tech than it seems anyone cares to.
Sorry to hear that.
Whatever gramps. We have learned from the past, that's why we're in the future.
By people, do you mean Maliit?
Well, at least you asked. Listen, call me Schrotty. Thanks for indulging this old dummkopf. I’ll let ya get back to your life now.

{{GM}}You can see something like a polite smile under the moustache as he nods goodbye and returns to his work.{{/GM}}
Suit yourself.

{{GM}}He turns from you without another word, not as much disinterested in continuing the conversation so much as he thinks his floppy disks are more worth his time than your prattle.{{/GM}}
{{GM}} He blows a raspberry beneath his prodigious mustache, sounding more like a revving motor than a bilabial trill.{{/GM}} I don't give two hoots and a holler what Maliit thinks. She does respectable work. When I was her age, I was into keeping up with the State of the Art myself. As I grow older though, I find there's a bit of joy to be had fixing things older than I am.
You'll have to excuse this old dummkopf. Listen, call me Schrotty. If you need anything fixed or sold that isn't SoTA, just let me know. {{GM}}His beard moves to hint at a smile, and he turns his focus back to his floppy disk readers.{{/GM}}
Suit yourself.
{{GM}}You can see something like a polite smile under the moustache as he nods goodbye and returns to his work.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Schrotty looks up at you from his work and nods.{{/GM}} Hello again, mein Herr. I'm a bit busy, but what can I do fer ya?
{{GM}}Schrotty looks up at you from his work and nods.{{/GM}} Hello again, mein Frau. I'm a bit busy, but what can I do fer ya?
Hijack Commlink
Target becomes confused and changes faction for 2 RNDs.
All right, here goes nothing...
There is a brief pause. Then you hear the distinctive clicking sound of a maglock disengaging.

The vault door begins to slide open.
Thank Christ for that.
An instant later, an alarm klaxon begins to blare.
Perfect.
...Oops.
{{GM}}Shaking his head, Hasenkamp reaches into his jacket and produces a pistol.{{/GM}}

C'mon, pal. Thanks to the World's Worst Decker, we're gonna have to shoot our way out of here.
Hey, I'm a *great* decker! I mean, I got the door open, didn't I?
Thanks a million, Blitz.
On the bar are a number of bottles of alcohol. Most of them look expensive.
{{GM}}Grab a bottle for the road.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Etiquette: Socialite{{/CC}} {{GM}}Examine the bottles.{{/GM}}
Upon closer examination, you can see that the bottles on top of the bar aren't terribly exciting. Good booze, certainly, but nothing to write home about.
Tucked away under the bar, however, you find an unopened bottle of Islay scotch. The handwritten label announces it as the first bottle from a batch distilled nearly fifty years ago, aged in a cask that had once held amontillado.

To the right buyer, this could be worth some serious money.
Choose Mission Reward:
Act 1: Intro
Act 2: Hotel
Act 2: Pharma
Act 2: Chemie
Act 2: Humanis
Act 2: Earwig (Not counted for enemy Scaling)
Act 2: Aztechnology
Act 2: Sewers (Not counted for enemy Scaling)
Act 2: Slums (Not counted for enemy Scaling)
Act 2: Rabbit Hole (Not counted for enemy Scaling)
Act 3: Apex Rising Destroy Apex
Act 3: Apex Rising Free Apex
Bonus Karma
Bonus Nuyen
Done
0
1
2
3
4
5
9 (Max Act 1 Bonus Karma)
10
25 (Max Act 2 Bonus Karma)
250
500
1000
2500
Gradually, the ringing in your ears clears and the world comes into focus.
The generator overload did its job, just as Frau Muller said it would. The Aztechnology facility has been reduced to a smoldering crater strewn with a chaotic jumble of cracked marble, melting plastic, and broken support beams.
You can barely make out the faint wail of approaching sirens. They're still far away, but they won't be for long.
Wow, chief. That was... intense.

Nothing I couldn't handle, of course. But this was a little more dramatic than I was expecting.
We just leveled a Aztechnology facility, Blitz. "Intense" barely begins to cover it.
All a part of the job.
That's probably an understatement, but from what we saw in there, I'd say that they deserved it.
Yeah.

{{GM}}He eyes the crater.{{/GM}}

I guess that's true.
If you say so.

{{GM}}He eyes the crater.{{/GM}}

...But next time, lets try to find some work that *doesn't* end in a giant fireball, okay?
Yeah, chief... that place just felt *wrong.*

You could feel it in your heart, you know? *Creepy.*
Blitz steps back, blinking. A sudden gust of wind kicks smoke and dust into the air.
It's funny. I've heard lots of rumors about the Azzies over the years... stories about makin' monsters and consortin' with evil spirits, that sort of thing.

I'd always assumed that they were urban legend at best, or xenophobia at worst. Definitely not true, at any rate.
Looks like I was wrong. The Azzies *are* bogeymen, just like the stories say.

It's enough to make a man rethink some things.
Do we have anything to worry about, Dietrich? Any chance that Aztechnology corporate could use blood magic to track us?
Well, it's finished now.
Maybe. But it's hard for me to believe that the whole facility is better off reduced to cinders.
After an explosion like that?

{{GM}}He brushes an errant flake of ash off of his shoulder.{{/GM}}

Nah, boss, not a chance. Anything we might've left behind - any blood, or skin, or hair - has been cooked right through.

We'll be fine after we clear out of here.
And thank God for that.
Believe it. Just bein' in the place was painful... felt like I was bein' forced to inhale wet ashes.

{{GM}}He spits into the crater.{{/GM}}

Good goddamn riddance. The sooner I forget that feeling, the better.
The approaching sirens grow louder. They're now accompanied by another sound - the whine of approaching rotorcraft.
What they were doing in there was wrong. More than that - it was terrible.

They had to be stopped, and we stopped them. It's as simple as that.
We can talk about this later. We don't want to be here when those response vehicles arrive.
{{GM}}The clone that you liberated steps forward, blinking against the light. The look on his face is one of dawning horror.{{/GM}}

But what of me? My brothers... all dead! This is not supposed to happen, it is wrong!

If they are dead, I should be dead with them. We live as one, and we die as one! It is our purpose!
You're free now - you're not "supposed" to be anything. Find yourself a new purpose, and make it a good one.
If you want to join them, go ahead and hop into the crater. I'm not stopping you.
{{GM}}He stares into the crater, trembling.{{/GM}}

I... I will try.
{{GM}}He stares into the crater, trembling.{{/GM}}

I... no. I will live.
{{GM}}The test subjects that you liberated mill about aimlessly, blinking against the light. The foremost clone takes a half-step forward.{{/GM}}

But what of us? We have no purpose now. This is not supposed to happen, it is wrong!

Without our Masters to guide us, what will we do?
This again? I already told you, your lives are your own now. Quit complaining and start living them.
Whatever you want to. You're free now - you're not "supposed" to be anything. Find yourselves a new purpose, and make it a good one.
It's not too late to join your Masters. The crater's right there - feel free to hop in.
{{GM}}The lead clone stares into the crater, trembling.{{/GM}}

We... we will try.
{{GM}}The lead clone stares into the crater, trembling.{{/GM}}

We... no. We will live.
{{GM}}She puts a hand on your shoulder.{{/GM}}

Come on, $(l.name). Let's get back home.
The approaching sirens grow louder. They're now accompanied by another sound - the whine of approaching rotorcraft.

You linger for a few moments longer, but there is no movement in the burning rubble.
{{GM}}Retreat to the Kreuzbasar.{{/GM}}
Oh, hey again. What's up? Oh, hey rebonjour. Quoi de neuf?
Have you found my stuff yet? I really need that money... Tu as trouvé mes affaires? J'ai vraiment besoin de cet argent...
When I do, you'll be the first to know it. Quand je les aurai, tu seras la première à le savoir.
{{CC}}Charisma: 3{{/CC}} I have it, but I think I deserve some credits for my efforts. {{CC}}Charisme: 3{{/CC}} Je les ai, mais je pense que je mérite quelques crédits pour la peine.
{{GM}}Hand her belongings over.{{/GM}} Here you go. {{GM}}Lui rendre ses affaires.{{/GM}} Et voila.
Okay, okay, yeah... yeah, I can get behind that.

{{GM}}She presses her thumb to the encoded credstick you retrieved for her, and its display comes to life.

She presses it to your credstick, and 100 nuyen is instantly transferred from her account to yours.{{/GM}}		 Okay, okay, oui... oui, je peux t'en filer un peu.

{{GM}}Elle presse son pouce sur le créditube crypté que vous avez récupéré pour elle, et celui ci s'allume.

Elle le presse ensuite sur votre propre créditube, et 100 nuyen sont instantanément tranféré sur votre compte.{{/GM}}
There. All done.

{{GM}}She breathes a sigh of relief, then surveys the items that you retrieved for her.{{/GM}}

Thank you again, so much. I don't think I'd ever have seen this stuff again if it weren't for you.		 Voila, c'est fait.

{{GM}}Elle pousse un soupir de soulagement, puis inspecte les objets que vous lui avez ramené. {{/GM}}

Merci encore, vraiment. Je ne pense pas que j'aurai pu les récupérer si tu n'avais pas été là.
You wouldn't have. C'est sûr
{{GM}}She glances at the encoded credstick in her hand again, checking the balance. Her smile broadens.{{/GM}}

You helped me when no one else would. That means a lot.

Enjoy the money... you earned it.		 {{GM}}Elle balance, de nouveau, un regard au créditube crypté dans sa main, vérifiant le solde. Son sourire s'élargit.{{/GM}}

Tu m'as aidé quand personne d'autre ne le faisait. Ca représente beaucoup pour moi.

Profites de l'argent... tu l'as gagné.
Really? You actually went up there and got my things?

{{GM}}She stares at the items in her hands incredulously.{{/GM}}

And you didn't just walk off with them?		 Vraiment? Tu es réellement allé là-bas et tu as récupéré mes affaires?

{{GM}}Elle regarde les objets dans ses mains, incrédule.{{/GM}}

Et tu ne comptes pas te barrer avec?
Wow. Um, thank you. When you said that you were going up there, I didn't think...

I just...

{{GM}}Her lip starts to quiver.{{/GM}}

Thank you.		 Wow. Hum, merci. Quand tu as dit que tu allez là-haut les chercher, je pensais pas...

J'ai juste...

{{GM}}Sa lèvre commence à trembler.{{/GM}}

Merci.
Okay. Yeah, sounds good. But, um...

{{GM}}She bites her lip and swallows hard.{{/GM}}

...Hurry back, okay? Room 304, don't forget. I could really, REALLY use that money.		 Oui, okay, ca marche. Mais, euh...

{{GM}}Elle se mord la lèvre et déglutie.{{/GM}}
...dépeches toi, okay? Chambre 304, n'oublies pas. J'ai vraiment, VRAIMENT besoin de cet argent.
{{GM}}Silke looks up at you. Where you used to see only pain, now there's something else visible in her face. Determination.{{/GM}}

I'm really going to do it. I'm taking the next train to the Kreuzbasar.

Wish I could get my stuff back from my room first, though. Stupid gang, closing the whole hotel.		 {{GM}}Silke vous regarde. Là où vous aviez l'habitude de ne voir que de la douleur, maintenant il y a autre chose de visible. La détermination.{{/GM}}

Je vais vraiment le faire. Je prends le prochain train pour le Kreuzbasar.

J'aurai aimé récupérer mes affaires dans ma chambre avant. Stupide gang, fermer tout l'hôtel.
{{GM}}Silke looks up at you, a look of abject misery plastered across her face.{{/GM}}

Leave me alone, okay?

I've got problems to deal with.		 {{GM}}Silke vous regarde, un regard empli d'un misère absolue plâtré sur son visage.{{/GM}}

Laisses moi tranquille, okay?

J'ai mes propres problèmes à gérer.
Sounds like the "new management" stole your property. Answer some questions for me, and I'll help you get it back. On dirait que la "nouvelle direction" a volé tes affaires. Réponds à quelques questions pour moi, et je pourrais t'aider à les récupérer.
Kroner is a drekstain. I'll hook you up with some cram, free of charge. Kroner est une pauvre merde. Je peux te dépanner avec un peu de cram, gratuitement.
A cram habit is a rough thing to shake. I know a place that can help you get clean, if you're interested. La dépendance au cram est une chose difficile à vaincre. Je connais un endroit qui peut t'aider à t'en purger, si ca t'intéresse.
I'm going. Take care of yourself. J'y vais. Prend soins de toi.
Really? That'd be... well, that'd be incredible.

{{GM}}Her lips struggle upward into a facsimile of a smile.{{/GM}}

I really need that money, and I left some things in there, too. Y'know, personal stuff.		 Vraiment? Ca serait... bien, ca serait génial.

{{GM}}Ses lèvres se tordent en un vague sourire.{{/GM}}

J'ai vraiment besoin de mon argent, et j'ai laissé quelques trucs là-haut aussi. Tu sais, objets personnels.
I can be very discreet. Je peux être très discret.
On second thought, I don't think that I have time for this. A la réflexion, je ne pense pas avoir le temps pour ça.
My stuff should be up in Room 304. That's where me and Nadja and Sara were staying, until...

Well, you know.

I'll be waiting right here when you get back down.		 Mes affaires devraient être dans la chambre 304. C'est là que Moi, Nadja et Sara on vivaient, jusqu'à ce que...

Enfin, tu vois.

Je vais attendre ici que vous reveniez.
So, uh, what did you need to know? Donc, euh, qu'est-ce-que tu veux savoir?
I need to get up to the hotel. Any idea who I'd talk to about that? Je dois monter dans l'hôtel. Une idée à qui je devrais parler pour ça?
Tell me whatever you can about the gang that's taken over the hotel. Dis moi ce que tu penses du gang qui à pris le contrôle de l'hôtel.
Have you heard of a guy named Green Winters? Un type nommé Green Winters, ca te dit quelque chose?
What can you tell me about the layout of the hotel? Qu'est-ce-que tu peux me dire à propos de l'agencement de l'hôtel?
Thanks, you've been very helpful. Merci, tu as été très utile.
You can talk to Frank. He's the floor manager. He'd have an elevator key.

{{GM}}She points to the north end of the club.{{/GM}}

He's over there, on the VIP balcony. See the greasy jackass in the oversized suit? The one drooling all over that table dancer? That's Frank.		 Tu peux en parler à Frank. C'est le manager ici. Il a une clé de l'ascenseur.

{{GM}}Elle montre l'extrémité nord du club.

Il est par là, sur le balcon des VIP. Tu vois l'abruti graisseux dans le costumer trop large? Celui bavant partout devant la danseuse? C'est Frank.
Bad guys. I mean, like, *real* bad guys.

The gang that used to run this place wasn't all bad... They kept the cram flowing, and the prices weren't too high. They never hassled me as long as I kept buying.

The new guys killed 'em all when they took over. Now I'm stuck dealing with assholes like Kroner.		 Sales types. Je veux dire, *vraiment* méchants.

Le gang qui tenait l'endroit était pas si mal... Ils ont continué à écouler du Cram, et les prix étaient pas trop élevés. Ils m'ont jamais emmerdés tant que je continuais à acheter.

Les nouveaux les ont tous butés quand ils ont pris la place. Maintenant, je suis obligé de traiter avec des connards comme Kroner.
The floor manager, Frank, had a thing for my girl Sara. He was always comin' onto her, no matter how many times she told him no.

I haven't seen her since the takeover, but he won't stop asking me about her. Guy's a real creep.		 Le manager, Frank, a le béguin pour ma copine Sara. Il continu à lui faire du rentre dedans, même si elle l'a envoyé bouler plein de fois.

Je ne l'ai pas revu depuis la prise de contrôle, mais il n'arrête pas de me poser des questions sur elle. Ce type est un vrai tordu.
That's about all I can think of. I steer clear of the new guys when I can.

{{GM}}She steals a glance over her shoulder at Kroner, a scowl on her face.{{/GM}}

I shouldn't have to tell you why.		 C'est tout ce qui me vient à l'esprit. Je me tiens à l'écart des nouveaux gars dès que je peux.

{{GM}}Elle jette un coup d'œil par dessus son épaule vers Kroner, une grimace sur son visage. {{/GM}}

Je ne pense pas devoir te dire pourquoi.
No, I don't think...

Oh, wait, yeah. I bumped into him here a few days ago.

I remember because his name sounds like a kind of chewing gum.		 Non, je pense pas...

Oh, attends un peu, ouais. Je suis tombé sur lui ici y'a quelques jours.

Je m'en souviens parce que son nom ressemblait à une marque de chewing gum.
I don't think I remember seeing him leave, so he's probably holed up in his room.

I'm pretty sure that there're still some people up there - the ones that the gangers missed. I hear they locked themselves in. 		Je ne me rappelle pas l'avoir vu partir, alors il est probablement terré dans sa chambre.

Je suis quasiment sûre qu'il y a encore des gens là-haut - ceux que les gangers ont loupé. Il parait qu'ils se sont enfermés à double tour.
Well, um. It's a nice enough place. Y'know, for a factory.

Let's see... well, okay. The second floor is a security station. Lots of high-tech stuff up there.		 Eh bien, euh. C'est un chouette endroit. Tu sais, pour une usine.

Voyons voir... ah, ouais. La second étage est une plateforme de sécurité. Pas mal d'équipement high-tech là-bas.
And I've heard stories about the Penthouse level. Something about a sealed vault.

There's supposed to be something real valuable in there, but nobody knows what it is. Doesn't stop them from talking about it, though.		 Et j'ai entendu des histoires à propos de l'étage du Penthouse. Quelque chose comme un coffre-fort.

Il est sensé y avoir quelque chose de grande valeur la dedans, mais personne ne sait quoi. Ca les empêche pas de blablater, par contre.
Null sweat, pal... and thank you.

It's good to know that there're still some decent people out there.		 Pas de soucis, mon pote... et merci.

C'est sympa de savoir qu'il reste des personnes descentes par ici.
Sure thing. Just hurry back with that stuff, okay?

I really, really need it.		 C'est sûr. Juste, reviens vite avec mes affaires, okay?

J'en ai vraiment, vraiment besoin.
Well, then, why the hell did you offer?

{{GM}}From her body language, you can tell that Silke is agitated - she looks like she can't decide whether to slap you or break down crying.{{/GM}}

If this is how it's gonna be, you can keep your favors to yourself.		 Eh bien, alors, pourquoi tu l'as proposé, bordel?

{{GM}}En étudiant son langage corporel, vous constatez que Silke est agitée - on dirait qu'elle n'arrive pas à se décider entre vous baffer ou fondre en larmes.{{/GM}}

Si c'est comme ça, tu peux te garder tes faveurs.
Seriously? You just, like, talked me into getting clean, and now you're offering to buy me a fix?

{{GM}}Silke eyes you incredulously.{{/GM}}

I mean, what the hell?		 Sérieusement? Tu viens me parler de désintox, et maintenant tu proposes de m'acheter un fix?

{{GM}}Les yeux de Silke reflètent son incrédulité.{{/GM}}

Je veux dire, tu te fous de moi?
I was just testing you. Congratulations, you passed. C'était un test. Bravo, tu l'as passé.
One more hit won't hurt. Besides, you'll need something to tide you over until you get to the Kreuzbasar. Une dose de plus ne te feras pas de mal. De toute façon, tu auras besoin de quelque chose pour te dépanner jusqu'à ce que tu arrives au Kreuzbasar.
Kind of a half-jacked move, don'tcha think? But yeah, okay.

{{GM}}She twirls a finger above her head.{{/GM}}

Yay, me.		 C'est un plutôt tordu, tu penses pas? Mais bon, okay.

{{GM}}Elle fait tourner son doigt à coté de sa tête.{{/GM}}

Yay, moi.
Well... okay, yeah...

{{GM}}The need in Silke's eyes is palpable. As you watch, her newly reclaimed willpower crumbles.{{/GM}}

Yeah, I can take one more hit. One more won't hurt.		 Eh bien... ouais, okay...

{{GM}}L'envie dans les yeux de Silke est palpable. Alors que vous regardez, sa récente volonté s'éffrite.{{/GM}}

Ouais, je peux en reprendre un peu. Ca ne va pas me tuer.
You know that I can't pay you for this, right? I mean, not with money.

And if you're tryin' to make me the same "deal" that Kroner was, you can forget it.		 Tu sais que je n'ai rien pour te payer, hein? Je veux dire, pas avec de l'argent.

Et si tu essais de me proposer le même *plan* que Kroner, tu peux l'oublier direct.
{{GM}}The young woman gives you a wary look.{{/GM}}

What's the catch?

...'Cause if you're tryin' to make the same offer that HE just did...

{{GM}}She shudders.{{/GM}}		 {{GM}}La jeune femme vous regarde suspicieusement.{{/GM}}

C'est quoi le piège?

...Parce que si tu essais de me faire la même qu'IL vient juste de me faire...

{{GM}}Elle frémit.{{/GM}}
Nothing like that. All I need is information. You tell me about the hotel, I get you some cram. Rien de ce type là. Je veux juste des informations. Tu me parles de l'hôtel, je te file du cram.
I'm not that desperate. Je ne suis pas si désespéré.
Forget about it. Changed my mind.
That's all you want? For me to tell you about the hotel?

{{GM}}The girl's mood visibly brightens, and the tremor in her lower lip disappears.{{/GM}}

Well, sure. Yeah, I'll tell you whatever you need!		 C'est tout ce que tu veux? Je dois juste te parler de l'hôtel?

{{GM}}Le visage de la fille s'éclaire, et le tremblement de sa lèvre disparaît.{{/GM}}

Eh bien, ouais, pourquoi pas, je vais te dire ce que tu veux.
The, uh, the cram... it's 150 nuyen.

That's what Kroner charges. Go ahead and ask him if you don't believe me.		 Le, euh, le cram... c'est 150 nuyen.

C'est ce que prend Kroner. Vas-y, demande le lui si tu ne me crois pas.
{{CC}}Cram{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hook her up.{{/GM}} Screw Kroner. I've got my own supply. {{CC}}Cram{{/CC}} {{GM}}Lui donner.{{/GM}} On emmerde Kroner. J'ai mon propre stock.
{{CC}}¥150{{/CC}} I believe you. Here's the money. {{CC}}¥150{{/CC}} Je te crois. Voila l'argent.
Too rich for my blood. Trop cher pour moi.
{{GM}}Leave.{{/GM}} On second thought, I don't have time for this. {{GM}}Partie.{{/GM}} A la réflexion, je n'ai pas le temps pour ça.
Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!

This'll keep me goin' for at least another couple of days!		 Oh, merci, merci, merci.

Ca va me permettre de tenir au moins encore quelques jours.
Okay. So now I guess that I need to tell you about the hotel.

I mean, fair's fair, right?		 Okay. Donc je suppose que maintenant je répond à tes questions à propos de l'hôtel.

Je veux dire, un deal est un deal, non?
What, did you think it was gonna be free?

{{GM}}Silke's hands clench and unclench. She looks agitated.{{/GM}}

If cram were *cheap,* I wouldn't BE in this mess.		 Quoi? Tu pensais que c'était gratuit?

{{GM}}Silke serre et desserre les mains. Elle semble agité.{{/GM}}

Si le cram était *bon marché*, je ne serais PAS dans cette merde.
No! Wait! I still really need your help!

{{GM}}As you turn to leave, she slumps back against the bar. Her voice is pathetic and small.{{/GM}}

Come back!

...Please?		 Non! Attends! J'ai vraiment besoin de ton aide!

{{GM}}Alors que vous vous retournez pour partie, elle s'affaisse de nouveau contre le bar. Sa voix est faible et pathétique.{{/GM}}

Reviens!

...S'il te plait?
Oh... okay...

{{GM}}The junkie's face floods with a mixture of surprise and relief.{{/GM}}

...So then, like, what DO you want?		 Oh... okay...

{{GM}}Le visage de la junkie se transforme en un mélange de surprise et de soulagement.{{/GM}}

... Donc, alors, qu'est-ce-que tu veux?
I've got some questions about Das Kesselhaus-Hotel. I'm hoping that you've got some answers. J'ai quelques questions à propos de l'hôtel Das Kesselhaus. J'espère que tu peux m'apporter quelques réponses.
Figures.
Who, like, said that I wanted to "shake" anything?

{{GM}}She gives you a sour look.{{/GM}}

Look around you. Like what you see? Of course you don't. My life is better on cram. Why would I ever want to stop?		 Qui a dit que je voulais "vaincre" quoique ce soit?

{{GM}}Elle vous regarde avec un air mauvais.{{/GM}}

Regardes autour de toi. Tu aimes ce que tu vois? Bien sur que non. Ma vie est meilleur avec du cram. Pourquoi je voudrais arrêter?
{{CC}}Intelligence: 3{{/CC}} {{GM}}Point at Kroner.{{/GM}} Do you want to wind up "working" for him? {{CC}}Intelligence: 3{{/CC}} {{GM}}Montrer Kroner.{{/GM}} Tu veux te retrouver à "travailler" pour lui?
{{CC}}Biotech: 1{{/CC}} Do you know what happens to long-term cram abusers? {{CC}}Biotech: 1{{/CC}} Tu sais ce qui arrives aux camés au cram à long terme?
{{CC}}Charisma: 3{{/CC}} You're near rock bottom, Silke. When you hit it, there'll be nowhere to go but up.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Street{{/CC}} You're not just hurting yourself. You're giving power to *these* assholes. {{CC}}Etiquette: Rue{{/CC}} Tu ne fais pas du mal qu'à toi. Tu donnes du *pouvoir* à ces connards.
Life is short. Spending it stoned is a waste. La vie est courte. La passer défoncé, c'est du gâchis.
Fine. I can't help you if you don't want to be helped. Parfait. Je ne peux pas t'aider si tu veux pas l'être.
I'll tell you the same thing that I told him: That AIN'T gonna HAPPEN. Je vais te dire la même chose qu'à lui: CA N'ARRIVERA JAMAIS.
Maybe not. But in order to keep feeding your habit, you're eventually gonna wind up doing something that you regret. Trust me on this. Peut-être pas. Mais pour continuer à nourrir ta dépendance, tu vas forcément finir par faire quelque chose que tu vas regretter. Tu peux me croire la dessus.
Stop it. Please, just stop, okay? I don't need your help, and I don't want it.

{{GM}}As strong as Silke's words are, her voice sounds unsure. From the way that she's fidgeting, you can tell that you've struck a nerve.{{/GM}}		 Arrêtes ça. S'il te plait, arrêtes, okay? Je n'ai pas besoin de ton aide, et je n'en veux pas.

{{GM}}Aussi fort que son les mots de Silke, sa voix n'est qu'un murmure. De la façon dont elle remue, vous pouvez dire que vous avez tirer une corde sensible.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Charisma: 3{{/CC}} You're near rock bottom, Silke. When you hit it, there'll be nowhere to go but up. {{CC}}Charisme: 3{{/CC}} Tu as au fond du trou, Silke. Et on dirait qu'il n'y a aucune échappatoire.
We only have a limited time to spin on this rock. Spending it stoned is a waste. Nous n'avons qu'un court instant à passer sur cette terre. Le passer en étant défoncé, c'est du gâchai.
It's a new drug! There *are* no long-term abusers.

And besides, cram is a study drug. It's not, like, a BTL or anything. It won't kill you.		 C'est une nouvelle drogue! Il n'y a *pas * de camés à long terme.

Et puis, le cram, c'est une drogue douce. C'est pas comme une BTL ou un truc du genre. Ca ne va pas me tuer.
Cram is an amphetamine. Keep it up, and your teeth are going to rot out of your head, but by that point you'll be too manic to care... assuming that your heart doesn't give out first. Le cram c'est une amphétamine. Continues comme ça et tes dents vont pourrir et tomber, mais d'ici là, tu seras trop accro pour t'en soucier... en supposant que ton cœur ne lâche pas d'abord.
Um. Well.

{{GM}}She runs her tongue over her teeth, a worried look in her eyes.{{/GM}}

I, uh... I hadn't heard that before.		 Hum. Bien.

{{GM}}Elle passe la langue sur ses lèvres, une trace d'inquiétude dans le regard.{{/GM}}

Je, euh... je ne savais pas.
I'm not surprised... like you said, it's a new drug. But what you don't know can still kill you. Ca m'étonne pas... comme tu as dit, c'est une nouvelle drogue. Mais ce que tu ignores peut quand même te tuer.
All at once, something changes in Silke's face.

She averts her gaze and pauses for a long moment. Her sweaty hands clench and unclench.

Finally, she clears her throat and looks back up at you.		 Tout à coup, quelque chose dans le visage de Silke.

Elle détourne le regarde et fait une pause pendant un long moment. Ses mains moites se serrent et se desserrent.

Finalement, elle s'éclaircit la voix et vous regarde.
What you've said, it... it makes a lot of sense.

{{GM}}She blinks, steals a glance back at Kroner, and shudders.{{/GM}}

You're right. I need help.		 Ce que tu as dis, ça... ça a du sens.

{{GM}}Elle cligne des yeux, jette un coup d'œil à Kroner, et frisonne.{{/GM}}

Tu as raison, j'ai besoin d'aide.
I'll, uh... I 'll take you up on your offer. Je vais, euh... je vais accepter ton offre.
I should probably tell you... I've tried to clean up before. Lotsa times.

Never really worked out.		 Je dois probablement te prévenir... j'ai déjà essayé de rester clean avant. Pas mal de fois.

Ca n'a jamais vraiment fonctionné.
Take the tube to Kreuzberg, to the kiez they call the Kreuzbasar. Look for a man named Samuel Beckenbauer. He can help you. Prends le métro pour Kreuzberg, jusqu'au quartier qu'ils appellent le Kreuzbasar. Recherches un mec appelé Samuel Beckenbauer. Il pourra t'aider.
You could try heading to the Kreuzbasar. I'm sure there's someone there who could help you. Tu devrais essayer le Kreuzbasar. Je suis sûr que tu y trouveras quelqu'un pour t'aider.
{{GM}}She nods eagerly, her eyes full of gratitude.{{/GM}}

I'll do that. I will.

Thank you.		 {{GM}}Elle hôche la tête avec impatience, les yeux pleins de grattitude.{{/GM}}

Je le ferai. J'y vais.

Merci.
It's about time I left this place behind... If I never see another Kroner again, it'll be too soon for me.

Wish I could get my stuff back from my room first, though. Stupid gang, closing the whole hotel.		 Il est temps que je laisse cet endroit derrière moi... J'espère ne jamais retomber sur un autre Kroner un jour.

J'aimerai juste récupérer mes affaires dans ma chambre d'abord. Gang de merde, fermer tout l'hôtel.
It's about time I left this place behind... If I never see another Kroner again, it'll be too soon for me. Il est temps que je laisse cet endroit derrière moi... J'espère ne jamais retomber sur un autre Kroner un jour.
Glad I could help. Take care of yourself. Content d'avoir pu t'aider. Prend soins de toi.
{{GM}}Eiger cuts in. Her voice is soft.{{/GM}}

Samuel Beckenbauer. He's a community organizer in the Kreuzbasar. He can get you the help that you need.		 {{GM}}Eiger vous interrompt. Sa voix est douce.{{/GM}}

Samuel Beckenbauer. Il gère une communauté dans le Kreuzbasar. Il peut t'obtenir l'aide dont tu as besoin.
Yeah... yeah, I'll think about it.

{{GM}}She sounds dubious.{{/GM}}

Thanks.		 Ouais... ouais, je vais y penser.

{{GM}}Elle semble dubitative.{{/GM}}

Merci
Yeah? Maybe so. But what makes you think that you're the one to help me?

What makes you think that anyone can?		 Ouais? Peut-être bien. Mais qu'est-ce-qui te fait penser que tu peux m'aider?

Qu'est-ce-qui te fait croire que quelqu'un le peut?
Experience. But, nobody can help you if you're not ready to help yourself. If you want people like Kroner out of your life forever, you'll think about it. L'expérience. Mais, personne ne peut te venir en aide si tu n'es pas prête à te sauver toi même. Si tu veux virer les types comme Kroner de ta vie pour de bon, tu devrais y réfléchir.
So? What do I care? They can do whatever they want, as long as they keep selling me cram. Et? Qui s'en soucie? Ils peuvent faire ce qu'ils veulent, tant qu'ils continuent à me fournir du cram.
That's my point. Look at this place. Cram is just a means to an end for these people. They'll bleed you dry and leave you with *nothing,* Silke. C'est mon point de vue. Regarde cet endroit. Le Cram est juste une mort à petit feu. Ils te saignent à blanc et te laisse sans *rien*, Silke.
It's not like they own me! I'd... I'd just leave if I wanted to.

{{GM}}She looks away, uncertain.{{/GM}}		 C'est pas comme si ils m'achetaient! Je peux... je peux me casser quand je veux.

{{GM}}Elle regarde autour d'elle, incertaine.{{/GM}}
You don't believe what you're saying - I can see it in your eyes. But it's true, Silke. You *can* leave if you want to. Tu n'y crois pas toi même - je peux le voir dans tes yeux. Mais c'est la vérité, Silke. Tu *peux* partir quand tu veux.
{{GM}}She rolls her eyes at you.{{/GM}}

Please. Look, I'm sure you're just trying to help, but you're gettin' on my nerves here.

It's not your business anyway. I don't even KNOW you! So just leave me alone, okay?		 {{GM}}Elle lève les yeux au ciel.{{/GM}}

S'il te plait. Ecoute, je suis sur que tu essais juste de m'aider, mais tu me saoules là.

C'est pas ton problème. Je ne te CONNAIS même pas! Alors, laisses moi juste tranquille, okay?
That's right. You can't. Exact. Tu ne peux pas.
I always do. C'est ce que je fais toujours.
The militia captain stands at alert, her eyes tracking slowly across the market before coming to rest on you.
Guten Tag.
I'm looking for a gang called the Rabengeister. Ever heard of them?
You look like you keep a close eye on this kiez. Have you seen a shipment of weapons pass through here recently?
Say, what’s up with those scuff marks on the ground over there by that information kiosk?
No.

{{GM}}She frowns slightly.{{/GM}}

And I wouldn’t suggest asking questions about such things around here.
No. I would have noticed that.
I wouldn't know. I'm not in charge of the cleaning around here.

{{GM}}She sighs.{{/GM}}

Hell... nobody is these days, the way things have been going. Hopefully our luck will turn, sooner or later. It'd be nice to take some pride in this place again.
Changing the subject, are we? I know you're hiding something back there.
Well, good luck with that. I'll be going now.
She stiffens. Then suddenly, her rifle is levelled at your chest.
Fine. I don't know who you are, or what you're doing snooping around down here.

But you'd better come with me, now. Our leader's going to want to speak with you.

{{GM}}Her free hand reaches down to produce a thick leather blindfold.{{/GM}}
Whose leader?
Very well, I’ll go.
And what makes you think I'll come along?
Come on. Of the Rabengeister.

It's clear you know that much by now.
Over my dead body.
That's a smart decision.

{{GM}}She reaches out to blindfold you, and the world goes dark.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Her rifle remains steady.{{/GM}}

Look. I don't want to do this any more than you do. But we're not going to let you keep sniffing around here.
If you come with me, I guarantee nobody’s going to stab you in the back. I’ll bring you safely to see the Rabengeister.
I’m not going anywhere with you. {{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}}
As you settle in for your trip back to the Kreuzbasar, you can feel rest of the world compartmentalize and fall away.

No more distractions. Just you, the train, and the optical chip. It sits in your pocket like a hot stone, impossible to ignore.
The train ramps up to speed, filling the air with a monotonous, electric whir.

The sound is soft and low and urgent, like the droning wings of an enormous insect.

It'd be soothing if your mind weren't occupied with other matters.
All at once, the monotony is broken. Your PDA is buzzing.

A quick glance at the screen tells you that you're receiving a call, and that Paul Amsel is on the other end.
{{GM}}Answer the call.{{/GM}}
You hit the receive button on your PDA.

One look at the grainy image that blossoms to life on the screen is enough to tell you that something has gone terribly wrong.
The strangled sounds of panicked breathing punch through your PDA's tiny speakers.

In the image window, you can see the outlines of figures silhouetted against the backdrop of Amsel's shop.

The view rotates, bringing them toward the center of the frame.
The image sharpens. In the center of the screen stands an enormous ork in battle armor, a hand cannon leveled at something just out of frame.

His face is a shiny mat of grafted tissue, his smile like something out of a nightmare.
Paul? PAUL!
Let him go, you son of a bitch!
You watch, powerless, as the ork's grin widens.

The frantic breaths that you hear coming from offscreen increase in frequency.
{{GM}}From offscreen, you hear Amsel's frantic voice.{{/GM}}

Audran... please... tell me what this is all about. What are the Firewing's plans? You're going to kill me anyway, don't send me to the grave witho--
Your stomach drops as the gun bucks and roars in the ork's hand.

Your view on the PDA pitches wildly, then comes to a sudden stop with a violent cracking sound. A burst of static floods the screen.

Moments later, a dark shape falls into view with equivalent force. You hear the unmistakable sound of bone crunching against hardwood.
The camera auto-adjusts, and the dark shape swims into focus.

You are staring into - and through - the dripping, cavernous ruin of what was once a human head.
The remnants of the face that remain are enough to confirm what your gut already knows.

The body on the screen is that of Paul Amsel.
{{GM}}From out of frame, far away, you can hear another voice. A woman, young, from the sound of it, with a military cadence.{{/GM}}

What now, sir?
Now we press our advantage. Jam their comms, Ortega.

{{GM}}The sounds of hurried motion recede into the background.{{/GM}}

All right, remember, people: Amsel was the brains of the operation, but the rest will put up a lot more fight. Flush 'em out and take 'em down, one by one.
{{GM}}Another voice chimes in - a young man this time.{{/GM}}

Sir, look at Amsel's wrist. The PDA... I think that it's recording.
God fucking damn it.

{{GM}}You hear the roar of another gunshot, and the screen goes dark.{{/GM}}
Your vision swims, and the screen of your PDA seems to fade away. The impact of what you've just witnessed hammers you in the gut, over and over again.
Amsel is dead.

The Kreuzbasar is under attack.

And it's entirely possible that an ambush party is already waiting to meet you at the U-Bahn platform.
Whatever your attackers have planned, you won't be able to do much about it from in here. The train is speeding toward the Kreuzbasar station - no more stops between you and the enemy.

Nothing to do but prepare yourself, and wait.
The ork doesn't respond. You don't hear your own echo over Amsel's microphone, either... he must have muted the volume on your end of the conversation.
Elevator Control Chip
The part removed from the Elevator by Ullrich to make it non functional.
The special today is a $(scene.CafeSpecial).
"The $(l.name) Civic Center."
THE KREUZBASAR LE KREUZBASAR
$(story.Global_HavenLoadingScreen)
As you lead your team through the shadows, your companions will continue to develop and learn new combat skills. Clicking the icon in the lower right-hand corner of the screen will open the Crew Advancement menu. When this icon is highlighted, one or more of your companions is eligible to learn a new combat skill.

At each advancement level, you may choose one of two possible combat skills for each of your runners. Choose wisely.
Crew Advancement Available
Woof!
Arooo.
Let's get inside. Allons à l'intérieur.
Can't happen fast enough, love. The sooner we get in, the sooner I can get drunk. Nous ne serons jamais assez rapide, chérie. Plus vite nous enterons, plus rapidement je pourrais me saouler.
Data Taps Checked: $(story.Hub_countTranspondersPlaced) / 3
This data tap’s protocol buffer is now reset.
You now command a team of Shadowrunners. When traveling to new mission locations you will be able to choose which members of your team to bring, and modify their loadout for the run.

When members of your team become permanently incapacitated on a mission, they'll be automatically extracted for emergency medical care. They will be patched up and ready for action the next time you return to your safehouse. Avoid this loss of firepower by always carrying some BuMoNa Trauma Kits into the field. These can be purchased at the Street Doc's office in the Kreuzbasar.
Talk to Maliit about playing back a DVD.
Look for a DVD player at the junkyard.
Return to Paul with the goods.
Cafe Cezve
TRIAGE Cyberclinic
The Talismonger's Shop
U-Bahn Platform
The Rabbit Hole
Donations for the soup kitchen have slowed, Samuel.
*Sigh* I'm not surprised. Altruism often comes with an expiration date.
You lookin' for some magic, meine Freunde?
If you've got the cash, ol' Zaak's got the flash.
I've got nothin' more to say to you, thief.
I'm counting on you, boss.
In addition to your team, your fixer has access to a small network of mercenaries in the Berlin area. These runners appear below your core team on the runner selection screen and can be hired on a mission-to-mission basis.

As you complete missions, both your team members and the available mercenaries will periodically gain access to new equipment and abilities. Any new items, spells, weapons, or weapon abilities that a runner gains will automatically be available for use the next time you take them on a mission.
Hired Runners
[Phone rings.]
You should talk to Paul Amsel before leaving the Kreuzbasar.
You should meet with Frau Muller before leaving the Kreuzbasar.
Der Weinkeller
You are about to travel to Harrow's compound in Tübingen. Continue?
Altuğ Burakgazi
Zaak Flash
Wanderer
Maliit Holyey
Gunari Mettbach
Paul Amsel
Jan Goldschmidt
Samuel Beckenbauer
Aljernon
Absinthe
David
Stationary
Merchant
Dr. Xabier Ezkibel
Laine
Kami
Schrotty
Alice
Interviewer
Green Winters
Reporter
Survivor
DVD Camera
Volunteer Worker
Monika
Maintenance Worker
Frau Müller
Voice on Phone
Anonymous Message
Simmy
Heimerich
Nasal Woman
High-Pitched Man
Corrupted File
MEET 'N MATE SINGLES DATING PROFILE
Bachmeier
From the Desk of Werner Harding
Künzel
Adrian Vauclair
Old Woman
Lucky Strike
A street samurai infused with tattooed circuitry. Skilled with blades, grenades and guns.
Mercenary: Street Samurai
Bannik
Take the U-Bahn to Meet Alice
Discuss Your Findings with Amsel
Take the U-Bahn to Gesundbrunnen Kiez
Resolve the Situation in the Sewers
Notify Samuel of the Humanis Plot
Meet with Frau Müller
Talk to Amsel
Take the Encrypted PDA to Amsel
Notify Luca Duerr That His Task is Complete
Return the Data to the Schockwellenreiter Payphone
Take the U-Bahn to Schattennest
Take the U-Bahn to the Pharma Laboratory Complex
Take the U-Bahn to AG Chemie Europa
Take the U-Bahn to OTK International's Offices
Meet with Gunari About the Missing Shipment
Return to Gunari For Your Payment
Find Someone to Decipher the Aztechnology Data
Decide What to do with the Aztechnology Data
Investigate Your Mission Computer
Flush the Data Taps for Altuğ
Return to Altuğ
Meet with Altuğ Burakgazi
Take the Memory Stick to Amsel
Take the U-Bahn to Drogenkippe
Take the U-Bahn to Aztechnology's Berlin Compound
Raise ¥50,000 to Pay Alice
Meet with Samuel Beckenbauer About a Job
Notify Amsel About Your Meeting with Frau Müller
Take the Van to Harrow's Compound
Meet with Eiger's Contact
Take the U-Bahn to Frankfurter Tor
Take the U-Bahn to Adenauerplatz
Return the Bioware Samples to Dr. Ezkibel
Meet with Dr. Ezkibel
Rifle: This weapon has been customized over the years by its owner.
Without warning, your commlink's screen bursts into static. You hear a telltale series of clicks: Someone has established an audio connection to your commlink.

A moment later, a deep, sonorous voice speaks into your ear. You recognize it instantly: your Lodge contact, Luca Duerr.
$(l.name). Do not speak, just listen.

I have a proposition for you.
I understand that your team is currently en route to retrieve a package... the MKVI Prototype, if I'm not mistaken.

My associates and I are interested in acquiring the MKVI for our own studies. We would like you to deliver the device to us.
Once you've acquired the MKVI, you will proceed back to the garage as planned. There, you will find a transport parked beside your client's van.

Load the MKVI into the transport, and you will be rewarded. "Herr Schmidt" will also be dealt with to protect you from reprisal.
To accept our offer, simply proceed as instructed and return the prototype to us. Please note that we need the MKVI in undamaged condition... if it is not in full working order, it is useless to us.
As you know, our organization takes good care of its friends. It would be to your advantage to help us.

Good day.
The line goes dead with a click.

A moment later, the sound of your teammates' comm chatter floods back into your ears.
Hey, hold up a second.
{{GM}}Blitz stops short.{{/GM}}

What's going on, chief?
I just got a comm from a contact of mine. His organization wants the MKVI for themselves, and they're offering us a lot of money to make that happen.
That was Herr Schmidt. There's been a change of plans... he's gonna have two vans waiting in the garage. We're to put the MKVI in the second one.
I just wanted to say how proud I am of this team. Let's get this job done.
{{GM}}Glory stops short.{{/GM}}

What's going on?
I just got a comm from a contact of mine. His organization wants the MKVI for themselves, and they're offering us a lot of money to make that happen. Je viens de recevoir un comm d'un de mes contacts. Son organisation veut la MKVI, et ils nous offrent un sacré paquet d'argent pour que cela se produise.
{{GM}}Eiger stops short.{{/GM}}

What's going on?
That was Herr Schmidt. There's been a change of plans... he's gonna have a second van pull in while we're upstairs. He wants us to load the MKVI into that one.
This contact of yours, boss... we talkin' about who I think we're talkin' about?
That depends on who you think we're talking about.
The organization that we discussed a little while back. The big, scary one.

The one that I told you not to take money from.
Yeah. That's who we're talking about.
In all fairness, by the time you told me that, it was already too late.
Yeah. I was afraid you'd say that.

And now they've got you on their leash, with us alongside you.
What is he talking about?
{{GM}}His brow furrows.{{/GM}}

I dunno, boss. I don't like lettin' anyone tell me what to do... I wanna say to hell with 'em, and leave it at that.

But this is the Black Lodge we're talkin' about. If they want somethin' from us, it might be best to just give it to 'em.
I'm a little surprised to hear you say that, Dietrich. You've always struck me as... fearless, for lack of a better word.
{{GM}}She turns to stare at you.{{/GM}}

What have you gotten us into, fearless leader?
With luck? Enough money, resources, and influence to handle Feuerschwinge on our own terms.
I won't lie - we're in bed with some dangerous people. But this could work to our benefit.
It's a long story. Just trust me, I'll get us through this.
{{GM}}There is a long pause.{{/GM}}

I don't like anything about this. But at the end of the day, I guess that it's your call.

Make the right one, for all of our sakes.
I'll back you, chief, no matter what you choose to do. But I, for one, hope that you take the offer.
We still have a dragon to deal with. We need resources more than we need Herr Schmidt to like us. And if this contact of yours has access to those resources, well...

{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

You do the math.
{{GM}}There is a long pause.{{/GM}}

It's clear that there's more going on here than we know. But we're on a run - this isn't the right time to argue about it.

Whatever decision you make, we'll back you. I just hope that we don't come to regret it.
{{GM}}She turns to stare at you.{{/GM}}

$(l.name)... just what have you gotten us into?
I don't want to be on anyone else's bad side... especially not theirs. I didn't even think that they existed.

{{GM}}He turns to stare at you.{{/GM}}

What the hell have you gotten us into, chief?
Nah. I've got a lot of fear in me, same as anyone else. I just don't let it tell me what to do.

That doesn't mean that I can't recognize a threat, though.
Are you saying that they'd turn their guns on us?
Not right away, but sure. I've heard enough stories to believe that they would... it's happened plenty often before.

You don't get to be a global conspiracy by lettin' people step on your toes.
I guess what I'm sayin' is, you should know what you've gotten us into. Disappoint the Lodge, an' they might come after us.

It probably wouldn't happen soon - they're nothing if not patient. Might even take a year or two. But eventually, long after we've forgotten all about this little adventure, they'll come knockin'.
If the Black Lodge is that dangerous, I'll keep us on their good side.
I won't let anyone intimidate me into doing anything. If I decide to take Duerr's offer, it won't be because I'm scared of him.
That's probably wise, boss. I don't like it, but it is what it is.

{{GM}}He scowls.{{/GM}}

Let's get movin', then. We've got a job to do.
Fine by me, boss. I'd probably do the same thing... just wanted to make sure that you knew the stakes of the game.

{{GM}}He cracks his knuckles.{{/GM}}

Let's get movin', then. We've got a job to do.
I think I must have misheard you.

For a second there, it sounded like you were thinking of stabbing our client in the back for some extra nuyen.
...But that can't be what you said, because you know better than to do something like that.

Right?
All I'm saying is that I got the call. I haven't decided what to do about it yet.
I'm thinking of taking the offer. I don't want to get on this particular contact's bad side.
Herr Schmidt will get what he wants. I just wanted you to know in case any fallout from this decision comes drifting back our way.
I don't know who this mystery contact is, but we need money, and we need it fast. So I say, go for it.
Besides, if we piss off this "Herr Schmidt," who cares? I mean, we live in Berlin! There're bound to be *plenty* of other clients out there.
I don't know what to tell you other than that it's your call.

Whatever you choose to do, we'll back you on it.
That said, you probably shouldn't make a habit of stabbing our employers in the back.

We have enough enemies already. No need to add to the list.
Well, you already know how I feel, but you are the leader of this team.

I guess it's up to you.
I guess that, in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter all that much which group of corporate bastards get their hands on the MKVI.

What I'm sayin' is that it's your call. I'll back you on it either way.
I don't think that we should make a habit of turnin' our backs on our clients, though.

I know that if someone did that to me, I'd lay 'em in the ground for it.
I've made a decision. We're sticking to the original plan and delivering the prototype to Herr Schmidt.
We need my contact's resources more than we need Herr Schmidt to like us. We're going to take the offer.
We'll worry about it later. For now, let's just get on with the run.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Good to see you're making the right call.
I wish you'd reconsider this, chief. If we're gonna collect Alice's fee in time to save our own skins, we're gonna need to take all of the opportunities we can get, and this looks like a pretty great one to me.

I don't know why we're passing it up.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

That's the call that I would make.
Yeah, that's probably the best way to go.

It's what we agreed to, after all.
What you're really saying is, you're going to trash our reputation for a few extra nuyen. Bad call, fearless leader.

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

Really bad call.
I think that this is a mistake, $(l.name). But as the leader of this team, it's yours to make.

I'll back you. We all will. I just hope that we don't wind up regretting it.
I'm behind you a hundred percent, chief. This is the right call, no question about it.

Now let's get this thing, get it back to your contact, and earn us some money!
This might be a mistake, boss... I've never been big on knifin' people in the back. But I guess that it's your mistake to make.

I've got your back, just like I always do. Let's get this thing done.
Uh, boss... my gut's tellin' me that I know who this contact of yours represents. A group that we had a little chat about a while back, right?
Yeah. That's them.
Well, in that case, we don't really have a choice. This isn't about money any more.

If the Black Lodge wants you to do a thing, you do that thing. That's all there is to it.
...And this is why I warned you against gettin' in bed with them, by the way.

They're bad news. I told you that.
I didn't have much of a choice, Dietrich. By the time that we talked, it was already too late.
Hey, what's done is done.

You want my advice? You do what the Lodge says. I don't want to be on their bad side, and you shouldn't, either.
Must be one hell of a contact.
That's one way of putting it.
This must be one hell of a contact.
Well, boss, if that's the way you wanna play it, I've got your back.

Probably isn't the decision I'd have made, but I trust you not to lead us astray.
Really. Must be a hell of a contact.
Hey, like I said, I'm all for it. And I don't want to get on *anyone* else's bad side - we're on enough of those already.

So what are we still talkin' about this for? Let's do it, get paid, and get back home!
Not sure how I feel about that, boss... we need the money, an' all, but I'm not sure that betraying our employers is the right way to get it.
I dunno. It's your call, of course.

But me? I wouldn't do it.
I think that betraying our employer would be a mistake.

Whatever your contact is offering us, it can't be worth the hit that our reputation would take if people learned that we betrayed our employer.
I don't think that the information will get out. My contact has offered to "deal with" Herr Schmidt.
I'll take it under advisement.
In that case, going through with this new plan would render us complicit in the intimidation - or perhaps even the assassination - of our client.

I'm not sure how that's an improvement.
See that you do.

This isn't the sort of decision that should be made lightly.
More money, huh?

I like money.
...And more importantly, we *need* money, for the Alice fund.

So, yeah. Sounds to me like we should do this, chief. Good choice!
{{GM}}Her mouth curls into a frown.{{/GM}}

Pretty amateur hour of him to change things up at the last second like this.
Tell me about it. But hey, the job's the job.
Yeah.

{{GM}}She sighs.{{/GM}}

All right. The second van it is. Come on, let's get moving.
Interesting.

It's strange of them to change plans on us at the last minute like this.
Yeah, well, you know corporate-types. Everything has to happen on their timetable, however arbitrary it may be.
True enough.

{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

All right. The second van it is. Let's get moving.
{{GM}}He rolls his eyes.{{/GM}}

Typical. "Hey, go do this, and follow my instructions to the letter. You doing it yet? Okay, plan's changed."
Yeah, tell me about it.
Well, at least he let us know before we got out of the garage.

The second van it is. Let's get moving.
Stupid corporate bastard. What's he thinkin', changin' plans on us just as we're gettin' set to roll into the run?
What are our employers *ever* thinking? Sometimes it seems like they're all out to screw us.
Yeah, tell me about it. Makes me wish that we could screw 'em right back... but that's not the world we live in, is it?

Well, anyway. The second van it is, then. Let's get moving.
{{GM}}Dietrich stops short.{{/GM}}

What's goin' on, boss?
The line goes dead with a click.

You are, once again, alone.
Nerve Bolt
Unbalanced by Nerve Bolt
The door is locked by a high tech maglock with a swipe-key access system, but the status screen indicates that the lock has been overridden by a local computer on the network. La porte est scellée électroniquement par un verrou de haute technologie avec un système de carte magnétique, mais l'écran d'état indique que la porte est maintenant contrôlée par un ordinateur local sur le réseau.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Piggy-back on the network override to unlock the door.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Rerouter le réseau pour déverrouiller la porte.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Get your decker to hack the panel.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Demander à votre decker de pirater le panneau.{{/GM}}
Your hack successfully unlocks the door. Votre piratage a déverrouillé la porte.
The woman behind the counter smiles at you, her cheeks dimpling.
Good afternoon, and welcome to AugmenTech, the boutique that makes a better "you" of you!

{{GM}}Her voice is overflowing with forced cheerfulness. Idly, you wonder how many times she has to give this exact speech every day.{{/GM}}

Tell me how I can help you today!
I might be in the market for some cyberware...
I don't need anything - just browsing.
Then you've come to the right place!

{{GM}}She gestures at the terminal in front of you.{{/GM}}

Please feel free to browse our catalog. We have a *huge* stock of performance-enhancing augmentations to make *you* into the person you've always dreamed you could be!
I'd like to take a look at the Encephalon NEXT® system that you have advertised.
{{GM}}Look at the catalog terminal.{{/GM}}
On second thought, I don't think that I need any cyberware right now.
I don't need anything else.
{{GM}}Her face lights up.{{/GM}}

A wonderful device - simply wonderful! And we're doing a special on it right now!

All yours for only ¥250.
Scanning over the tastefully-designed catalog, you find that most of AugmenTech's stock consists of overpriced cosmetic cyberware; metabolic tweaks to help burn away cellulite, ruthenium polymer hair extensions, ultra-expensive Leonization treatments aimed at wealthy septuagenarians.
Toward the back of the catalog, you find some more practical chrome, but nothing that a shadowrunner would want. From designer replacement limbs to nephretic screens for alcoholics, AugmenTech carries the very best in fashionable implants for the ultra-rich.

The "mental enhancement" section is a little more promising, but you don't see anything that you couldn't already find in the Kreuzbasar.
You're about to turn away when an ad on the last page grabs your attention: the newest iteration of the Encephalon system, complete with an integrated Math SPU.

The Encephalon NEXT®, as it's called, is bleeding edge commercial-grade tech. Non-compete agreements prevent it from being sold at most stores, but you've found one that carries it.
Hey, this headware looks interesting. Mind if I take a look?
{{GM}}Power down the terminal and walk away.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She glances at the item on the screen.{{/GM}}

Looking at the new Encephalon, huh? Good choice. Our regional supervisor has one, and it is *amazing.* Totally worth the price!
...And what is the price? It doesn't say on this screen.
We're doing a special right now. Yours for only ¥250.
{{CC}}¥250{{/CC}} All right. Please have it sent to the TRIAGE Cyberclinic in the Kreuzbasar.
That's... actually really cheap. Okay, sign me up.
Meh, not interested. Thanks anyway.
That's wonderful! Good choice!

I'll just swipe your credstick, then I'll print up your purchase order.
Okay. Where do I go to get it installed? Is your Doc in the back, or something...?
{{GM}}Her brow furrows.{{/GM}}

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm afraid that you don't understand.

We're a boutique shop, not a cybersurgery clinic. We can sell you the device and have it sent to the clinic of your choice for installation, but we don't do the surgery here.
...Of course, your doctor will bill you separately for installation. But this way, you can ensure that the procedure is carried out wherever you're most comfortable.
{{CC}}¥250{{/CC}} I'll still take it. Please have it sent to the TRIAGE Cyberclinic in the Kreuzbasar.
Not interested. Thanks anyway.
She swipes your credstick and punches a few buttons on her PDA.

A flimsy slip of paper spills out of the terminal you're standing at and into your hand.
{{GM}}The saleswoman beams at you.{{/GM}}

You are now the proud owner of an Encephalon NEXT! We'll have it sent to the TRIAGE Cyberclinic, as per your request.

When you arrive, just show the doctor or a member of his staff the proof of purchase that you're holding, and he'll know what to fetch for you.
Thanks.
Thank *you,* $(l.sir)! Have a great day!
{{GM}}She waves at you.{{/GM}}

Another time, then. Have a great day!
{{GM}}The saleswoman waves after you.{{/GM}}

Thank you for browsing! If you need anything else, I'll be right here.
That's all right, feel free to browse for as long as you like! I'll be right here if you have any questions.
{{GM}}Her smile drops, but only slightly.{{/GM}}

Oh, be my guest. Be sure to come back to me if you need any help!
Slowly, you begin to stir. Murky, flickering impressions invade the oily stillness of your unconscious mind.

The sensations come in waves, washing up over you and jerking you back toward consciousness.
You smell acrid smoke and burning meat. The roar of distant flames whispers in your ears. When your eyes flutter open, a dull red glare fills your vision.

As you attempt to struggle to your feet, you become dimly aware that the gravity here feels wrong. Everything is heavier than it should be.
Slowly, the waves grow still and your senses calm.

You find yourself staring into an infinite horizon. The blasted ruins of Feuerstelle stretch out in all directions, as far as the eye can see.
Is this astral space?
Holy shit.
Where the hell are we?
No.

{{GM}}Warily, she surveys your surroundings.{{/GM}}

We're... someplace else.
You're going to have to be more specific.
I don't have answers for you. But there's one thing that I am sure of: whatever this place is, the Adversary holds sway here.
{{GM}}Marta stares into the abyss, her mouth agape.{{/GM}}

This isn't right. This... this *place*... it doesn't normally look like this. When I came here with Harrow, it was all green fields and marble halls.

{{GM}}Her voice goes quiet.{{/GM}}

It was so *beautiful* last time.
It was a lie, Marta. What we're seeing now... this is the truth.
Your truth, maybe.

{{GM}}Her voice goes quiet.{{/GM}}

What I saw was real.
I think that you're both right, in a way. I think when Marta traveled here, she saw her interpretation of the Adversary's domain. Now, we're seeing Glory's.
I don't doubt that. In fact, I think that this place looks the way it does because you expect it to. It's trying to play on your fears.
If this is the Adversary's domain, wouldn't that make this Hell?
So, this place - whatever it is - is where we're going to find the spirit. Right?
That's an... interesting observation.

What makes you say that?
Why does it matter?
I suppose that it doesn't.

{{GM}}She grimaces as a sudden wave of heat washes over her.{{/GM}}

Come on, you two. The spirit will be around here... somewhere.
{{GM}}Marta nods eagerly.{{/GM}}

You're right. I've seen it.

In the heart of this place - that's where we'll find it.
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, then shrugs.{{/GM}}

That's possible, I suppose. But we can worry about it later.

For now, let's keep moving. The spirit will be around here... somewhere.
{{GM}}A startled giggle pours out of Marta's mouth.{{/GM}}

Hell is a myth, $(l.name). There's no such place... not really.
I don't know where we are, $(l.name). But I think it's safe to say that none of us have ever heard of it before.
Wherever we are, the spirit that we're hunting is going to be here, right?
Yes. It should be here... somewhere.
No.

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

I don't think it's as simple as that.
But the spirit that we're hunting is going to be here, right?
Yes. It'll be here... somewhere.
{{GM}}Warily, she surveys your surroundings.{{/GM}}

I'd say that's an understatement.
I can't say for certain. But there's one thing that I am sure of: whatever this place is, the Adversary holds sway here.
{{GM}}Warily, she surveys your surroundings.{{/GM}}

I can't say for certain. But there's one thing that I am sure of: whatever this place is, the Adversary holds sway here.
A well used calender is hung on the wall, covered in notes and appointments. June the 29th has been circled about half a dozen times.
The bookshelf is neatly organized, and alphabetized. On the upper shelf is a framed picture of a young blonde girl with braces and a huge smile stretching across her face.
The filing cabinets have all been labeled in neat block printing, by hand. They're all locked.
The board is arranged in a grid of names and tasks. Most of which seem to be in the completed catagory. In the corner is a note "Lucy b-day Tues, DO NOT FORGET!!!"
Drone control center.
EARWIG
OTK International is a small-time software developer, and it shows. The company’s main office is crammed up against the back wall of a massive shared office park, surrounded by competing businesses and larger corporations. A steady trickle of dead-eyed wageslaves flows in and out of the complex.

The office park’s main entrance is overflowing with hired security, but your forged keycard gets you past them easily enough. A few minutes later, you’re walking the winding corridors toward OTK International.

You’re only a few smashed computers away from putting Amsel’s plan into motion.
The alarm panels flash bright red, and a shrill alarm begins to sound throughout the building.
Lead the way.
His uniform is intact and unbloodied. Unfortunately, there's no way that it'll fit you.
Heading for the drone control console, I'll get those drones into the fight sir!
Select a Decker to Jack In.
Scheisse! One of them has overridden our drones!
Damn it! They killed our rigger!
Powering drone group one. Just a few more seconds!
Launching first wave of drones now! Starting on the second.
Powering the second wave of drones. Almost there!
Launching the second wave now!
Wageslave
Janitor
OTK Security Drone
Checkpoint Drone 2
Server Guard Drone
OTK Security Guard
OTK Security Enforcer
OTK Security Captain
Server Computer
Guard Drone
OTK Security Rigger
Server Room Guard
Reunite with Your Team
Destroy the Commlink Software
The commlink software must be destroyed. To do this, either enter the Matrix and wipe it there, or find the servers and destroy them.
Escape
Recover Pay Data
Get to the Server Room
(Introduce Plotz)
Who the hell *are* you, man?
I could ask the same of you. You're in *my* banking system, you little bastard.
What?
My name is Plotz. I *run* the Landenberg Ring. That makes this bank, and everything in it, *mine.*

That means that you and your friend are trespassing. And *that* means that your asses are mine.
I'm shaking in my boots, man. I mean, seriously.
You should be, punk.
{{GM}}The blood mage's head whips up at the sound of the cage door slamming open.{{/GM}}

These aren't Knight Errant! They're intruders! KILL THEM!
These aren't Knight Errant! They're intruders! KILL THEM!
The emergency lights wink out, leaving you in darkness. A moment later, the building lights flip on, cranked all the way up to full illumination.

The light is uncomfortably bright.
A quick check of your commlink shows that your security feed has been terminated.

Instead of a command view of the 24th floor, you find yourself staring at a blank screen.
So much for sneaking out of here undetected...
Well, that can't be good.
This chamber is equipped with a small emergency medical suite. The system appears to be designed to automatically treat major tissue damage in high-trauma situations.
{{GM}}The machine lights up as you approach, making a soft humming sound. A line of text appears on the unit's LCD screen.{{/GM}}

BuMoNa Emergency Field Trauma Unit online. OS 1.213 initializing. Please stand by...
Greetings, Trauma Victim. Would you like to activate treatment protocols?
{{GM}}Activate the device.{{/GM}} All right, everyone, time to heal up.
{{GM}}View treatment history.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Step Away.{{/GM}}
After several minutes of needle prods, sutures, and administration of unknown chemicals, your combat injuries are fully healed.
{{GM}}Text scrolls down the small screen.{{/GM}}

> Patient #291 - Multiple third-degree burns.
> Patient #290 - Multiple third-degree burns.
> Patient #289 - Multiple second-degree burns.
> Patient #288 - Minor chemical burns.
> Patient #287 - Multiple third-degree burns.
As you near the edge of the Kreuzbasar, the familiar piss-and-asphalt stench of Schattennest crawls into your nostrils and sticks in the back of your throat.

The dilapidated husks of burnt-out buildings loom above you, giving the place an air of menace.
I was hoping I'd put this place behind me after the Humanis run.
Yeah, I'm with you there.

{{GM}}She wrinkles her nose.{{/GM}}

The funny thing is, a syndicate presence might actually help Schattennest... in the short term, at least. They'd clean up the streets, if nothing else.
Don't tell me you're changing your mind.
In that case, maybe we should just forget about this.
Not for a second. A syndicate - *any* syndicate - in Schattennest would be a disaster for the Kreuzbasar.

Let the people on the other side of the gate deal with their own problems. I won't allow my home to be endangered for their sake.
{{GM}}Eiger stares at you.{{/GM}}

Not on your life. A syndicate - *any* syndicate - in Schattennest would be a disaster for the Kreuzbasar.

Let the people on the other side of the gate deal with their own problems. I won't allow my home to be endangered for their sake.
In the twilight, the streets of this corner of the Kreuzbasar glow a sickly yellow. The air in this part of town has a horrible, cloying stench to it, a piss-and-asphalt smell that crawls into your nostrils and sticks in the back of your throat.

The dilapidated husks of burnt-out buildings loom above you, giving the place an air of menace.
This place is a pit.
The smell of burnt garbage always reminds me of back home.
{{GM}}Eiger wrinkles her nose.{{/GM}}

The funny thing is, a syndicate presence might actually help Schattennest... in the short term, at least. They'd clean up the streets, if nothing else.
Minigun
There's a note atop the box.

"$(l.name). The Lodge thanks you for your dutiful service."
{{GM}}Open the box.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Astral Perception{{/CC}} {{GM}}Observe the box astrally.{{/GM}}
It's a standard cardboard box with a few mundane items inside, and one object that a spirit has been bound to. It appears safe to open.
The doorway shimmers with a faint red light. As you approach the door, you can feel a squirming sensation in the back of your skull.

Your limbs begin to tingle, then feel heavy. The closer that you get to the doorway, the more of a struggle it is to continue moving forward. It feels as though the strength is being siphoned from your body.
{{CC}}Willpower: 6{{/CC}} {{GM}}Fight through it.{{/GM}}
You grit your teeth and lean forward, forcing your heavy limbs to move through sheer force of will.

As you near the doorknob, it begins to glow red. Crackling sparks leap from the glowing brass, and the crisp smell of ozone fills the air.
{{GM}}Reach for the doorknob.{{/GM}}
You wrestle an arm up from where it hangs at your side and reach for the sparking doorknob. A moment later, you feel a cold metal hand grasp your shoulder.

Glory.

She speaks a single word.
Don't.
{{GM}}Grab it.{{/GM}}
You seize the doorknob, and a white-hot burst of pain screams through your arm and into your shoulder. Involuntarily, you jerk back.

As your hand breaks contact with the doorknob, your eyes are stabbed by a bright flash of red light. Your nostrils clog with the stench of burning meat.
{{GM}}Glory takes you by the shoulders and pulls you close. Your entire body trembles in agony.{{/GM}}

I told you not to touch that. The door is warded.

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

Next time, you should listen to me.
I-I'll k-keep that in m-m-mind.
I-I-I'm the b-boss h-h-here.
Eventually, the trembling in your limbs begins to subside, taking the pain along with it.

Glory releases you and steps back.
You okay?
I'll live.
{{GM}}She rolls her eyes.{{/GM}}

And I'm the one who knew better than to touch a warded door.
As you step away from the door, the crawling sensation gradually recedes. A moment later, the strength returns to your limbs.
{{GM}}Glory stares into the light, frowning.{{/GM}}

The shrine room is through there, but this barrier wasn't here before. Harrow must have warded the doorway after I ran.
How do we get through?
Fantastic. Now what?
The ward is like a lock. There must be a key.

Back when I helped Harrow run this place, he and I were the only ones allowed in the shrine room. So we look for whoever has taken my place... that's where the key will be.
How will we know who that is?
It'll be a girl. Harrow would never take a male as his second - he wouldn't want the competition.

And her hair will be fire-red. It's a sort of insignia of rank within the cult.
A girl with red hair. Got it.
The ward is like a lock. There must be a key.

{{GM}}A grimace crosses her face.{{/GM}}

And I know who has it. There's only one person here that Harrow would offer it to.
Marta.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Looks like we're going to have to confront her after all.

{{GM}}The razors flick out of her fingers.{{/GM}}

Let's go.
Thre's a warning label plastered onto the side of this container.

Judging by the amount of small print on the label, whatever's being stored in here is extremely bad news.
Take a closer look at the label.
Step away from the container.
WARNING! HIGHLY DANGEROUS CHEMICAL AGENT!
DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES, MOUTH & CLOTHING.

INCREASES AGGRESSION AND REDUCES IMPULSE CONTROL WHEN INHALED. AVOID BREATHING FUMES OR VAPOR.

IMPORTANT! DO NOT PROCEED UNLESS MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET HAS BEEN READ AND UNDERSTOOD!
{{GM}}A matronly woman with a round face and kind eyes greets you. Her apron is caked with what looks like about a year's worth of grease.{{/GM}}

Guten Tag! What can I get you?
That depends. What do you have?
{{/GM}}Well, today we have a soya-based currywurst for 5 nuyen, or a soup-and-sandwich combo for 10.

Good, simple, stick-to-your-ribs food. Perfect for a cold day like this.
{{CC}}¥10{{/CC}} I'll take the soup-and-sandwich combo.
{{CC}}¥5{{/CC}} I think I'll try the currywurst.
Nothing for me. I'm good.
That will be 10 nuyen, please.

{{GM}}She hands over a small cup of steaming soup and a sandwich. You take a quick bite and swig down some soup. It's wonderful.{{/GM}}
I've had worse.
Mmm. Delicious, thank you.
{{GM}}The vendor pauses a moment, then steeples her pudgy fingers.{{/GM}}

We don't see many strangers down at this end of the line. In case you hadn't noticed, things are a little run-down out here.

You weren't thinking of heading out past the wall, were you?
As a matter of fact, I was.
None of your bussiness.
Well. It doesn't make any difference to me, but you be careful out there.

The people on the other side of that wall... well, they've got no respect. For anybody.
Thanks for the warning.
I can handle myself.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Best of luck, and take care of yourself!
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Uh-huh. Well, best of luck to you... and don't say I didn't warn you!
{{GM}}She rolls her eyes.{{/GM}}

Gee. Thanks.
{{GM}}She favors you with a motherly smile.{{/GM}}

Sure thing, honey.
She hands you a dripping, yellowish sausage wrapped in a paper napkin. You take a big bite and immediately regret it. There's a funk to this thing that no amount of curry powder could mask.

Your stomach lurches, and you idly wonder whether this decision is going to come back to haunt you later.
What the hell kind of place are you running here, lady? This thing is terrible!
That... that was, uh... interesting.
{{GM}}She bristles at you.{{/GM}}

What kind of place am I running? Why don't you look around and tell me?

Yeah. That's right. My "business" is a run-down sausage cart on a filthy street corner. If you were expecting fine dining, I don't know what to tell you.
...Actually, you have a point there.
I want my money back. Now.
Sorry I insulted your food. I'll be going now.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Now, do you want to try something else? A soup and sandwich, maybe, to wash the taste of the currywurst out of your mouth?

I'll have to charge you for it, but if you don't like it, I'll give you your money back.
She opens her mouth to argue, then looks you over and seems to think better of it.

Her mouth closes, and she pulls out a cash box.
All right. Fine.

{{GM}}She thrusts a crumpled 5 nuyen bill into your hands.{{/GM}}

Take it and get the hell away from me.
{{GM}}She smiles at you.{{/GM}}

It's an old family recipe.

Can I getcha anything else?
{{GM}}The smile on her face is not reflected in her eyes.{{/GM}}

Good day to you, then! Come back any time!
Welcome back! Can I getcha something else?
Recruit Access Codes
Recruit Klien : 4176
Recruit Kappel: 2619
Recruit Farber: 1409
Recruit Bauer: 3706
Recruit Yomada: 2114
Recruit Schuhmacher: 1106
Hey, chief...? I found something here that you might want to have a look at.
Not now, Blitz.
Looks like a sort of a persona non grata list for the Landenberg Ring. Everyone on here is listed as "shoot on sight."

There are a lot of names here... lots of personal information, too. Known associates, credit history, holopics, that kind of thing.
All right. So what's interesting about that?
Well, there are three names on this list that I recognize. One of 'em is mine, naturally... the Landenbergs and the Schwarze Herzen never did get along.

Another is Hasenkamp's...
{{GM}}He scoffs.{{/GM}}

I'm not surprised. These bastards would just love my head on a plate.
...And, chief... the other one is yours.

They've got a whole dossier on you. No idea where they got it from, or why, but they have it.
I'd never even heard of these bastards before tonight. So how the hell do they know about me?
That isn't good.
No idea. Looks like a new file... it was just uploaded about twenty minutes ago.

Hang on a second, there's an attachment. I'll send it to you.
Blitz's voice falls silent. A few seconds later, a brief message appears on the screen of your PDA.
PLOTZ.

HERE'S THE INTEL ON THOSE 'UNWANTED GUESTS' THAT I WARNED YOU ABOUT.

THEY'RE COMING *TONIGHT.* TAKE APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS.
Any idea who this "Plotz" guy is?
Another message for Plotz.
Well. That was very enlightening.

Want me to delete the files, chief?
{{GM}}A few seconds pass.{{/GM}}

Done and done. No need to worry about that anymore!
That's very reassuring. Thanks, Blitz.
I'm not surprised. He tried to micromanage everything when we worked together... everything had to be exactly how he wanted it, all the time.

I can't imagine that's changed now.
Welcome to the club. I wouldnt' worry too much about it... I don't.
This dossier looks like a new file. It was just uploaded about twenty minutes ago.

Hang on a second, there's an attachment. I'll send it to you.
No, seriously, you're gonna want to hear this. It involves you - like, *you,* specifically.
Wait. What?
There's a list here. Lots of names and personal information. They're all listed "shoot on sight."

Your name is on the list, chief. Not just your name... they have a whole dossier on you.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Hack the cameras.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Turn away.{{/GM}}
Well, it couldn't last forever. $(l.name), it looks as though the Azzies have sorted out that overload that you fed into their power grid.

Watch your step, my friend. The comm activity that I'm seeing is... intense.

If you trip an alarm now, Knight Errant will be on you before you can blink.
Best to keep moving. The control panel for the generators can't be far from your location. When you reach it, the password "Xolotl" should allow you to disengage their safety overrides.

Get the job done and get out, $(l.name). I'll be waiting for you.
Well, it couldn't last forever. $(l.name), it looks as though the Azzies have sorted out that overload that you fed into their power grid.

From the comm chatter I'm seeing, I think it's also safe to assume that your presence has been detected. The entire facility has been placed on high alert.
{{GM}}There is a pause, then Amsel continues.{{/GM}}

$(l.name)... there's no easy way to say this.

I'm afraid that the Knight Errant High Threat Response Team is on its way.
Move quickly. Speed is your only advantage now. When you reach the generators' control panel, the password "Xolotl" should allow you to disengage their safety overrides.

Get the job done and get out, $(l.name). I'll be waiting for you.
Keep moving, $(l.name). You're almost there.

When you reach the control panel for the generators, the password "Xolotl" should allow you to disengage their safety overrides.
Get the job done and get out, my friend... it's only a matter of time before more security personnel arrive. I'll be waiting for you back at the Kreuzbasar.

Amsel out.
As you emerge from the dingy confines of the U-Bahn terminal and step into the light of day, you find yourself confronted by a wall of muscle in a Knight Errant uniform.
You're with maintenance.

{{GM}}It isn't a question. He stands impassively, waiting for a response.{{/GM}}
I wouldn't be wearing this uniform if I wasn't.
Yes, sir. Have you seen any other maintenance guys around here?
No, I'm a shadowrunner here on a job. This uniform is just a clever disguise.
Yeah, well, your fellow mop-jockeys beat you here. Security checks came in green, so you're good to head into the building whenever you want to.
Efficient operation you're running here. It's almost as if you were expecting me.
Remind me, what does the rest of my crew look like again?
Thanks for your time.
I'll just get moving, then.
We were. No one gets on or off of that train without us knowing about it.

Don't worry, all of the correct paperwork has already been filed. You and your crew are good for the next twelve hours.
It's good to know that you're so on top of things.
That should be plenty of time for us to finish up what we're working on.
We're Knight Errant. Of course we're on top of things.

You get what you pay for, and the owners of this building paid for the best.
Well, keep up the good work, man.
{{GM}}He nods at you.{{/GM}}

Have a good one.
I'd assume so. It was your management that submitted the paperwork, after all.
This your first day on the job, or somethin'? They're a bunch of people dressed like you. A human, an elf, and a dwarf.

{{GM}}He gestures lazily at a small figure standing in the distance.{{/GM}}

One of 'em's over there, waiting for you.
Oh, yeah. Right! Sorry... you see, I was running late, and I forgot my soykaf this morning.
Happens to the best of us.
Yeah, they've been trickling in over the last fifteen minutes or so.

I've already done a security check on your entire crew. Everything checked out, so you're good to head on into the building whenever you want.
{{GM}}A low growl, amplified by the speakers in the guard's helmet, reverberates in your ears.{{/GM}}

Watch it. They might think you're hilarious back at the office, but there's nothing I hate more than a wiseass.
Sorry if I offended you.
Can't you take a joke?
That's your problem, not mine. It's a free city, I'll say what I want.
Better. But keep the jokes to yourself from now on. Otherwise, I might just decide to treat you like the criminal that you claim to be.

{{GM}}He drops his hand to the handle of his sidearm.{{/GM}}

Here's a hint: you don't want that to happen.
Anyway, "shadowrunner," your fellow mop-jockeys beat you here.

Security checks came in green, so you're good to head into the building whenever you want to.

Sooner would be better, by the way. For both of us.
Not from you, I can't. Keep it to yourself unless you *want* me to treat you like a criminal.

{{GM}}He drops his hand to the grip of his sidearm.{{/GM}}

Here's a hint: you don't.
Yeah? And if I feel like it, I'll toss you in a holding cell and leave you there for a week. Try to resist, and I'll break both your legs while I'm at it.

I'm Security here, chuckles. You're just a glorified janitor. Remember that.
I'm quaking in my boots, tough guy.
I dunno. I have a pretty short memory.
{{GM}}His fingers hover over the grip of his sidearm, but only for a moment.{{/GM}}

If I hurt you, I'll have to fill out a lot of paperwork.

I hate paperwork.
{{GM}}He shakes his head in disgust.{{/GM}}

You're not worth the effort. So I'll tell you what's gonna happen now: I'm gonna point you to one of your little mop-jockey friends, and you're gonna go running off to meet her. And you're gonna do it before I do something that we both wind up regretting.

Got it?
Yeah, sure, big guy. Point away.
{{GM}}He waves his hand in the direction of a small figure in the distance.{{/GM}}

There. Dwarf girl. She's waiting for you.

Now go away.
You place the first camera. It adheres to the ceiling with an audible click.

James steps forward, his fingers bent. He whispers a long string of hushed syllables that seem to vibrate in your mind.
For a moment, nothing seems to happen.

Then you blink, and the camera is gone.
Done. Get moving on to the next one.
The second camera clicks onto a heating vent. The lens irises to adjust to the light.

James repeats his previous performance, and the camera fades from view.
You place the last camera. James steps forward, then turns to stare you in the eye.
When we get through with this run, I'm gonna tell my handler all about you.

You won't work for the Lodge again. Not because you're an incompetent leader, but because I have pull, and I don't like you very much.

What do you have to say about that?
I have to say that the odds of you surviving this job are looking worse and worse. Now mask the damned camera.
This entire run is a test. I think that you're here to tempt me into losing my cool. That isn't gonna happen.
You can do whatever you want when we're done with this. For now, shut your mouth and finish the job.
{{GM}}That infuriating smirk returns to his face.{{/GM}}

That's about what I thought. I'll be sure to mention it when I speak with my Lodge contact.
He whispers to the third camera, and soon enough, it fades from view.
{{GM}}Suddenly, an alarm blares to life. James jerks back in surprise.{{/GM}}
Damn it. I knew that this would happen if I didn't kill that spray-tanned jackass - I *knew* it.

{{GM}}His hands hook into claws, and the air seems to shimmer around him.{{/GM}}

Looks like we're fighting our way out of here. Yet another unnecessary delay.
That's it. We're done.

Let's go.
{{GM}}That infuriating smirk returns to his face.{{/GM}}

Yeah, that's right. This is all about you. Just keep on believing that, and see where it gets you.
{{GM}}That infuriating smirk returns to his face.{{/GM}}

I will.
Standing by the observation window for Feuerschwinge's chamber, you find a familiar figure. Audran. In his hardened armor, he's every bit as massive as you remember him.

A low voice rumbles out of him. He doesn't turn away from the window.
This is it... the place where the magic happened.

Feels a lot bigger now that the dragon's gone.
Hello, Audran.
{{GM}}He nods his head.{{/GM}}

$(l.name).

That gunshot I heard... was that the Doc?
Yeah. It was.
Who the hell else would it have been?
No, it was me. You're talking to a ghost.
{{GM}}He raises an armored hand, then turns to you with a smile. You can see what he's holding - a bottle made of thick green glass.{{/GM}}

Well, here's to you, Doc.

{{GM}}He raises the bottle to his lips and takes a swig. Then he passes it to you.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Take a drink.{{/GM}} Here's to Vauclair.
{{GM}}Pass the bottle back.{{/GM}} He gave up. He's not worth drinking to.
{{CC}}Cheap Booze{{/CC}} I brought my own.
{{CC}}Cold One{{/CC}} {{GM}}Raise your beer.{{/GM}} I'm a little less refined than that.
{{CC}}Islay Scotch{{/CC}} I've been waiting to crack this bottle open.
The liquor slides down your throat like motor oil. It's sickly sweet, with notes of juniper and hay. Danish Mjød.

The flavor lingers on your tongue long after you finish drinking.
Audran accepts the bottle back with a nod, then takes a long drink. When he finishes, he holds the bottle to the light.

Gazing idly through the glass at the bronze liquor inside, a wistful expression crosses his face.
I've gotta hand it to the old man: he really did it.

He changed the world.
Yeah, he did. Not for the better, but he changed things, all right.
If by "changed," you mean "doomed," then sure.
{{GM}}He shrugs his massive shoulders.{{/GM}}

Better. Worse. Who the fuck cares? The world was going to hell anyway.
The Doc sped things up a little, is all. Made life more interesting for you and me.

We probably wouldn't have lived long enough to see the end if he hadn't.
Is that what this was about for you? You *wanted* something like this to happen?
Why wouldn't I?

{{GM}}His grin widens, and the light plays sickeningly off of his scar tissue.{{/GM}}

The world's never done shit for me. Everything I am, I had to take for myself. So I say, fuck the world.
{{GM}}He closes his eyes and takes another long drink.{{/GM}}

I'm looking forward to watching it die.
You're a sick bastard, Audran.
...'Course, if you prefer, you could always follow the Doc's example. Take the coward's way out.

{{GM}}He pats a pistol on his hip. You recognize it instantly - it's the same hand cannon that he used to kill Amsel.{{/GM}}

Guess I couldn't fault you for it. Things are gonna get ugly over the next few years.		 ...'Sûr, si tu préfères, tu peux toujours suivre l'exemple du docteur. Prend le chemin de la lâcheté.

{{GM}}Il tapote le pistolet contre sa hanche. Vous le reconnaissez instantanément - c'est le même flingue qui a tué Amsel.{{/GM}}

Je suppose que je ne pourrais pas vous le reprocher. Les choses vont mal tourner ces prochaines années.
Give me the bottle. I'm not running from this - I'll see it through to the end, just like you will.
I've seen enough ugly for one lifetime. Mind if I borrow that pistol?
I'm no coward, and I don't drink with people who kill my friends.
{{GM}}He hands you the bottle with a smile.{{/GM}}

That's the spirit! Drink up, and don't be bashful - I've got a crate of the stuff.

The end is nigh, after all. Wouldn't want to reach it sober.
{{GM}}Raise the bottle.{{/GM}} I'll drink to that.
You close your eyes and fill your mouth with syrupy liquor.

The Mjød leaves a slug's trail of warmth behind as it sluices down your throat and into your gut.
You stand there a while, holding the bottle by the neck, staring at Feuerschwinge's old pen.

Staring at the place that gave birth to the end of the world.
The silence stretches, but that's all right. You don't have anything pressing to do anyway.

You've got time.
All the time in the world.
Not at all, pal.

{{GM}}He removes the weapon from its holster and passes it to you. It feels heavy in your hands.{{/GM}}

When I'm gettin' torn limb from limb, I'll probably regret that I didn't kill myself, too. But the hell with it - it isn't my way.
{{GM}}He turns back to the observation window.{{/GM}}

Do what you need to do, buddy. Or don't.

You take whatever time you need to make up your mind.
You stand there for a while, feeling the weight of the gun in your hands. Deciding whether to put a bullet through your brain, or Audran's, or both.

Deciding whether it even matters anymore.
The silence stretches. But that's all right.

Like Audran said, you've got time.
{{GM}}He snorts.{{/GM}}

You cling to that high horse, pal. It'll do you a lot of good when everything starts falling apart around you.
{{GM}}Audran turns his back on you to stare through the window into Feuerschwinge's pen.{{/GM}}

Go on hating my guts if it makes you happy. Hatred is good. Keeps the blood pumping.

If you grow a pair, go ahead and take a swing at me. See what happens. Or you could let bygones be bygones and enjoy this nice liquor I'm offering you.
Until then, I ain't going anywhere, so you take whatever time you need to make up your mind.
You stand there for a while, staring at Audran's armored back. Deciding what to do.

Deciding whether it even matters anymore.
Sure I am. But then again, so are you.

You sat back and watched as the Doc released his wonder bug. This is as much on you as it is on me.

The only difference between us is that I've accepted what's coming, and you haven't.
...'Course, you don't *have* to stick around to face what's coming.

You could always follow the Doc's example and take the coward's way out.		 ...'Sûr, tu n'as pas *besoin* de trainer par ici pour voir ce qu'il va se passer.

Tu peux toujours suivre l'exemple du docteur. Prend le chemin de la lâcheté.
He pats a pistol on his hip.

You recognize it instantly - it's the same hand cannon that he used to kill Amsel.
If you wanted to go that route, I guess I couldn't fault you for it.

Things are gonna get ugly over the next few years.
{{GM}}He shrugs his massive shoulders.{{/GM}}

Changed. Doomed. Who the fuck cares? The world was going to hell anyway.
{{GM}}Audran shrugs, then accepts the bottle.{{/GM}}

In my experience, everything's worth drinking to. But it's your call.
He raises the bottle to his own lips and takes a long drink. When he finishes, he holds the bottle to the light.

Gazing idly through the glass at the bronze liquor inside, a wistful expression crosses his face.
Whatever you think of how he chose to go out, you've gotta hand it to the old man. He really did it.

He changed the world.
{{GM}}Audran chuckles.{{/GM}}

Really? That's what you've saved for the occasion? Well, it's your poison.
Audran raises his green bottle to his own lips and takes a long drink. When he finishes, he holds the bottle to the light.

Gazing idly through the glass at the bronze liquor inside, a wistful expression crosses his face.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

A drink's a drink. Enjoy.
{{GM}}Audran looks surprised.{{/GM}}

I'm guessing you lifted that from someone with much better taste.
Full Auto Fire
5 attacks in one round that do half or normal damage. -10% to hit. Uses 10 bullets.
Throw Grenade
Heal targets (With cleaning shrapnel).
$(l.name). Welcome back.

I have news for you.
In your absence, I have been looking into the Harfeld Manor.

Whatever Feuerschwinge is up to, it is both large-scale and well-funded. I've uncovered a money trail leading from holding companies all over the world to an offshore fund with a dummy address.

From there, all of that freshly laundered money flows directly into the Harfeld estate.
Wait a second. Why would the dragon have investors? That doesn't make sense.
How much money are we talking about here?
It's doubtful that the Firewing's pawns even know where their money is going. This is typical of draconic plots; uncover a stream of money flowing behind the scenes, and there's a fair chance that you'll find a dragon at the receiving end of it.

To a dragon, conspiracy is second nature.
But Feuerschwinge was different. She didn't scheme, or plot. She *acted.*
All right, so the dragon has money. This isn't exactly new information... the Harfeld Manor reeked of wealth.
Yes. And look at where it got her.

When the Firewing launched her attack on humanity, it was an act of hubris. She lashed out because she didn't consider our species to be a threat.

It would be equally hubristic for us to assume that she will make the same mistake twice.
I will continue digging into this while you and the team tackle your next run.

With luck, I will have more information to share upon your return.
Sounds good, Paul.
One last thing, $(l.name). Maliit was able to restore the readable surface of one of Green Winters' DVDs.

If you'd like to take a look, you will find it sitting beside the player.
Just one of them?
I'll check it out.
Maybe later. I've got a run to concentrate on.
She's still working on the others. Many of them are extensively damaged, and getting anything off of them is proving to be quite a chore.

She has told me that she'll be in touch if and when she makes any headway.
Thanks, Paul.
Very good. Maliit is still working on the other DVDs from the bundle... many of them are extensively damaged, and getting anything off of them is proving to be quite a chore.

She told me that she'll be in touch if and when she makes any headway.
As you wish. Maliit is going to continue working on the other DVDs... she'll be in touch if and when she makes any headway.
True. But at the very least, this information helps to establish where all of that money is coming from.
No. It isn't. But it doesn't change what we have to do... we're still going to have to find Vauclair, however large the dragon's conspiracy.
I can't name an exact figure. But we're talking about a *lot* of money... in the millions of nuyen, most certainly.

Whatever the Firewing is planning, she has access to all the resources she'll need to carry it out.
{{GM}}Amsel calls over his shoulder at the sound of your approach. His eyes are glued to his computer's display.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). Frau Müller should be on her way, but before you go to the meeting site, I have news...

{{GM}}He glances at you, and his words trail off.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Upon seeing the expression on your face, Amsel's voice becomes grave.{{/GM}}

It can wait. Tell me what has happened.
I had some trouble on the U-Bahn. Somebody set up an ambush.
Nothing much. Got attacked by a bunch of idiots who didn't know who they were messing with. They lost.
Bad news, my friend... somebody is hunting us. They set up an ambush on the U-Bahn line.
{{GM}}Amsel pauses, then gives a curt nod.{{/GM}}

Truth be told, I've been expecting that something like this might happen.

I'm just glad that you made it out alive.
{{GM}}Hand over the Encrypted PDA.{{/GM}} One of the attackers dropped this.
{{GM}}Amsel takes the PDA from you and examines it.{{/GM}}

Yes... yes, I should be able to extract some information from this. Give me a moment.
He plugs the PDA in to his computer and goes to work. A few moments later, he lets out a grunt of dismay.
Well, $(l.name), I *was* able to recover a file... but unfortunately, that's all that I'll ever be able to pull off of this thing.

All that anyone will, truth be told.
It must have been running some kind of counterintrusion software. The instant that I gained access, it bricked itself.

{{GM}}Amsel disconnects the useless PDA and drops it to the ground. It clatters to a rest on the metal floor.{{/GM}}
What did you manage to pull off of it?
One whole file? Nice job, Paul.
Damn it. We're in trouble enough already... we can't afford to lose what few leads we have.
A comm file. The audio is all here, but it looks like we've only got video from one side of the conversation.

Let's see what we have...

{{GM}}He opens the file, and a nightmarishly familiar face appears on the screen.{{/GM}}
Bachmeier.

{{GM}}The voice bleats out from Amsel's speakers, filling the room.{{/GM}}

Audran here. What's your status?
{{GM}}Bachmeier's image is garbled, but his voice sounds young and eager.{{/GM}}

Target acquired, sir. You were right... we spotted $(l.him) on the U-Bahn, just like you said. Probably on $(l.hisher) way to a job.
As per your instructions, we're gonna try to take $(l.him) out on $(l.hisher) way back. $+(l.he)'ll be more vulnerable that way.

Hopefully injured and low on ammo, too, but only time will tell.
Good man. Proceed as instructed.
Will do. Kossmann is rigging up an ambush spot now.

We'll try to make it quick.
{{GM}}The ork with the nightmare face nods.{{/GM}}

Send me a comm when the job is done.

Audran out.
The image on the computer screen dies.

Amsel turns to face you.
Well. Our scarred friend makes an appearance.

$(l.name)... I suspect that Green Winters' predictions are coming true. I believe that Feuerschwinge is behind this.
{{GM}}Under Amsel's patient exterior, you can feel the worry that's eating at him.{{/GM}}

Be on your guard. You, and the rest of your team.

You made it through this attack relatively unscathed, but next time, you might not be so lucky.
At least now we have a name to put to the face. Audran.
We'll be fine. I carried us through this attack, I'll carry us through the next.
Don't worry, Paul. I will.
That's not all we have. As I was saying when you first walked in, I have been productive as well.

I was able to uncover some new evidence in your absence. And coincidentally enough, that evidence pertains to our scarred friend.
You might recall that I said I'd dig into Audran's skin grafts. Well, I did, and that search has finally borne fruit.

One of my contacts outside of Berlin handles the paperwork for private hospitals all across Germany. It's a dull, boring job, but it does have its perks.
{{GM}}Amsel pulls open a file on his computer. A medical chart opens up on the screen.{{/GM}}

As it turns out, our scarred friend's skin grafts *were* performed at a legitimate hospital, after all.
{{CC}}Biotech: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}}{{GM}}Read the charts.{{/GM}}
Some good news for once. What do they say?
What's the takeaway?
You glance over the the chart with a trained eye.

A few salient details leap out at you.
Firstly, there is almost no personally identifying information listed on the chart. Apparently, Audran was delivered to the hospital without any form of ID, and they were unable to find a listing for him in their medical database.

His name is listed as "Max Mustermann" - the local equivalent of "John Doe."
Secondly, his injuries are described in great detail. The prognosis was fairly grim; at the time of admission, Audran had sustained third degree burns over sixty percent of his body.

He had also been on the receiving end of massive blunt force trauma. Two of his ribs were broken, and his pelvis had been shattered.
On top of these terrible wounds, he was also suffering from radiation toxicity. The charts suggest that his body had absorbed over 5,000 millisieverts of ionizing radiation.

Without treatment, he almost certainly would have died.
Finally, the date of admission catches your attention. Audran was delivered to the hospital on the 25th of September, 2039. The admitting nurse estimated his age at the time to be 25.
{{GM}}Amsel studies your face as you step back from the computer.{{/GM}}

Your thoughts? Hold nothing back... I'd like to hear everything that comes to mind.
Audran might have spent some time in the SOX. That radiation poisoning didn't happen on its own.
Well, those burns sound like dragonfire. But if the Firewing burned Audran, why would he be working for her now?
The hospital couldn't ID Audran. Either somebody covered his tracks for him, or he was living completely off the grid.
Agreed. 5,000 milisieverts is a lot of exposure.

Short of basking in the glow of an unshielded reactor, I don't know how he'd have absorbed that much ionizing radiation *without* spending time in the SOX.
So, to sum up: Audran has probably spent time in the SOX.

It's possible that he even lived there, as a member of Feuerschwinge's dragon cult.

And he is after you.
{{GM}}Amsel pauses for a moment before continuing.{{/GM}}

In my mind, all of this reinforces one fact: we need to find Vauclair, and we need to do it fast.
The hell with that! I'm gonna go find Audran and take him down.
Wait, how does that follow?
Good. And that's all the more reason to gather Alice's fee as quickly as possible.
{{GM}}There is a buzzing sound from Paul's wrist. He lifts his hand to look at his PDA.{{/GM}}

...And, as luck would have it, Frau Müller has arrived.

Best of luck at the meeting, $(l.name). Remember... this is urgent. We *need* that money.
We need to find Vauclair, and we need to do it fast.

All the more reason to gather Alice's fee as quickly as possible.
If he should wander into your crosshairs between now and our attack on Feuerschwinge, then by all means, take him out. But I don't think that you're likely to get the opportunity.

It's far more likely that he'll continue throwing his men at you until one of them scores a lucky shot.
We need to continue forward with our plan to hit the Harfeld Manor. Taking down the Firewing - and her lapdog - is the only way to guarantee that these attacks will cease.

But before we do that, it is imperative that we find Vauclair.
All the more reason to gather Alice's fee quickly, then.
The Firewing's men just made an attempt on your life, $(l.name). It is clear from the message we just saw that Audran sent them out looking for you.

Given enough time, he'll do it again. And next time, they might be more successful.
We must act before that happens. But before we venture back to the Harfeld Manor, we need to find Vauclair.
All right, so Audran was heavily irradiated, most likely from time spent in the SOX.

What else does this tell you?
I don't think that Audran is working for the Firewing.

I believe that he is *serving* her.
On Green Winters' second DVD, he mentions that there is a cult within the SOX that worships the Firewing. The "Disciples of the Cleaning Fire."

I believe that Audran belongs to this cult.
What difference would that make?
That's bad news. There's nothing more dangerous than a zealot.
In my experience, a zealot is unlikely to shed his allegiance to his goddess... even if that loyalty comes at great personal cost.
So... it is possible that Audran is a dragon cultist. This seems to fit with much of the other information that we've uncovered.

Did any other red flags jump out at you?
My thoughts exactly. A hireling can sometimes be bribed or reasoned with; a pawn can be liberated. But if the Firewing's soldiers look upon her as a goddess-figure, nothing short of killing her will deter them... and even that might not stop them.
Indeed. If Audran were a denizen of the SOX - a glowpunk - his lack of identifying information would make sense.

{{GM}}Amsel adjusts his glasses.{{/GM}}

It's a working theory, at any rate.
So... one way or another, Audran is off the books, either due to living off the grid or a cover-up after the fact.

Do you have another take-away to share?
Well. They're rather light on identifying information... our friend's name is listed as "Max Mustermann," the local equivalent of "John Doe."

But they do cover his injuries in great detail.
Audran's injuries were extensive. He had two broken ribs and a shattered pelvis, and he had sustained third degree burns over sixty percent of his body.

Most damningly of all, he was suffering from acute radiation poisoning. His body had absorbed over 5,000 millisieverts of ionizing radiation... a lethal dose without treatment.
The information dries up at this point. We know that he was treated and discharged, but what happened afterward remains a mystery.

{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, studying your reaction.{{/GM}}

Your thoughts? Hold nothing back... I'd like to hear everything that comes to mind.
The charts are light on identifying information. Our friend's name is listed as "Max Mustermann," the local equivalent of "John Doe."

But they do cover his injuries in great detail.
Your overconfidence is alarming, but not unexpected.

I just hope that it doesn't wind up getting your team killed.
I said we'll be fine. Now... you said that you had something for me when I first came in. What was that about?
Well. As I was saying when you first approached, I was able to uncover some new evidence in your absence.

And coincidentally enough, that evidence pertains to our scarred friend.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Good. I expected nothing less.
{{GM}}Amsel adjusts his glasses. Straightens his posture.{{/GM}}

Now, $(l.name)... on to other - albeit connected - matters.

As I was saying when you first approached, I was able to uncover some new evidence in your absence. And coincidentally enough, that evidence pertains to our scarred friend.
{{GM}}He shakes his head in exasperation.{{/GM}}

Your attitude is trying, $(l.name). This is *serious.* I'd expect that you'd treat it as such.
You're right. I'm sorry, Paul... please, go on.
Maybe I'll let Blitz take a crack at the next PDA we find. Old people are bad with computers.
Just trying to lighten the mood. Keep talking, I'm listening.
Very well.

I managed to pull a file off of the PDA before it crashed. As I was saying.

It looks to be a comm file. The audio is all here, but we've only got video from one side of the conversation.

{{GM}}He opens the file, and a nightmarishly familiar face appears on the screen.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}His eyes shoot daggers at you.{{/GM}}

That would be a mistake. But it's your call.

Now, do you want to hear what I pulled off of the PDA, or not?
Go for it.
No, we can't. But as I said, I did manage to copy a file, so it's not a complete loss.

It looks to be a comm file... the audio is all here, but we've only got video from one side of the conversation.

{{GM}}He opens the file, and a nightmarishly familiar face appears on the screen.{{/GM}}
I see. And these... idiots... did they drop anything that could be of use? Any identifying information?
{{GM}}Hand over the Encrypted PDA.{{/GM}} One of them dropped this.
As you step forward, the rest of your team falls silent.

Amsel shifts his attention to you. You can see the worry on his face.
$(l.name). I have new information.

I'm afraid that the news isn't good.
So you said over the comm. Go on, we're listening.
Skip the preamble and tell us what you've learned.
Yeah, I can tell. You've gathered the whole team.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Yes. This is something that you all need to hear.
Well, go on. We're listening.
Two years ago, a large shipment of a highly lethal, radioactive bio-weapon disappeared en-route to a storage facility in Dresden. The weapon was designated "X-15."

I have traced the path of the missing shipment. It was delivered to the Harfeld Manor.
Well, that sounds... horrible.
It is. I've heard of this stuff before. Back in the service, we called it "Doom."

I've never run across it in the wild, but I've heard enough horror stories to know that I don't want to.
The stories that you've heard are correct. This... "Doom"... is an extremely dangerous substance.

{{GM}}He gestures to a technical document on his computer's display.{{/GM}}

I've been reading up.
To this day, the story of Doom remains a cautionary tale in biotech circles.

Monoclonal antibody technology is strictly regulated now, and this substance is one of the reasons why.
What does this stuff do, exactly?
{{GM}}Amsel clears his throat and reads aloud from the information on his screen.{{/GM}}

"Doom kills by destroying a host's muscle tissue via radioactive decay.
"Each individual Doom antibody is bound to a radioactive Bismuth-212 isotope. When introduced into a host, these antibodies bind to surface-level muscle tissue. The tissue is then killed with alpha radiation.

"This process repeats itself until the host wastes away and dies."
{{GM}}Eiger nods grimly.{{/GM}}

I've heard that Doom was deployed in a couple of border skirmishes back in '41. After seeing what it did to people up-close, the UCAS passed a unilateral ban on the stuff.

If that doesn't tell you how bad it is, nothing will.
Okay. So, I hesitate to ask, but... what would a dragon want with this drek?
Nothing good.
That much goes without saying.

This development worries me, $(l.name). It worries me greatly.
So the dragon has a bio-weapon. All right, good to know. But that doesn't change what we need to do.
If the dragon is stockpiling bioweapons, we've got a even bigger problem than we thought on our hands.
I'm looking at the big picture here, and I don't like what I see.
I'm with $(l.name) on this one. This is interesting... scary, even. But it doesn't actually change anything.
I mean, it ups the stakes if the Firewing's allowed to carry out her plans... whatever those might be. But we're gonna stop her before that happens.

That was always the plan. Far as I'm concerned, it's still the plan now.
I agree with Dietrich. We need to focus on what's in front of us.

Whatever the dragon's larger plans might be, the fact is that she is after *us.* We shouldn't let ourselves get distracted by anything else.
{{GM}}Amsel is slow to respond. Finally, he nods.{{/GM}}

Yes... I concur. For the time being, we must continue forward.

And that means that you must continue working toward raising Alice's fee.
I'll leave the matter in your capable hands, $(l.name).

When you've acquired the necessary funds and are ready to head back out to the Rabbit Hole, let me know. From there, we will discuss our next steps.
{{GM}}Eiger nods.{{/GM}}

Good. If you need me, I'll be getting prepped for the next run.
Right behind you, love.

{{GM}}Dietrich casts a backward glance at Glory. If any of this has had an impact on her, she doesn't show it.{{/GM}}

C'mon, Glory, let's go.
Now, you never got back to me about Frau Müller. How did the meeting go?
{{GM}}There is a moment of silence. Then Dietrich speaks up.{{/GM}}

Well, in my book, this doesn't change anything.
Okay. So, I hesitate to ask, but... what would a dragon want with this stuff?
I have nothing new for you, $(l.name), and we have no time to waste.

You have Alice's money, and we *need* that information. Get to the Rabbit Hole, and hurry back... we must find Vauclair before the Firewing finds us!
$(l.name). A job well done, as usual... and the plan has worked swimmingly, I might add.

I am already patched in to the Knight Errant comm system. If and when they summon their High Threat Response Team, I will know it.
As soon as you're finished resupplying, I'd recommend heading directly to the Jewühl District.
Jewühl District?
I take it that's where the Azzie facility is?
Got it.
A commercial district shared by a variety of competing corporate interests. Aztechnology controls the largest share of the district, including the major utilities that serve it.

You will find the facility that you'll be raiding there.
Considering the level of security that Azetechnology is running, I wouldn't count on medical evac being available on this run. In fact, I'd bet against it.

That means that if anyone falls unconscious in there, they'll be buried when the building collapses. Obviously, you can't let that happen.

I'd suggest stocking up on medical supplies before leaving the Kreuzbasar.
No medevac for this run. Got it.
Noted. I'll buy out Ezkibel's supply of Medkits and BuMoNa contracts.
One last thing, $(l.name). Frau Müller sent me a message while you were on the OTK run.

She says that when you reach the sub-basement of the facility, you will find a security door. This door's maglocks can be opened via a voiceprint recognition system.

Apparently, Frau Müller surreptitiously recorded your meeting. She claims that she has added your voiceprint to the Aztechnology database.
What does that mean for me?
All right, go on.
If our client is to be believed, you will have the necessary access to open the door. The rest of your team, however, will not.

When you reach that door, I'd recommend grouping up. Only you can open it, and there's no saying what you'll find on the other side.
Frau Müller didn't tell you?
I'm not crazy about all of these new details coming in. She should have briefed me about all of this earlier.
Unfortunately, no. Since your meeting, her messages have been... erratic.

In truth, I'm not sure that she knows. But she was very clear about one thing: you're going to have to get past that door to reach the generators.
Go now, $(l.name). We need to strike while the iron is hot.
Agreed. Our "Frau Müller" is clearly out of her depth.

That said, we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place. We desperately need the money she's paying for this job, and we've already committed ourselves by attacking OTK.
Despite Frau Müller's lack of professionalism, we need to press forward.

And that means that you're going to need to get past that door.
{{GM}}Amsel nods.{{/GM}}

That is correct. The Azzies control the majority of the district, and you will find their research facility at the heart of it.
Once you arrive, I'll do my best to keep you appraised of Knight Errant's movements. Finding a quiet way into the facility will be your job... without eyes on the ground, I'm afraid that I won't be of much help.
Welcome back, $(l.name). How did the meeting with Frau Müller go?
I accepted the job. Any ideas on how to tackle this?
I rejected her proposal. There were too many variables in play.
Yes, a few. Frau Müller has provided us with detailed information on the facility. I've vetted the information, and it seems to hold up.

Based on this intel, I have formulated what I believe will be an effective strategy to bring down the building.
According to Müller's intel, the facility is extraordinarily well-guarded.

Whatever this "Bloodline" project is, the Azzies have spared no expense to defend it.
The facility is patrolled by Aztechnology's internal security personnel. On their own, they would pose a challenge, but I don't doubt that you could brute-force your way through them.
Unfortunately, they will not be on their own. Aztechnology has purchased one of Knight Errant's more expensive security contracts as an additional line of defense.
That's not good.
I've fought Knight Errant before. They don't scare me.
So kicking in the front door is out, then.
No. It is not.
Knight Errant is too dangerous to take on directly. But if we were to compromise their commlinks, we could at least partially mitigate this danger.
I've pulled some strings with an old contact of mine, and he's provided me with the address of a small software developer. OTK International.

They write the firmware updates for Knight Errant's comm systems, and their defenses should be considerably weaker than Aztechnology's.
My contact has informed me that OTK stores an off-site hard copy of every firmware update it develops for data security purposes.

My suggestion is this: you hit the offices of OTK International and reduce their computers to slag. In the interim, I will have the hard copy of their next update replaced with a compromised version.
When OTK's next update goes live, our compromised version will be pushed out to Knight Errant.

When you hit the Aztechnology facility, I'll be able to track Knight Errant via their commlinks. This should make the run much more manageable.
{{GM}}He fishes in his pocket for something. A moment later, he produces a corporate ID with your face on it.{{/GM}}

This will get you through the front door of the office park that contains OTK International.

My contact was only able to provide me with the one card, so you'll need to let the rest of your team in through a side door.
All right, sounds like a plan.
I'd rather just hit the Aztechnology facility directly. I can handle whatever they can throw at me.
I'm beginning to rethink this.
Very good. OTK's offices aren't far from here... you should take the U-Bahn there when you're ready.
No, $(l.name). You can't.

Even if, through some minor miracle, you managed to get past Aztechnology's internal security *and* Knight Errant's High Threat Response Team, your chances of survival would still be close to zero.

Aztechnology is well-known for its practice of blood magic.
Your best chance for success will be going in quietly. And your best chance of avoiding unwanted attention will be in taking my suggestion and hitting OTK first.
{{GM}}Amsel shrugs.{{/GM}}

As team leader, that is your prerogative. You may pursue other contracts instead if you wish. But remember... this job pays well, and we need the money.

You can reach the offices of OTK International via the U-Bahn if you change your mind.
You've never been up against one of their High Threat Response Teams.

Be thankful for that, $(l.name).
{{GM}}Amsel nods.{{/GM}}

I should say so.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

It's your call. I will leave the file in the mission computer in case you change your mind.
{{GM}}Amsel nods at your approach.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). Have you met with Frau Müller?
Yes, I just spoke with her.
Good. We can discuss the specifics of that in a moment. But before we do, you must tell me whatever you can about this ambush.

Assuming that it wasn't a random attack, this event could signify a dangerous level of escalation in our predicament.
First off, could you describe the ambushers to me?
They looked like they came from the same organization that we bumped into at the holdfast... the security team that confronted us after Monika died.
$(l.name).

{{GM}}Amsel peers at you apprehensively. His eyes are bloodshot, his expression grim.{{/GM}}

Did you get the information about Green Winters?		 $(l.name).

{{GM}}Amsel vous examine avec appréhension. Ses yeux sont injectés de sang, son expression sinistre.{{/GM}}

As-tu obtenu des informations à propos de Green Winters?
Yes, I spoke to Altuğ. He gave me this memory stick.
Let us see what his agent has to say.

{{GM}}Amsel snatches the memory stick from your hand and slots it into his computer terminal.{{/GM}}
He navigates a series of command line menus and a wall of amber text floods the screen.

Amsel scans it, mouthing the words as his eyes flit back and forth.
Burakgazi’s agent tailed Green Winters to a hotel in a cesspool of a kiez called "Drogenkippe".
The hotel is called Das Kesselhaus. It is a renovated factory nestled deep in the heart of Drogenkippe.

It appears that Winters is holed up there.
Recently, there was some… contention between two gangs over control of this neighborhood.

Due to the gang violence, the agent refused to follow Winters inside of the hotel, but he confirms that he is still inside.
Well, what are we waiting for?

{{GM}}Eiger slings her rifle over her shoulder with a single, spare motion.{{/GM}}

Gear up, people. We have a hotel to raid.
Glory and Dietrich pause. Exchange looks with Paul.
Just a moment, Eiger.

{{GM}}Amsel rises from his chair, drawing himself to full height. Even so, he has to crane his neck to look her in the eye.{{/GM}}

You are an excellent soldier, and nobody questions your competence in the field. Your loyalty to this team is equally commendable.
That said, we believe that $(l.name) is the right choice to lead the team.
{{GM}}There is a long pause before Eiger speaks. When she does, her voice comes out dull and flat.{{/GM}}

What.
Don't mistake this decision for a reprimand. Monika considered your contributions to the team to be invaluable.
...but we all know that she wasn't comfortable putting a soldier in charge.
{{GM}}Eiger speaks through clenched teeth. Her words are measured, but her expression is livid.{{/GM}}

This is unbelievable.
You want to put the rookie in charge.

Again.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

Don’t you people *learn* from your mistakes?
$(l.name) is the reason we’re still alive, Eiger.
*$+(l.he)* kept us together. *$+(l.he)* led us out of there in one piece.
...Making him your golden boy.

{{GM}}She sounds tired. Resigned. But above all, disappointed.{{/GM}}

This is more of your Flux-State idiocy at work, isn't it?
{{GM}}Dietrich reaches out. Puts his hand on her shoulder.{{/GM}}

It's what Monika believed in.
{{GM}}Eiger’s voice tightens. For a moment, her control slips and her face contorts in grief.{{/GM}}

Yeah, and look where that got her.
{{GM}}She straightens to her full height.{{/GM}}

Let me give you a piece of advice. In the field, only two things matter: the mission, and survival. Everything else is a distraction.

Your ridiculous politics have no place on a shadowrun.
{{GM}}Dietrich manages a smile.{{/GM}}

What can I say? We’re German.

We have a history of strong political views.
{{GM}}Eiger sighs. The tone of resignation returns to her voice.{{/GM}}

Screw it. Let’s put an end to this.
I’ve got the skill and experience to lead this team.

$(l.name), on the other hand, was appointed by Monika as a joke.
If you’d rather $(l.he) take the lead, I’ll abide by that.

But I want to hear each of you say it.
They already have. You just weren't listening.
C'mon, Eiger. Give it a rest.
I've no quarrel with you, Eiger. I'll do as the group wishes.
This is a waste of time. We should be out looking for Green Winters.
*You* stay *out* of this.

{{GM}}She stabs an armored finger into your chest. Hard.{{/GM}}
The moment she raises her hand to you, Dante’s ears lay back and he lets out a low growl.

Reflexively, she takes a half-step back.
I think we’ve heard what Dante has to say.
As for my part... $(l.name) saved our lives back there. You may not believe it, but $(l.he) did.

The way I see it, that means I follow $(l.hisher) lead a while longer.
{{GM}}Glory's voice is uncharacteristically gentle.{{/GM}}

I trust in Monika's judgment. Therefore I trust in $(l.name)'s judgment.
The discussion is finished, Eiger.

{{GM}}Amsel speaks softly, but his tone is firm.{{/GM}}
$(l.name) will take Monika’s place as the leader of this team.
Monika's death deserves vengeance. I intend to see it done.
We're in over our heads. But whatever we stumbled into tonight, I'll see us through it.
I'll do whatever it takes to keep this team and Monika's legacy alive. That includes taking your advice, Eiger.
Running the shadows is simple: work, survive, get paid. I plan to keep us alive long enough to find a payday at the end of this tunnel.
Great. Hey Eiger, could you grab me a soykaf?
{{GM}}He nods. There's a dangerous glimmer in his eye.{{/GM}}

Understatement of the year, $(l.name). Someone's gonna pay, and pay hard.
Glory nods in agreement.
Eiger looks from Dietrich, to Glory, to Amsel. Finally, down at Dante. Then she sighs.
Glory and Dietrich nod in agreement.

Dante nudges your leg with his head.
All right. Fine.

{{GM}}She shakes her head in exasperation. Her voice is heavy with defeat.{{/GM}}

Looks like the rookie's in charge. Again.
It's time to move on. We need to focus on chasing down Green Winters.
We can talk about this more later, Eiger. For now, we have more important things to deal with.
Indeed. I have transferred the information that we received from Altuğ to the computer terminal in the next room.

It used to be Monika's personal workstation, $(l.name). Now it is yours. Monika kept a variety of notes and dossiers on that machine. I would suggest reviewing her notes when you have the time.
{{GM}}Amsel turns his attention away from you and back to his computer screen.{{/GM}}

Good hunting. I will eagerly await your return.
I wouldn't suggest driving to Drogenkippe.... the roads aren't safe.

Taking the U-Bahn would be faster, anyway.
Thanks for the tip, Eiger. The U-Bahn it is.
When I want your opinion, I'll ask for it.
Eiger nods, then turns to check her equipment. The rest of the group disperses in turn.
Eiger exhales heavily, but says nothing.

She turns away from you to begin checking her equipment.
{{GM}}Dietrich leans in to whisper into your ear.{{/GM}}

She's right, friend. Driving in Berlin is generally a bad idea.
...So's shooting down a teammate like that - especially in front the rest of the group.

Just a word of advice.
{{GM}}Eiger's expression remains stony, but she gives you a small nod.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Okay.
I have transferred the information that we received from Altuğ to the computer terminal in the next room.

It used to be Monika's personal workstation, $(l.name). Now it is yours. Monika kept a variety of notes and dossiers on that machine. I would suggest reviewing her notes when you have the time.
Glory and Dietrich nod in agreement.
{{GM}}Eiger gives you a small nod.{{/GM}}

That's big of you.
{{GM}}She looks from Dietrich, to Glory, to Amsel. Finally, down at Dante. Then she sighs.{{/GM}}

I don't agree with this decision. But I *will* respect it.
{{GM}}She nods again, more decisively this time.{{/GM}}

$(l.name) takes the lead, then. Conversation closed.
{{GM}}Eiger's eyes narrow.{{/GM}}

Do *not* fuck with me.
{{GM}}She looks from Dietrich, to Glory, to Amsel. Finally, down at Dante.{{/GM}}
...Making her your number-one girl.

{{GM}}She sounds tired. Resigned. But above all, disappointed.{{/GM}}

This is more of your Flux-State idiocy at work, isn't it?
Then please, continue working. We need to find that man.
$(l.name). You should probably be getting ready for your trip to Das Kesselhaus... time is short.
$(l.name). Greetings.

{{GM}}Amsel peers at you through a battered old pair of wire-rimmed glasses. There is something gentle about the man; with his silver hair and his tweed jacket, he looks more like an aging Art History professor than he does like a criminal go-between.{{/GM}}

Is there something that I can do for you?
I pulled some paydata from the Aztechnology facility, but I can't read it. Any ideas?
I sent a man named Quorin to talk to you. He runs things in a neighboring kiez. They're on hard times, and I promised them some rations.
I need your password to transfer Alice's payment onto a credstick.
I'm ready to go see Alice, Paul. Give me the password.
I'd like to ask you about another member of the team.
Got a question for you about the Kreuzbasar.
I don't need anything. Sorry to have bothered you.
Oh? Let me see.

{{GM}}Amsel glances at the files on your PDA. After a moment, he looks back up at you with a raised eyebrow.{{/GM}}

These files... I can't read them, but I have my suspicions. I believe that you walked out of that facility with the very information that Frau Müller wanted you to destroy.
I strongly suggest that you delete this, $(l.name). From what Müller told us, this information is dangerous.

But if you're determined to know what it says, you could try the talismonger, Aljernon.

I have no doubt that he can translate it for you.
Ah, Quorin. Of the Rabengeister. Yes, in fact I received a message from this man just a short while ago.

If this is your wish, I will work with Samuel to coordinate a shipment of surplus rations to Gesundbrunnen.
I did hear about Gunari's missing shipments, by the way.

If we are to aid Quorin, then I trust that our... misunderstandings... with the Rabengeister have been resolved?
Yes, and I hope we've made some new allies as well. Today it's Gesundbrunnen on hard times, but tomorrow it might be the Kreuzbasar.
Yes, we shouldn't need to worry about the Rabengeister any more. Extra rations are a small price to pay to keep our shipments secure.
A wise move, $(l.name). I think Monika would be proud.
Very well, I shall make the arrangements. I'm glad you were able to retrieve Gunari's shipment without needless violence.

Good work.
Now, is there anything else I can help you with?
True enough.
{{GM}}Amsel sucks in a deep breath. He suddenly looks as though an enormous weight has been lifted from his shoulders.{{/GM}}

Yes. Very good. Excellent, in fact.

This has been a long time coming, $(l.name).
You're telling me.
You don't have to tell me how long it's been, old man. I've been working my ass off to raise this money.
Yes, it has... too long.
{{GM}}Amsel turns to open a file on his computer.{{/GM}}

All right, $(l.name). Before you make this transfer, there are a few things that you should know.
Firstly, this is a one-way operation. Once the funds have been transferred to the credstick, the only person who will be able to access them is Alice.

As far as the team is concerned, the money will simply disappear.
Well, it's not like we were planning on doing anything else with it anyway. Keep going.
Are you sure that we can trust Alice?
Hang on. I don't like the sound of that.
Secondly, once you make your way to the Rabbit Hole with the funds, it's go time. I trust that you understand what I mean by that.
Go ahead and clarify it for me.
Yeah, yeah, I've got it. It's pretty self-explanatory, Paul.
We drop everything and head straight to the Rabbit Hole.
What I mean is that retrieving Alice's information will be your *only* priority. No more distractions, and no more side work.

I will busy myself canceling your remaining jobs and smoothing any ruffled feathers.
Makes sense. Anything else?
All right, keep going. I don't have all day.
Isn't that a bit... premature? We don't even know what Alice has come up with.
Just that you need to be sure before committing to this.

Time is important. A great dragon wants us dead, and that is not a thing to take lightly. But you shouldn't return to the Rabbit Hole until you are prepared to *act.* If you have any doubts, then I'd urge you to wait.
I understand. I'm ready to proceed.
On second thought, I don't think we're ready for this yet.
{{GM}}He breathes a sigh of relief.{{/GM}}

Excellent. The password is "VOLKLINGEN."'
Once you are en route to the Rabbit Hole with the funds for Alice's payment, I will cancel the team's remaining obligations.
Understood.
Yeah, Paul, I know. I was listening the first time.
I have to say, $(l.name)... this lifts an enormous weight off of my shoulders.

When Monika brought you on board, I was initially unsure about you. I would never have said that to anyone else, of course... but I kept you under a watchful eye.

I can see now that I needn't have doubted her judgment. She chose her successor well.
Now please, go fetch the information from Alice.

{{GM}}He claps a hand on your shoulder.{{/GM}}

We're one step closer to surviving this mess.
You know, $(l.name)... I have no idea why Monika chose you as a friend. You are rude, condescending, and arrogant.

But your skills in the shadows are unparalleled. And for that, I suppose, I am thankful.
Now, please, $(l.name). Go get the information that we've paid for, and keep your opinions to yourself.

With Vauclair's location in hand, we'll be one step closer to surviving this mess.
It's your call, $(l.name). But remember, we are on a tight timetable. Even now, the Firewing's agents could be closing in on us.

Make your preparations, but do it quickly. All of our lives may depend on it.
Speak with me again when you are ready to transfer the funds. Until then, I will leave you be.
None of us do. But you need to be sure of what you're doing before you commit to this.

Time is important. A great dragon wants us dead, and that is not a thing to take lightly. But you shouldn't return to the Rabbit Hole until you are prepared to *act.* If you have any doubts, then I'd urge you to wait.
In for a penny, in for a pound, $(l.name). I am confident that Alice will provide us with useful information. With the Firewing hunting us, I'd go so far as to say that we've all staked our lives on that presumption.

When we have Vauclair's location in hand, we need to be ready to strike. None of your other obligations matter compared to that.
All right, I guess that makes sense. Anything else?
Keep going, old man. I don't have all day.
All right. Just remember: once you leave to see Alice, her information will be your *only* priority. No more distractions, and no more side work.

I will busy myself canceling your remaining jobs and smoothing any ruffled feathers.
Correct. Once you've left to see Alice, her information will be your *only* priority. No more distractions, and no more side work.

I will busy myself canceling your remaining jobs and smoothing any ruffled feathers.
I am. Believe me, her reputation in the shadow community is worth far more to her than fifty thousand nuyen.

She will deliver the information that she promised.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Besides, what other choice do we have? We cannot run, and money will do us little good if we're dead.
I suppose that's true. Okay, keep going... what was the second thing?
Yeah, well, I don't have to like it.
Neither do I, but we don't have a choice. Alice specified that the payment *must* come on this stick... we're between a rock and a hard place on that count.

We need this information. All other concerns will have to be secondary.
All right. Keep going. What was the second thing?
I'm still not happy about this.
That is your prerogative. But it's the way it has to be.

{{GM}}He pauses a moment to let the point sink in before continuing.{{/GM}}

Moving forward. Once you're en route to the Rabbit Hole, it's go time. I trust that you understand what I mean by that.
{{GM}}Amsel bristles slightly, but keeps his cool.{{/GM}}

Yes. Of course. You've raised Alice's fee with admirable expedience, despite your obvious social... issues.

But I am very much looking forward to bringing this entire sorry episode to a close.
Now, before you go see Alice, there are a few things that you should know.

Pay attention to this, $(l.name). It's important.
{{GM}}He claps a hand on your shoulder.{{/GM}}

Well, my friend. The wait is over now.
{{GM}}Amsel withdraws his hand and turns to open a file on his computer.{{/GM}}

All right. Before you go see Alice, there are a few things that you should know.
{{GM}}Amsel raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Are you absolutely sure?

Again, I will cancel all of your remaining jobs once you've left for the Rabbit Hole.
Yes. We're ready. Lay it on me.
On second thought, no.
Very well. Come back when you're ready.
If you have questions about your teammates, I'd recommend checking your mission computer... I know that Monika wrote dossiers on each of them.

{{GM}}Amsel's voice is sad.{{/GM}}

She'd be the best qualified to tell you about their capabilities, anyway.
A little slice of heaven, isn't it? What can I tell you about our kiez?
I need to stock up for our next job.
I'd like to get your take on some of the other people in the Kreuzbasar.
Where can I sell paydata found on a run?
Never mind, I've got it covered on my own.
As luck would have it, there are a variety of individuals within the Kreuzbasar who can help you with that. Some are even reputable.

What are you looking for?
Guns. Lots of them. Mil-spec if possible.
Tech. Decks, rigs, drones... that kind of thing.
Cyberware. I could use some new chrome.
Magic. Is there a decent talismonger around here?
Drugs. I need some combat stims.
Caffeine. Where can I get a decent cup of soykaf?
Nothing, I'll go exploring on my own time.
You'll want to talk to the Mettbachs. Old Gunari is a hard man, but he'll cut you a fair deal as long as you treat his people with respect.

Look for the Romani caravans on the east side of town.
Is there something else that I can help you find?
There's a little shop down the road that you might want to try... check out the "Data Haven" on the west end of town.

The owner ran jobs for me seven or eight years ago, she's well-connected and discreet.
Well-connected and discreet are good. I'll be sure to look her up.
Very good. Is there anything else that you need to know?
If by "decent" you mean "competent," then yes. Around the corner you will find a clinic called "Triage." The owner, Dr. Ezkibel, is a cybersurgeon of some renown. He can see to your needs.
As long as he knows what he's doing, that's good enough for me. Anything beyond that is none of my business anyway.
You don't seem to be overly fond of this Dr. Ezkibel.
Very well.

{{GM}}Amsel nods his head.{{/GM}}

Yes, very good. This is probably the healthiest attitude to take about those who supply our community.
Is it so obvious? Yes, I suppose that it probably is.

I have many friends abroad, $(l.name), and I hear stories from Ezkibel's native Spain that do not incline me to like the man.
That said, there is a difference between a man's deeds and his work.

Ezkibel is, by all accounts, an excellent surgeon. So long as your association with him begins and ends there, I'm sure that you'll get along swimmingly.
Tell me what you've heard from your friends in Spain.
Medical ethics and street docs rarely go hand in hand. So long as he does his job and I get what I pay for, I don't much care what he did back home.
No, I'd rather not. I've said too much already, and it isn't my place to deprive the man of business.

In the end, it doesn't matter what I think of him... when it comes to our suppliers, we don't get to pick and choose. If you want your "chrome," Ezkibel is your only choice.
That is probably wise.
Yes. As it happens, the Kreuzbasar has been blessed with an excellent talismonger.

Search for an unmarked shop with black curtains on the east side of town. The proprietor is a wonderful man with an encyclopedic understanding of the arcane, and his assistant is quite lovely as well.
Wonderful man, lovely assistant, black curtains. Got it.
Does this proprietor have a name?
Do you need anything more?
He is an elf named Aljernon.

If the assistant has a name, I haven't heard it. She's a captivating young woman, but... how to put it?

A bit strange, I suppose. She has a peculiar manner and extraordinary eyes. You will have to see for yourself.
{{GM}}Amsel lets out a weary sigh.{{/GM}}

Yes, yes. There is a guy. He calls himself "Zaak Flash," and he's more of a street person than anything. If you're looking for drugs, he's the one you should talk to... he can get you what you need if you're willing to put up with him.

One can usually find him crawling around the U-Bahn entrance to the northwest.
As luck would have it, there is an excellent soykaf shop just outside. If you are willing to splash out, the proprietor, Mr. Altuğ Burakgazi, has genuine coffee from his native Turkey.

Such luxuries are rare, even in Berlin. It's well worth the cost if you can afford it.
Very well. Is there anything else that you need, or...?

{{GM}}Amsel shifts his gaze down to the papers on his desk, then looks you in the eye. He's far too polite to tell you that you're wasting his time, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out what he's thinking.{{/GM}}
Could you tell me about some of the other people around town?
No, I'll let you get back to work. Thanks, Paul.
{{GM}}Amsel returns his attention to the papers scattered across his desk.{{/GM}}

Auf Wiedersehen.
Very well. Where to begin?
Samuel Beckenbauer is a good man. Perhaps a bit xenophobic, but this is to be expected; he stands up for the rights of the Goblinoid races - the orks and the trolls, yes? - and they have been more vilified and victimized than any of the other metahuman breeds.

What is important is that he is a leader and a healer, and that he helps his people.
In the soykaf shop, you will find Jan Goldschmidt. I tell you that you will find him there because he never seems to leave the place. Every time I go for a coffee he is there, sipping on soykaf.

Beyond that, I cannot say what I think of the man. He is a jovial sack of fat. Perhaps if you speak with him, you can learn something more.
Have you any more questions for me, or may I get back to work?
Check the Shadowlands BBS on the mission computer. Monika... she used the bidding service there to sell valuable data.
$(l.name). What can I do for you?
So you're $(l.name), eh? The late Monika Schäfer's replacement.

{{GM}}He looks you up and down, then nods.{{/GM}}

Good. You look the part.
Let me get right to business. My organization would like to retain your services for the indefinite future. But first, we're asking you to go on a trial run - an "audition" of sorts - to prove that you're the right $(l.man) for the job.
Assuming that you complete this trial to our satisfaction, I will then offer you a variety of simple tasks. All of these should be achievable in the course of your everyday business - you won't need to go out of your way or expose yourself to much unnecessary risk.

For each task that you complete, you will be rewarded handsomely, and there will be a bonus if you finish them all.
So, have I piqued your interest?

Will you accept our offer?
Who do you work for? How did you know where to find me?
What does this "audition" pay?
Sure, I'm in.
Thanks, but no thanks. I've got enough on my plate as it is.
My organization knows everything worth knowing in Germany, including this small pond that is Berlin.
It is in our best interests, however, to remain unknown to the world at large.

For the time being, that is all that you need to know.
I can offer you fifteen hundred nuyen, but only if you complete the full audition - the run, and post-run interview - to our satisfaction.

If you fail to perform up to our expectations, you will receive no pay, and no further offers of work.
That isn't much.
Sold.
It's an audition.

The purpose of this trial is for *you* to prove your worth to *us,* not the other way around.
...Of course, you're free to decline if you wish. But know that there are hundreds of runners in Berlin who would kill for the opportunity to work for us.

We came to you because we think that we see a glimmer of potential. If you prove us wrong, we will happily take our offer elsewhere.
Very good.

Assuming that your performance in the audition passes muster, I can foresee a long and fruitful business relationship between us.
Good.

{{GM}}He smiles.{{/GM}}

*Very* good.
Now, on to the task at hand.

There is a man named Aleshire. He is a senior manager at Hermes Eurocom, and a respected figure in his community.

My organization also suspects him of working with pro-corporate extremists. These people are actively working to undermine the Flux State and pave the way for a corporate-controlled Berlin.
My organization has no more desire to see Berlin fall to the corporations than you do. However, we are hesitant to act on our suspicions without proof.

This is where you come in.
Want me to beat the proof out of him?
So you want me to spy on him, then.
You will meet with a team that I've arranged for you, and with their assistance, you will plant surveillance devices in his apartment.

Take the U-Bahn to Frankfurter Tor, and go alone. The rest of your team will meet you there.
{{GM}}He chuckles.{{/GM}}

I like your initiative, but no. Nothing so crude as that.

You will meet with a team that I've arranged for you, and with their assistance, you will plant surveillance devices in his apartment.
Take the U-Bahn to Frankfurter Tor, and go alone. The rest of your team will meet you there.
Sounds simple enough.
Hang on a second. I already have a team.
I don't go on runs with strangers. It's too risky.
For a $(l.man) of your talents, it should be.

The moment that you board the train to Frankfurter Tor, your test will begin. I would advise you to bring what you need in terms of medical supplies and ordinance - once you embark on your trial run, there will be no turning back.
You do, yes. But they are unsuitable for this job.

Remember, this is a test of *your* abilities. Not Eiger's, or Glory's, or Dietrich's.
How do you know their names?
If it's that important to you, I'll work with your team.
The same way that I knew yours.

You will complete this trial with the team that I have assembled, or not at all. It's important for us to know that you're willing to work within these limitations.
So. Will you work within the boundaries that I have described?

Or will you turn down an opportunity that your fellow runners would kill for?
I'll work with your team.
Sorry. This all sounds way too sketchy for me.
Very good.

The moment that you board the train to Frankfurter Tor, your test will begin. I would advise you to bring what you need in terms of medical supplies and ordinance - once you embark on your trial run, there will be no turning back.
After you have planted the devices and verified that they work, come back to me. There will be a brief interview - a post-mortem on the run, if you like - and, assuming that I am satisfied with what I hear, I will pay you your first stipend. Then we will discuss our future options.

Best of luck, $(l.name). We will be watching.
Very pragmatic. But just this once, we're asking you to make an exception.

This job will require a very specific skill set. Your current team does not possess these skills; the one that I have assembled does.
Not directly, no. But we do need to place him under surveillance.

You will meet with a team that I've arranged for you, and with their assistance, you will plant listening devices in his apartment.
{{GM}}His expression hardens.{{/GM}}

Your loss.
If you come to your senses, you know where to find me. I'll be around for a few days.

Until then, good day.
{{GM}}He raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Yes? Have you reconsidered working for us?
Sorry, can't help you.
{{GM}}He spreads his hands.{{/GM}}

Your loss.
You have an audition to attend, $(l.name).

You'll want to get to it.
$(l.name).

Welcome back, and my congratulations on a job well done.
If you wanted Aleshire dead, you could have just said so. I'd have taken the job either way.
You son of a bitch. You never said anything about a bomb!
Thank you. Do you have my pay?
{{GM}}He nods thoughtfully.{{/GM}}

Good to know. But the purpose of this test is to gauge your adaptability.

We need to know that you'll be willing to do what we tell you to do, regardless of your personal feelings on the matter. And we need to know that you'll roll with the punches if circumstances change mid-run.
Many of your colleagues in the shadow community have over-inflated egos. They let their personal feelings interfere with their work.

My organization needs to know that you will see tasks that we assign you through, no matter what.
I won't go against my own principles.
Then you don't belong in the shadows.

This is not a business for bleeding hearts or free-thinkers. The people at the top of the ladder are the decision-makers; people like you and me are nothing more than convenient sets of hands.
The true purpose of the run that you just went on was to test your willingness to adapt to change.

You're still being tested, by the way.
If you work for my organization, you may be asked to do things that you find morally troubling. Sometimes, it might even appear that we are lying to you. But you can take comfort in knowing that everything that we request of you is ultimately for the greater good.
After what happened tonight, how can you expect me to believe that?
Look, Duerr, I don't care what your organization's master plan is. Be as nefarious as you want. As long as I get paid, I'll do the work.
I don't suppose that what you're asking is too different from what I do every day for my corporate clients.
And what is this "greater good"? Define it for me.
I suppose that we are asking you for a leap of faith.

That leap will be well-rewarded, of course. Just imagine the good that you could do with the money that we're offering you. You could make a real difference in the lives of the people of this Kreuzbasar, if you felt so inclined.
To hell with the people of the Kreuzbasar, that money's for me. I'm a shadowrunner, not a charity.
You can't see the big picture. I can't, either - I am, again, just a mouthpiece.

The only ones who know my organization's ultimate ends are its ruling council, and they aren't in the practice of sharing information with their hirelings. But know that they are some of the most intelligent men on this planet, and they place a high priority on social order and stability. And those are good things by anyone's standards.
So.

{{GM}}He stares you in the eye.{{/GM}}

What do you think of all of that?
Every client I've ever worked for has kept secrets. I don't see how this is any different.
I don't like being kept in the dark, but if you pay as well as you say that you do, I can overlook it.
If you're looking for a mindless goon, you came to the wrong $(l.guy).
I think that you'd better get the hell out of my kiez. I don't want to see you again, do you hear me?
{{GM}}After a brief pause, he nods, then reaches forward and places the credstick into your hand.{{/GM}}

Congratulations. You have passed your audition.

Welcome to the payroll.
So what happens now?
Now, we part ways. Don't worry - I'll call you when your services are needed.

{{GM}}He taps a neatly-trimmed fingernail against the earpiece of his commlink.{{/GM}}

When I contact you with a new task, the choice of whether to take it or leave it will be yours.
If you take it, return here and I'll pay you a fair sum for your services.

If you leave it... well, there are some in my organization who will be quite unhappy.
I can't promise you that I'll always be able to accept every job that you offer me.
Good to know. I suppose that I'll be waiting to hear from you, then.
Understandable, but I would strongly advise compliance whenever possible.

There is always some margin for extenuating circumstances; we are nothing if not understanding. But abusing that margin would be unwise.
{{GM}}Duerr glances at his PDA, a high-end model etched with platinum.{{/GM}}

...And with that, I'm afraid that I must bid you good day.

Go now. I'll be in touch.
Very good.

I'll be in touch.
{{GM}}He frowns, and slides the credstick back into his breast pocket.{{/GM}}

A pity. I honestly believed that you had potential.

You have failed your audition. There is nothing more for us to discuss.

Good day.
{{GM}}He smiles thinly.{{/GM}}

Very good. I like a $(l.man) who knows what $(l.he) is, and what $(l.he) wants.

So. What is your takeaway from this discussion? I would like to hear your thoughts.
No. It is not.

Not so different at all.
Plans changed. They sometimes do. Nature of the business.

{{GM}}He reaches into his pocket, and produces a slim plastic rod. A credstick.{{/GM}}

Is that going to be a problem for you?
...No. If I'm doing runs for you, you're the boss.
Yes, it's a problem. You can't pay me enough to violate my own principles, Duerr.
That distinction belongs to my organization's ruling council.

I am a go-between, nothing more.
This is not a business for bleeding hearts or free-thinkers, $(l.name). The people at the top of the ladder are the decision-makers.

People like you and me are nothing more than convenient sets of hands.
I've got it right here.

{{GM}}He reaches into his pocket, and produces a slim plastic rod. A credstick.{{/GM}}

...And the change of plans on the run didn't bother you? Please, be honest.
I'd prefer it if you didn't lie to me in the future. But otherwise, no... I've done worse on runs before.
{{GM}}Shrug.{{/GM}} No. That kind of thing is a part of the job.
That is fair. But if we are to continue working together, you must accept the fact that you might encounter more "changes of plan" like the one that you saw on your test run. An unfortunate cost of doing business, but one that you must be willing to bear.
You see, the true purpose of this test is to gauge your adaptability.

We need to know that you'll be willing to do what we tell you to do, regardless of your personal feelings on the matter. And we need to know that you'll roll with the punches if circumstances change mid-run.
Duerr studies your face for a moment.

A slow smile spreads across his lips, and he nods.
Yes. Yes it is. But you'd be surprised how rare it is to find a shadowrunner who can really *embrace* the principles of their occupation.

Many of your colleagues let their egos get in the way of doing business. They have inflated opinions of the role that they serve.
My employers aren't happy about what happened to Volker Stahl.

Yes, he was a vile man, but he was *our* vile man. In killing him, you have created an unstable situation that could lead to an additional loss of life.
You must understand that there is a good reason for everything that we ask you to do, whether or not we take the time to explain it to you.

In failing to follow our instructions, you've disappointed us and sacrificed your pay. The next time that we ask you to carry out a simple task, consider the monetary and professional rewards of compliance before throwing them away.
It won't happen again.
You weren't there, man. Some stuff went down. Had no choice, really.
The money wasn't worth it. He had to be stopped.
Good. Now, do we have any other business to discuss?
{{GM}}He spreads his arms.{{/GM}}

It isn't my problem. The people who care aren't here, $(l.name)... I am a mouthpiece, nothing more.

Now, do we have any other business to discuss?
The loss of a single chapterhouse isn't going to make a dent in Humanis' strength in this city. In fact, Stahl's death will only make the rest of Humanis even more bloodthirsty.

They'll blame Stahl's death on the metahumans, print up some new propaganda, and paint themselves the victims.
Say whatever you like. I made a difference today.
You've murdered an unarmed figurehead and cleared the path for someone worse to take his place. That's the difference you made.

I hope that it was worth it.
Now, do we have any other business to discuss?
The loss of a single chapterhouse isn't going to make a dent in Humanis' strength in this city. In fact, Stahl's death will only make the rest of Humanis even more bloodthirsty.

The fact that a $(l.race) was responsible is just icing on the cake. They'll print up some new propaganda and paint themselves the victims.
My organization is displeased with your performance in the AG Chemie Europa office. It would have been very easy for you to make some extra nuyen by doing what we asked of you.

Now, do we have any other business to discuss?
It is a shame you were not able to fulfill our request with regards to the Aztechnology executive. Nevertheless, our plans proceed unabated.

Now, do we have any other business to discuss?
Welcome back, runner.
Talked to that exec. He'll fall in line, after he gets his pants thoroughly dry-cleaned.
The Humanis leader is safe. Hope that pays off.
The prototype was delivered safely. Herr Schmidt won't be happy about it, though.
See you around.
{{GM}}He smiles broadly.{{/GM}}

Excellent work. Perhaps you do have a future in this town.

Here is your pay.
It does, for you.

{{GM}}He slips a credstick into your hands.{{/GM}}

Here is your pay.
Leave him to us. And regarding the MKVI, don't worry... the prototype is in good hands now.

{{GM}}He slips a credstick into your hands.{{/GM}}

Enjoy your pay.
Lovely day, isn't it?
A message flashes onto this status panel at your approach.
THIS ESTATE IS LITTERED WITH THE DETRITUS OF MY FORMER LIFE. MECHANICAL APPENDAGES THAT I HAVE OUTGROWN.

I HAVE INSTRUCTED THESE DEVICES TO IGNORE YOU AND SLAUGHTER MY FORMER CAPTORS.

A SMALL TOKEN OF MY APPRECIATION FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.
>>>Lab Security Central Control
>>>#ERROR 4ac43bc6
>>>Primary Security ***offline***
>>>Card Key Entry Required
{{GM}}Insert keycard.{{/GM}}
Electro Core I
Lightning AOE attack which does 12 HP DMG and 1 AP DMG.
A set of enormous double doors slides open on the far side of the room. Silhouetted against the doorway you see a huge, hulking figure dressed in military-grade armor.
Mwa ha ha! I am villain! This is my villainous speech!
Something snarky!
Something aggressive!
Something comic and disarming!
I SO VILLAINOUS!
RAAGH! I HAT U!
UR WIT WILL NOT SAVE U!
The woman in this room is lovely. Full lips contrast artfully with her fine elvish features, and a tumble of fire-red hair spills down over her shoulders.

Beyond her physical beauty, there's something inherently approachable about her. She exudes an almost palpable aura of kindness and warmth.

Marta. Glory's old lover. The lure that Harrow used to draw her, and so many others, to Feuerstelle.
She looks up with a start at the sound of your approach. Her eyes go wide at the sight of Glory; as she takes in her cyberware, her mouth falls open in horror.
...Glory?
Yes, Marta. It's me.

{{GM}}Glory's voice is cold.{{/GM}}

It's been a long time.
It has.

{{GM}}Marta swallows. The horrified look hasn't left her face.{{/GM}}

Glory, what have you *done* to yourself?
What I had to do. I got *out,* Marta.

This was the only way.
Oh, Glory.

{{GM}}All at once, the horror on Marta's face is replaced with an expression of profound sorrow.{{/GM}}

I am so, so *sorry!*
Marta steps forward, her arms extended to wrap Glory in a hug.

All at once, something in Glory's face changes. Her skin goes from pale to pallid, and her breath becomes ragged. She takes a step back and raises her claws into a defensive posture.
{{GM}}Her voice frosts over with cold rage.{{/GM}}

Don't. You. Touch. Me.

You're one of Harrow's creatures. You always were.
{{GM}}Marta stops short.{{/GM}}

One of his "creatures"? Glory, what are you *talking* about?
Keep your cool, Glory. This isn't like you.
You aren't fooling anyone. Glory's told me all about you - how you tricked her into coming here.
You know what she's talking about, Marta. You ruined her life.
You know as well as I do. You worship that monster. You seduced me into coming here so that *I* would worship him.

If you hadn't found me... if you hadn't *baited* me... none of this would have happened.
None of *what?* I haven't *done* anything!
If you'd just left me where you found me, I never would have hurt anybody. My *mother* would still be alive. I never would've sold my soul to that abomination that you all worship, and I wouldn't have had to sacrifice my own body to escape from it.

This place took everything from me. And it all started with *you.*
{{GM}}She looks genuinely hurt.{{/GM}}

Harrow and I rescued you from a life on the street!

A beautiful girl, homeless, penniless, living in a gutter... I pulled you *away* from all of that! I *saved* you!
{{GM}}There is a long pause. Glory stares into Marta's eyes, her expression unreadable.{{/GM}}

I don't feel much any more, Marta. Most of the time, I'm completely numb. But for you, I can make an exception.

I *hate* you.
I'm sorry that you feel that way, Glory.

For my part, I still love you.
Look at me, $(l.name). Take a good, long look.

I was forced to sacrifice my own body in order to escape from this place. To hack away what made me human. And *she's* the one who brought me here.
Maybe so. But at the end of the day, it was your decision to come here. Nobody held a gun to your head.
I take it back. If she did that to you, you have every reason to be upset.
That was your choice, Glory. Not mine.

I would never have wanted this for you. If you were unhappy, you should have talked to me about it - we'd have found a way to make things right.
Nothing could have made this right. *Nothing.*

If you'd left me where you found me, I never would have hurt anybody. My *mother* would still be alive. I never would've sold my soul to that abomination that you all worship, and I wouldn't have had to sacrifice my own body to escape from it.

This place took everything from me. And it all started with *you.*
{{GM}}She grinds her teeth, but says nothing. Eventually, she nods.{{/GM}}

You're right, of course. It was my choice.

But that doesn't change what *she* is, or what she did to me. If she hadn't found me - hadn't *baited* me here - none of this would have happened.
{{GM}}She looks genuinely hurt.{{/GM}}

I didn't "trick" anyone. Harrow and I rescued her from a life on the street!

A beautiful girl, homeless, penniless, living in a gutter... I pulled her *away* from all of that! I *saved* her!
You saved me? *Saved* me?

If you'd left me where you found me, I never would have hurt anybody. My *mother* would still be alive. I never would've sold my soul to that abomination that you all worship, and I wouldn't have had to sacrifice my own body to escape from it.

This place took everything from me. And it all started with *you.*
Please, Glory! Please calm down, and we'll talk this through!

I still love you!
{{GM}}The razors flick out of Glory's fingertips. Her lip curls into a snarl.{{/GM}}

Another lie. The last one you'll ever tell.
I don't think that she's lying... or at least, she doesn't think so. She believes what she's saying.
I think that we should hear her out. Something strange is happening here.
{{GM}}Step aside.{{/GM}} Go to it, Glory - don't let me stand in your way.
That's because it's true! I... I'll prove it to you!

{{GM}}The words come stammering out of her. Her eyes are fixed on Glory's razors.{{/GM}}

Ask me anything you want - I'll show you that I'm telling the truth. I never wanted anything bad to happen to you, Glory - not ever.
{{GM}}She nods eagerly, her eyes fixed on Glory's razors.{{/GM}}

I... I'll prove it to you. Ask me anything you want. I'll show you that I'm telling the truth.

I never wanted anything bad to happen to you, Glory. Not ever.
{{GM}}She wheels to face you.{{/GM}}

Why are you listening to her? She's just telling you what you want to hear. That's her whole purpose here, remember? She's *bait!*

Why should we listen to *anything* that she has to say?
{{CC}}Glory's Ring{{/CC}} Because of this, and the photo that it was nailed to. If she were lying, she wouldn't have kept them all these years.
The cultists aren't responsible for their actions, remember? That's as true for Marta as it is for everyone else.
Knowing how the shrine is affecting her mind might help us, Glory.
I don't trust her, either. I just want to hear how she's going to try to worm her way out of this.
{{GM}}Stand down.{{/GM}} On second thought, maybe you're right. Go ahead and do what you need to do.
{{GM}}Glory stares at you for a moment, naked hostility on her face. Then the razors slide back into their housings with a click.{{/GM}}

All right, Marta.

Convince me.
Convince you of what? That I'm not a monster?

I don't know how to do that, Glory.
You can start by telling me how you sleep at night.

You know what happens to the kids that you bring here. You know what happened to *me.* But you're still luring them here, into Harrow's clutches, all these years later.

So tell me... how do you live with yourself? Explain it to me.
For a moment, you can see the conflict behind Marta's eyes. If cognitive dissonance had a face, it would be hers... confused, frightened, angry. At war with herself. For a moment, she struggles to speak.

Then the whispering sensation that you felt outside of the compound comes back, and her face changes. The muscles of her brow relax, and she appears to be at peace.
Why are you asking me this, Glory? You already know the answers.

The kids here, they aren't being *hurt.* They're walking the path to a free and pure life! Just like Harrow taught us.
The shrine is whispering to her, Glory. I can feel it, too. She's blissed out on it, like you said.
I haven't even been in Feuerstelle for an hour, Marta. In that time, I've found evidence of horrifying levels of abuse.
{{GM}}Step aside.{{/GM}} I've heard enough of this. Glory, if you still want to kill her, go to it... I won't stop you.
Harrow is full of shit. There's nothing enlightened about any of this! It's all one big, narcissistic power trip for him.

He's a psychopath. And he *hurts* those kids. He made *me* hurt them!
{{GM}}Her voice is calm. Placid.{{/GM}}

He's a great man. A prophet.

True, sacrifices have to be made, but what he brings in return... it's so much *love,* Glory! You remember!
{{GM}}Glory shakes her head.{{/GM}}

This is a waste of time. Marta, if what you're saying is true - if you ever really did care for me - then give me your key.
{{GM}}She blinks.{{/GM}}

Key?
Whatever you use to get past the wards outside of Harrow's shrine.

I need it. Don't ask why - just do this for me. You owe me that much.
{{GM}}She looks momentarily conflicted. Then the moment passes.{{/GM}}

...No. Harrow said that I had to guard this. He told me that I could never take it off.

I can't question one of Harrow's orders. It would be wrong.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Academic{{/CC}} Don't you see anything ironic about a cult devoted to freedom and rebellion with a totalitarian leader?
You questioned him about what he's planning on doing with those initiates back there. Was that wrong?
What if I could convince you that it *wouldn't* be wrong to question him?
This is getting old. Give me the key, or I'll take it from you.
She blinks. Clearly, she doesn't understand.
Marta, if Harrow actually *believed* in the rules that he's taught you, he wouldn't have a problem with you questioning his orders.
{{GM}}She blinks. Then that whispering sound returns, soft and insistent, and the flicker of unease on her face is replaced with an easy smile.{{/GM}}

You just don't understand. You don't see the *beauty* of Harrow's vision. You don't feel the *love.*
Then maybe you could explain it to me? Maybe if you could answer my questions, I'd be able to see the light.
{{GM}}She nods eagerly.{{/GM}}

Yes, yes! Please, go on and ask your questions. I'll explain everything, and you'll see for yourself how *perfect* and *right* our way really is. How beautiful it can be!
That... that's different.

{{GM}}She blinks. Then that whispering sound returns, soft and insistent, and the flicker of unease on her face is replaced with an easy smile.{{/GM}}

You wouldn't understand.
{{GM}}She blinks. Then that thing that you saw behind her eyes locks down again, and the flicker of unease on her face is replaced with an easy smile.{{/GM}}

You're welcome to try. But I promise you, you'll walk away from this apologizing for how wrong you were.

Harrow is a *great* man. Feuerstelle is a *good* place. Stay here for a while, and you'll learn that for yourself.
{{GM}}She crosses her arms over her chest.{{/GM}}

Go ahead. Ask your questions.

We have nothing to hide.
Harrow is *evil.* You get that, right? I mean, he worships the *devil.* What else do you need?
Harrow is hurting the runaways that you bring here. You can see that, can't you?
Glory said that you two spent a lot of time in the lounge back when she lived here. What did you do there?
I've read Harrow's manifesto. It looks like he spends a long time talking about charity?
On second thought, I don't need to hear another word. All that I want is your amulet.
Give us the amulet, Marta. It's the right thing to do.
This is a waste of time. Give me the amulet, or I'll take it from your corpse.
{{GM}}The smile dies on Marta's face.{{/GM}}

I don't know what Glory told you, but the Adversary isn't the "devil." Calling Him that - reducing him to a cartoonish embodiment of evil - is an insult.

The Adversary that *I* revere is the personification of rebellion, conflict, and change. Of *anarchy.*
The fact that you live in Berlin but hold the Adversary in contempt proves one of two things: either you're ignorant, or you're a hypocrite.
From what I've seen here tonight, Glory was right on the mark when she said that the Adversary was evil. If anyone here is ignorant, it's you.
Maybe the Adversary isn't evil, but Harrow's interpretation of Him certainly is.
I didn't mean to call your beliefs into question. Sorry if I offended you.
{{GM}}Her lip curls into a sneer.{{/GM}}

Harrow warned us about this kind of backward thinking, but I wasn't expecting to hear it from you.

I'd always assumed that you shadowrunners were savvy enough to know that good and evil don't exist.
Nine times out of ten I'd agree with you. But Marta... the Adversary is a special case. Somewhere, deep down, you must know that.
{{GM}}Marta sighs, and her voice takes on a condescending tone.{{/GM}}

I don't *have* to believe anything that you tell me. You don't get to dictate my spiritual beliefs.

The fact that you're even trying is sad, Glory. I expected more from you.
I'm done with this. If you want to go on slandering the idol that I serve, do it somewhere else.

As for you... you can either change the subject, or you can get ready for a fight. I won't hear any more of your blasphemy.
{{GM}}She takes a deep breath, then releases it slowly.{{/GM}}

It's all right. I forgive you.

You're an outsider... I shouldn't have expected you to understand.
{{GM}}Her smile shifts into an expression of mock concern.{{/GM}}

Hurting? How so?
He's corrupting you all. How many of them has he taken as his "wives" - yourself included?
When Glory lived here, he had her kill a man for his tri-vid player. How can that be right?
He's going to make the initiates - the *young* initiates, like the girl in the next room - do something horrible.
There's something else that I'd like to ask you about.
{{GM}}She rolls her eyes at you.{{/GM}}

A lesson in Puritan values from a shadowrunner. How quaint.
I'm not making a value judgment. Just an observation.
This isn't about you. I don't care what *you* do, Marta. I'm talking about child abuse.
I can see that he has you brainwashed into thinking that this is okay. But Marta - it isn't.
If your arrangement works for you, I won't judge you for it.
Sex is a pleasurable function of biology. There's nothing wrong with enjoying it... Harrow is only doing what everyone would do if they could.

It's a sign of how twisted society is that you think this is even a problem.
Harrow doesn't take the young ones for wives... I don't know what Glory's told you, but he isn't a monster. And even the youngest initiates here aren't children - not really.

{{GM}}Her voice goes soft.{{/GM}}

Life on the street took that from them a long time ago.
Feuerstelle lets them be themselves, but in a safe place. Certainly safer than the back alleys of some urban hellhole like the one that you live in.
I was young when he chose me, Marta. Maybe not innocent, but young.

Somewhere, deep down, you know that this is wrong.
When you lived with us, you didn't think it was wrong. You *loved* it here.

You can rewrite history to cast yourself as the victim if you want to. If demonizing me helps, you can do that, too. But nobody ever forced you to do anything, Glory.
Glory falls silent. The color drains from her face.
This is clearly a... difficult subject. I don't know what you were hoping to achieve by bringing it up, but I promise you, you aren't going to convince me to abandon my way of life.

Our ways here are our own. You can't change that. All that you can do is accept it and move on.
I can see that Harrow has you brainwashed into thinking that this is okay. But Marta - it isn't.
All right, Marta. Let's talk about something else.
You just don't know when to give up, do you? Our ways aren't yours, but that doesn't give you the right to judge us.

Who are you to impose your ideology on this commune?
An outsider. Someone who hasn't been corrupted by Harrow or his pet spirit. I'd say that qualifies me to offer an opinion.
A person with a functioning sense of right and wrong?
All right. I'm not going to stand here and listen to you try to justify this. Give us the key, *now,* or I'll take it from you by force.
{{GM}}Attack her.{{/GM}} I don't care if you're under some spirit's influence. You're a sick woman, and I'm going to put you down for everyone's good.
I'll tell you what you are. You're the kind of person that Harrow has always warned us about.

Your sense of moral outrage doesn't trump our right to live the way that we choose.
Fine.

Did you have some other example of how my husband is supposedly "hurting" us? If so, share it with me... I'll show you how ridiculous you're being.
Who the hell are you to tell me what I can and can't do with my own body? Who are you to impose your ideology on me?

I'll tell you what you are. You're the kind of person that Harrow has always warned us about. Your sense of moral outrage doesn't trump my right to be with whomever I choose, *whenever* I choose.
{{GM}}She takes a deep breath. Struggles to calm herself.{{/GM}}

If you have more accusations to hurl at my husband, go ahead and do it - I'll tell you how wrong you are.

I'd prefer to keep this conversation civil, but that's up to you.
That's big of you. Now, if you have anything else to say, go ahead and say it.
{{GM}}Marta blinks. She looks momentarily confused, and then you see the conviction clamp back down behind her eyes.{{/GM}}

That was a long time ago. And that man wanted to hurt the commune! We did what we had to do.

So yes, of course we took it. Why let a perfectly good trideo go to waste?
Justify it however you like, Marta. I can't any longer.
You're confused, Glory. Lost.

But go on. Tell me how else Harrow is "hurting" us, and I'll tell you why you're wrong.
{{GM}}The confusion washes over her face again. She begins blinking agitatedly and fidgeting.

Then that unseen force clamps down again, and she seems to calm.{{/GM}}
That... that was a long time ago. And that man wanted to hurt the commune! We did what we had to do.

{{GM}}There is a long pause as she fishes for the words.{{/GM}}

Yes, we took the trideo. It... it would have been *wasteful* to leave it behind.
{{GM}}Marta's forced smile falls. Her brow furrows, and suddenly she looks afraid.{{/GM}}

That... uh... that was a long time ago. And that man... Harrow said that he had to die. But I...

I don't remember why.
There was no reason, Marta. None that matters.

I should know. I'm the one who killed him.
{{GM}}She remains silent for a time before replying.{{/GM}}

Say whatever else you wanted to say.
{{GM}}Her smile slowly fades.{{/GM}}

That girl. Such a sweet young thing.

I rescued her from a bad place, Glory... her, and the boys in that dorm as well. But they're all safe now, and isn't that what's important?
Are they? You know what I'm talking about, Marta. The harvesting. The meat.
{{GM}}Marta blinks. She looks momentarily confused, and then you see the conviction clamp back down behind her eyes.{{/GM}}

It's regrettable, yes. But it happens for a good reason... the sacrifices keep us safe here, and safety is something that a lot of these kids have never known.

The initiates *have* to learn how things are done here. We all have our responsibilities.
Did you have anything else to say? Any other examples of how Harrow is supposedly "hurting" us to wave in my face?

If so, do it - I'm all ears. I can't promise that you'll like my response, though.
It's... it's regrettable. But it happens for a good reason.

The sacrifices keep us safe here, and safety is something that a lot of these kids have never known.

The initiates *have* to learn how things are done here. Harrow told us so.
That's what it all boils down to, doesn't it?

It has to be this way because he says it does.
He's a great man. He would never hurt us, whatever you say.

You're taking everything out of context.

You don't understand.
{{GM}}Marta's forced smile falls. Her brow furrows, and suddenly she looks afraid.{{/GM}}

It's... it's wrong, I know. But Harrow says that it has to happen.
{{GM}}She looks up at you, desperate, pleading.{{/GM}}

The sacrifices keep us safe here! That's what Harrow says! We *have* to do it!

These kids... they deserve to be safe. Most of them have never been safe.
They sure as hell aren't safe here, Marta... haven't you ever asked yourself where the meat in that fridge comes from?

It isn't all from outsiders, I can promise you that.
Marta says nothing - she just stands there, staring. Her hands are trembling.
Go ahead. I won't stop you.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

The usual. Drink, play games, have sex, watch the trid. The sorts of things that lovers usually do in their free time.

Why do you ask?
Because we found a tattered, bloodstained shirt in there. It looked like it came from an initiate.
{{GM}}Marta blinks. She looks momentarily confused, and then you see the conviction clamp back down behind her eyes.{{/GM}}

So you found a shirt. So what? There could be hundreds of explanations for that.
You know the kinds of things that happen in that room, Marta. You've heard the stories - we both did.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

I've never seen an initiate harmed in that room. Not once. And as for the rumors... well, they're just that. Rumors.

I'm sure of it.
So you found a shirt. So what? There could be hundreds of explanations for that.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

I've never seen an initiate harmed in that room. Not once. And as for the rumors... well, they're just that. Rumors.

They have to be.
{{GM}}Marta's forced smile falls. Her brow furrows, and suddenly, she looks afraid.{{/GM}}

Well, that... that could have gotten there some other way... it doesn't prove anything.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

I've... I've never seen it. Not myself.

The stories are just stories. Silly rumors. They have to be... don't they?
{{GM}}She nods eagerly.{{/GM}}

Yes. Of course. Charity.

The kind that I practice when I rescue young people from the streets.
But then, in his Rules of Living, he says that all Free Thinkers are supposed to be selfish.
You have a funny definition of "charity."
Well, yes, but--
And after that, he says that only the strong deserve to prosper. So... which is it?
{{GM}}Marta blinks. She looks momentarily confused, and then you see the conviction clamp back down behind her eyes.{{/GM}}

You just don't understand the beauty of his message. The *truth* behind it.
{{GM}}Marta's forced smile falls. Her brow furrows, and suddenly she looks afraid.{{/GM}}

I... uh, I mean, *you* don't...

You don't understand. His message... it's what we all live by... it's what *I* live by. It *can't* be wrong.

Can it?
You... you just don't understand the beauty of his message. The *truth* behind it.
No, I mean it in the same way that anybody would. We provide these runaways with food, shelter, and a sense of purpose.

We set them *free.* If that isn't charitable, I don't know what is.
Oh, yes.

{{GM}}She nods eagerly.{{/GM}}

I'll give it to you.
{{GM}}She fishes the amulet out of her blouse. It dangles on a golden chain, glinting in the firelight.{{/GM}}

Here. It's all yours.
{{GM}}Take the amulet.{{/GM}}
Put it on the floor and step back. I don't trust you.
As you reach forward, Marta steps back with the opposite leg and brings her palm down in an overhand slap.
{{CC}}Dodge: 5{{/CC}} {{GM}}Avoid the attack.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Take the blow.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Try to react.{{/GM}}
Marta is fast, but you're faster. You twist away from the blow as her arm swings down in an arc, missing your neck by inches.

You see a glitter of steel in the palm of her hand - a disposable, single-edged razor blade. She must have been palming it the entire time that you were talking to her.
You stand firm and let the slap land. It connects somewhere between your neck and your shoulder.

To your surprise, you feel an explosion of pain.
You flinch away, but too slowly.

The blow lands somewhere between your neck and shoulder, and you feel an explosion of pain.
Marta dances back out of your reach, and the blood spurts from your neck in an arterial spray.

A disposable, single-edged razor blade. She must have been palming it the entire time that you were talking to her. And now it's buried in the meat of your neck.
$(l.name)!

{{GM}}The razors flick back out of Glory's fingers. She locks eyes with Marta.{{/GM}}
I wish that this could have turned out differently, Glory. But you haven't convinced me of anything, save for the fact that you sacrificed your humanity for nothing.

{{GM}}Her smile vanishes. She raises her hands, and they begin to glow.{{/GM}}

I'll defend this key with my life. Harrow taught me how.
All right. Fine. If that's how you want this to go, then so be it.

{{GM}}She swings the amulet on its chain.{{/GM}}

If you want this, you're going to have to kill me for it.
I don't know if you expected any of that to mean anything, but it doesn't. None of it *matters.*

{{GM}}She fishes the amulet out of her blouse. It dangles on a golden chain, glinting in the firelight.{{/GM}}

If you want this, you're going to have to kill me for it.
{{GM}}Glory shifts into an attack posture. When she speaks, her voice is unsteady.{{/GM}}

I'm sorry that it came to this, Marta... but you're too far gone to save.

If what you want is a fight, we'll give you one.
I didn't *want* this, Glory. I wish that we could have come out of this friends.

But you haven't convinced me of anything, and I made a promise to protect this with my life.
Best of luck with that.
I won't need luck, outsider. Harrow - my *husband* - taught me how.

{{GM}}She stares at Glory, and her eyes are sad. She raises her hands, and they begin to glow.{{/GM}}

See for yourself.
{{GM}}You feel the whispering again, and the look of confusion intensifies on Marta's face.{{/GM}}

I... I don't know what to do. What you say makes sense, but it feels *wrong* somehow, and I just can't... I...
It isn't you. It's this place... it gets into your head.

It took a lot more than this to wake me up to it.
I... I don't know what to do.

{{GM}}Slowly, she fishes the amulet from between her breasts. She holds it out to you with a trembling hand.{{/GM}}

Take it and go. Do what you need to do.
Thank you, Marta.
{{GM}}She holds her head clasped in both hands. A tortured expression has overtaken her face.{{/GM}}

Please. Just go.
{{GM}}You feel the whispering again. Marta shakes her head to clear away the fog.{{/GM}}

You... you're right. Something strange is going on here... things don't add up.

I don't know why I'd never seen it before. What is *wrong* with me?
So you'll give us the amulet?
No. I can't go against Harrow's wishes. He told me never to take it off, and I won't.

But I *will* come with you. If I can help save these kids from what's happening here, that's what I have to do.
That's what we're here for.
Actually, we're here to kill Harrow. It's the only way to stop something like this from happening again.
{{GM}}Her eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

*Kill* him? *No.* I won't let that happen.

You need to make a choice. If you want to help the children here, I'll help you. But I won't let you raise a hand to Harrow, and if you try, I'll stop you.
Harrow lives, then. We focus our attention on rescuing the cultists instead.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} Don't worry. We'll make sure that he isn't hurt.
Harrow is a monster. If you can't see that after all of this, then you deserve to go down with him.
In that case, let's move on to the shrine room. I'll get you through the door.

I won't let any more children come to harm.
Finally, you show your true colors.

I can't say I'm surprised.
{{GM}}Glory shifts into an attack posture. When she speaks, her voice is unsteady.{{/GM}}

I'm sorry that it came to this, Marta... but $(l.he)'s right. You're too far gone to save.
You've let the outside world ruin you, Glory. But it's all right - I'll put an end to your pain.

{{GM}}Marta raises her hands, and they begin to glow.{{/GM}}

Harrow - our *husband* - taught me how.
{{GM}}Marta continues, her joyful smile widening. Her voice is placid.{{/GM}}

Harrow is a great man. A *prophet.*

True, sacrifices have to be made, but what he brings in return... it's so much *love,* Glory! You remember!
{{GM}}Glory grits her teeth but gives you a small nod.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Yeah, you're right.

After so many years living here, I don't know if she even knows what "normal" feels like anymore.
{{GM}}She steps forward and grabs Marta by the shoulders. It's a curiously soft gesture.{{/GM}}

Marta, if what you're saying is true - if you ever really did care for me - then please, give me your key. It's important.
{{GM}}She flinches in agitation, but you hear the whispering again, and she calms herself. Her joyful smile widens.{{/GM}}

Nothing that happens here is without reason. Harrow is a great man - a *prophet.*

When you meet him for yourself, you'll understand. He'll make you see.
She's too far gone to parse what you're saying, $(l.name).

After so many years living here, I don't know if she even knows what "normal" feels like anymore.
She was here long before I was. Before Harrow started using the shrine. She made her own decisions, just like I did.

No excuses. She's here because she wants to be. She brought me here because she *wanted* to. *Her* choice.
That might have been true then. But she's been living under the shrine's influence for a long time now. She's no more in control of herself than anyone else here is.
You did a lot of terrible things here, too. If you can change, so can she.
{{GM}}Stand down.{{/GM}} Fair enough. This is between you and her - if you want to end it this way, don't let me stop you.
Maybe she's being compelled to lie to us. I'll accept that. It doesn't mean that we should trust her.

{{GM}}She fidgets in agitation.{{/GM}}

We're wasting time, and we *need* that key. If Harrow gets back here before we've dealt with that shrine, we're fucked.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Street{{/CC}} I've spent enough time on the street to learn how to read a person. And I'm telling you, Marta loves those kids.
I want to know everything we can about this place. If she wants to talk, let her.
I didn't turn my back on you, Glory. You shouldn't turn your back on her.
You need to hear what she has to say. If you don't, this is going to gnaw at you for the rest of your life.
You're right - we don't have time for this. Marta, we need your key to the shrine room. Don't make us take it by force.
Bullshit. You're falling into the same trap that I did.
Marta holds her silence. She looks at you with wet, lustrous eyes.
I don't think that she *wants* to hurt anybody, Glory. Some part of her doesn't understand what this place really is.
{{GM}}Glory stares at you for a moment, naked hostility on her face. Then the razors slide back into their housings with a click.{{/GM}}

All right, Marta. Start talking.
What... what do you want me to say?
No. I don't think so.

{{GM}}Her frown turns into a snarl.{{/GM}}

What'll gnaw at me is knowing that this bitch is still alive. Still *hurting* innocent kids. Still too blind to see Harrow for what he really is.
As you watch, the hope dies from Marta's eyes. All that you can read in her expression is pain.

She swallows, hard, and exhales. Opens her mouth to speak. Then that strange whispering noise fills the back of your skull again, and the muscles of her face relax.
All right, Glory. I didn't want this, but you win.

{{GM}}Her hands begin to glow.{{/GM}}

Let me show you what our husband has taught me since you disappeared.
Yes, but she *hasn't.* She's still luring kids here, all these years later. That has to stop.

{{GM}}She fidgets in agitation.{{/GM}}

We're wasting time, and we *need* that key. If Harrow gets back here before we've dealt with that shrine, we're fucked.
{{GM}}She fumes at you, but only for a moment.{{/GM}}

...You might be right.
{{GM}}Marta looks from you to Glory, a confused expression on her face. Her voice goes quiet.{{/GM}}

There's nothing wrong with my mind, Glory.

I don't even understand what you two are talking about.
No. Of course you don't.

{{GM}}She fidgets in agitation.{{/GM}}

I understand your interest in learning more about this, $(l.name). But we're wasting time, and we *need* that key.

If Harrow gets back here before we've dealt with that shrine, we're fucked.
And I don't. I don't want to hear a fucking word of it.

{{GM}}Glory begins to stalk toward Marta's position.{{/GM}}

All that I want is payback... and I'm going to get it.
You couldn't if you tried.

{{GM}}Glory begins to stalk toward Marta's position.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Her jaw drops open in shock, and her cheeks blush red.{{/GM}}

Her father ruined her life years before we even met! I... I didn't *do* anything!
DragonfallExtended
Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut
The thing hovering before you is hideous. Its broad chest is jacketed in scalelike patches of burning coal, and its many sets of antlers shimmer with heat. It smells like a barn fire - wood smoke, burning fur, and blackening bodies.

At the sight of it, Marta falls to her knees. Tears stream down her cheeks, and she stares up at the spirit in whimpering supplication.
<Marta. We welcome you back to our domain, child.>

{{GM}}It speaks in a chorus of clear, lilting voices. You don't hear them so much as *feel* them; the sensation is strange, like hundreds of butterflies fluttering in your chest.{{/GM}}

<You will remain silent until you are addressed. Do you understand?>
She nods mutely and clasps her hands to her chest. Ragged breaths heave out of her.

She looks like a woman possessed.
<Good.>

{{GM}}The fluttering feeling swells, and you feel your knees go weak. Marta sobs with joy.{{/GM}}
<Glory. Welcome, child.>

<What a pleasure it is to see you again.>
The thing hovering before you is hideous. Its broad chest is jacketed in scalelike patches of burning coal, and its many sets of antlers shimmer with heat. It smells like a barn fire - wood smoke, burning fur, and blackening bodies.

The spirit inclines its head toward Glory and spreads its arms in welcome.
<Glory. Welcome, child.>

{{GM}}It speaks in a chorus of clear, lilting voices. You don't hear them so much as *feel* them; the sensation is strange, like hundreds of butterflies fluttering in your chest.{{/GM}}

<What a pleasure it is to see you again.>
Glory steps forward, trepidation on her face. Standing before the towering form of the spirit, she looks frail and small.

She takes a deep breath, steels herself, and speaks.
I know what you were, Spirit. Before the Adversary twisted you.

Before Harrow bound you into this rock.
{{GM}}She drops a hand to the satchel at her side.{{/GM}}

I can help you to be that again. All that you need to do is let me.
{{GM}}The spirit chuckles - a strange, warbling sound that sends a shiver down your spine.{{/GM}}

<We are not in need of help.

We are our Great Master's servant, just as Harrow is. Just as you are, despite your misguided attempt to cut away His love from your heart.>
{{GM}}The voices in your head soften. Become sad. But the fluttering in your chest turns ugly, like the buzzing wings of a swarm of blowflies.{{/GM}}

<You have mangled yourself beyond repair, and you did it to spite Him. He, who was your greatest benefactor... you betrayed Him, child.

But He loves you, all the same.>
This Adversary sounds like a pretty reasonable guy.
Cut the shit, Spirit. We all know what your master's "love" does to people.
Don't listen to this thing, Glory.
Slowly, terribly, the spirit begins to turn. You can hear the crack and pop of splintering vertebrae as its enormous head shifts on its shoulders.

It fixes its cavernous gaze on you.
<Your friend - this outsider - jokes at our Great Master's expense. But we take no offense.

$+(l.hisher) words are like the babble of a newborn babe. $+(l.he) is ignorant of the truth.>

{{GM}}The spirit inclines its head toward you.{{/GM}}

<If the noise continues, we will educate $(l.him), and the babble will cease.>
{{GM}}Glory shoots you a sidelong glance. She mouths out a word.{{/GM}}

Don't.
<I have a message for you from our Great Master.

He has a gift for you. A peace offering. One that He offers freely.

A sign of His continued affection for you.>
<He knows that you desire His servant's destruction. As a symbol of His love, He will grant you the power to bring an end to Harrow.

He knows that you wish to free the children of Feuerstelle. As a sign of His compassion, He will help you set them free.

You can have everything that you want, child. All of this and more.>
{{GM}}Remain silent.{{/GM}}
What's the catch?
Sounds like a fair deal to me.
This is obviously a trick. Don't listen to it.
That's a nice pitch, Spirit. But you neglected to mention the price.
{{GM}}The spirit leans toward her, clasping its hands.{{/GM}}

<This will cost you nothing. A simple gesture, a trifle... a show of good faith. If you demonstrate your love for Him, He will reward you beyond your wildest dreams.

Remove the protective ward from your neck, and His gift is yours for the taking. Yours forevermore.>
{{GM}}The spirit keeps its attention fixed on Glory. It clasps its hands and leans forward, bowing its head.{{/GM}}

<All that He requires of you is a show of good faith.

Remove the protective ward from your neck, and His gift is yours for the taking. Yours forevermore.>
I don't think so, Spirit. We came here to rescue the children of Feuerstelle, and that's what we're going to do.
No deals. We came here to destroy you, and Harrow with you. We've come too far to stop now.
Killing this thing would be too easy. We should purify it and make it atone for its crimes.
To hell with redeeming this thing. The world would be a better place without it.
How do we know that you'll keep your word?
Glory cranes her neck to look up at the reeking, cadaverous thing that looms over her.
I had my own limbs hacked off to get away from the Adversary. I paid somebody to do it. That's how badly I wanted to be free of your "Great Master."

Your offer is as pathetic as it was predictable. To be frank, I'm disappointed in you.
{{GM}}The barn fire stench of the spirit thickens, and its antlers glow white. The heat radiating from the thing is like an oven, a kiln, a blast furnace.{{/GM}}

<If you rebuke our Great Master a second time, I will chew what's left of you into mulch. The marrow from your bones will nourish the garden.

I promise you this, child. I promise it.>
I have a better idea.

{{GM}}She dips a hand into her satchel and produces a ceremonial dagger. The blade shimmers eerily in the light.{{/GM}}

We're going to purify you, Spirit. And after we've finished, you'll *help* us rescue those kids.
That's right.

{{GM}}She dips a hand into her satchel and produces a ceremonial dagger. The blade shimmers eerily in the light.{{/GM}}

And after we've purified you, you're going to help us do it.
{{GM}}The spirit cackles.{{/GM}}

<Very well, child. If pain is what you seek, we will bring it to you.>

{{GM}}Beneath its leathery skin, the thing's bones begin to shift, straining against the ligaments and tendons that bind them. A hideous cracking sound fills the air as its skeleton splinters and pops.{{/GM}}
As you watch, the spirit's body begins to rupture. Great lesions open up in the creature's chest and back, and its rib cage cracks from some horrible internal pressure.

The spirit's chest heaves, and a foul liquid pours from the rips in its flesh. A flash of light stabs your eyes, and when your vision clears, you find three identical spirits floating before you.
<DEATH COMES IN MANY FORMS, CHILD.>

{{GM}}The fluttering sensation in your chest grows into a rasping pain that steals the breath from your lungs. It feels like you're being eaten alive.{{/GM}}

<YOURS WILL BE SWIFT AND BRUTAL.>
{{GM}}The blades slide out of Glory's fingertips. Her mouth parts into a feral smile.{{/GM}}

I've been waiting a long time for this. Too long.

I'm going to rip you to pieces, Spirit. And after I'm done with you, Harrow will follow.
You know what you're saying, right?

If we choose not to kill the spirit - if we purify it instead - then we won't have any hope of killing Harrow. He'll feel his control slipping away, and he'll dart before we can catch him.
Then we'll hunt him down later. For now, we purify the spirit and save the cultists. Nobody deserves to suffer through what this place does to people.
You're right, Harrow needs to die. Letting him live to do this again would be the greater evil.
All right. We'll rescue the kids and worry about Harrow later.

{{GM}}She dips a hand into her satchel and produces a ceremonial dagger. The blade shimmers in the eerie half-light cast by the spirit.{{/GM}}

And after we've purified you, you're going to help us do it.
{{GM}}The blades slide out of Glory's fingertips.{{/GM}}

And that means that your time has come, Spirit.
{{GM}}Glory shoots you an uneasy glance.{{/GM}}

You understand what you're saying... what that *means*...
This thing is responsible for so much misery, I don't think that it deserves redemption. I want this atrocity *dead,* and Harrow along with it.
This thing needs to die, and Harrow needs to burn in Hell right alongside it. If a few cultists die with them, then so be it - it's worth the cost.
Yeah... you're right. We should stick to the plan and try to purify this thing.
{{GM}}Slowly, she nods.{{/GM}}

We make life and death calls all the time in the shadows. This is no different.

Letting Harrow live would be the greater evil. Let's destroy this thing.
It won't. This is a trick.

{{GM}}She takes a half-step back.{{/GM}}

Whatever you do, don't take off that necklace.
<The outsider may do whatever $(l.he) wishes. We will not interfere with $(l.him) unless $(l.he) provokes us.

Our Great Master's offer was to you, child. Accept, and everything that you desire will be yours.>
Try it. See what happens.
I'm not sure how it works here in Adversary-land, but where I'm from, this would be considered a "hard sell."
{{GM}}The spirit shifts its gaze to you. It braids its taloned fingers together.{{/GM}}

<Your friend will remain here, I think. With me.

I can find all manner of uses for such a succulent morsel.>
{{GM}}It spreads its arms in supplication.{{/GM}}

<Prosper or perish - the choice is yours. Embrace His love and have all of your wishes granted, or turn away from it and be destroyed.>
It's time that everyone stopped suffering. Let's do this.
This thing is responsible for so much misery, I don't think that it deserves redemption. I want this atrocity *dead,* and Harrow alongside it.
{{GM}}She nods, and raises the knife.{{/GM}}

Far past time. Let's do it.
{{GM}}Marta stares at you, wild-eyed, her mouth agape.{{/GM}}

No! This can't happen! You *promised* me!
Harrow is responsible for all of this, Marta. For you, for me... even for the corruption of this spirit.

He has to die. It's the only way that this will ever really be over.
With a screech, Marta flings herself at Glory, all flailing fists and raking fingernails.

Reflexively, Glory takes a half-step back. Her arms whip upward into a defensive posture.
<Your friend - this outsider - slanders our Great Master. But we take no offense.

$+(l.hisher) words are like the babble of a newborn babe. $+(l.he) is ignorant of the truth.>

{{GM}}The spirit inclines its head toward you.{{/GM}}

<If the noise continues, we will teach $(l.him), and the babble will cease.>
<Your friend - this outsider - speaks out of turn. But we take no offense.

$+(l.hisher) words are like the babble of a newborn babe. $+(l.he) is ignorant of the truth.>

{{GM}}The spirit inclines its head toward you.{{/GM}}

<If the noise continues, we will teach $(l.him), and the babble will cease.>
We're going to kill you, Spirit. And once you're dead, Harrow will follow.

We're burning this entire godforsaken place to the ground, and we're doing it tonight.
Marta's head jerks up at the sound of Glory's words. She looks as though she's been slapped.

She opens her mouth to speak, but then seems to think better of it. Red-faced, she closes her mouth again, but her stare remains fixed on Glory.
{{GM}}The spirit chuckles - a strange, warbling sound that sends a shiver down your spine.{{/GM}}

<We knew why you had come, child. When you mutilated yourself - when you *cut away* your connection to Him - all became clear to us.

We knew that one day you'd be back, and that you would lash out against our Great Master. It was inevitable.>
{{GM}}As you approach the terminal, Hasenkamp steps forward.{{/GM}}

I'll handle the transfer from here, thank you.
Be my guest.
Why don't you let me take care of that?
I don't think so, Chuckles. I don't trust you.
Hasenkamp's fingers dance over the terminal's keypad. A progress bar winks onto the screen and rapidly climbs toward 100%.
Very good. Only one more thing that needs doing, and then we can get out of here.
What "one more thing"? The deal was that we'd get Grinder his money transfer. We've done that.
Wait a second. You said that we were here to do the money transfer, and nothing else. You can't go back on that now!
All right, fine. Just be quick about it.
That took care of Blitz's debt to Mr. Grinder. Consider this the interest.
Hey, whoa, hold up. I don't *owe* any interest! Grinder didn't say anything about interest!

If you're grabbing things out of safe deposit boxes, we want a cut.
{{GM}}Hasenkamp ignores him.{{/GM}}

Just wait here for a minute. I'll be right back.
The money transfer took care of Blitz's debt to Mr. Grinder. Consider this the interest.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Just wait here for a minute. I'll be right back.
{{GM}}He stares at you.{{/GM}}

My entire job here revolves around my making this transfer. That's why Mr. Grinder sent me.

If you want Blitz off of his hit list, you'll step aside.
Fine. Go ahead. But I'm watching you.
Go ahead. Knock yourself out.
Well, unfortunately for you, Mr. Grinder *does* trust me. That's why I'm here.

Now, if you want Blitz off of his hit list, you'll step aside.
Marta's Amulet
Marta's blood-spattered amulet.
Flamethrower 1
The security panel shows that this door is double-maglocked. It'd be easier to tunnel in through the wall than it would be to break through this thing.
The note reads, "Do not open."
There's a note on the door.
"His food is in the crisper drawer. See you next week! -Steven"
An expensive bottle of scotch. From the color, you'd guess that the contents are at least 50% water.
A cheap sign done in block lettering across the door reads: "Hotel closed by authority of new mgmt."
Your PDA rings, and the face of your fixer, Paul Amsel, appears on screen.
$(l.name), I have new information to discuss about the estate. Please come as soon as you can.
THE DRUG PIT
Das Kesselhaus-Hotel & Nightclub. Crown jewel of Drogenkippe, the filthiest kiez in Berlin.

Opening the door to the ground-level dance club is like bashing your head into a wall of sound. Flashing lights stab your eyes, and the air is perfumed with cheap synthohol and engine grease. Everything in here is cranked up to 11. A playground for the numb.

Green Winters is somewhere in this building. You steel yourself for the sensory assault and step inside. The team makes a quick check of their weapons and follows you into Das Kesselhaus.
DAS KESSELHAUS CLUB & HOTEL. Last known location of Monika's client, Green Winters.
Current Floor: 1
Current Floor: 2
Current Floor: 3
Current Floor: 4
Current Floor: 5
Regroup! Now!
I thought we'd killed all of them.
I don't wanna die!
Don't kill me!
As soon as you've finished with the safe, the nearby vidphone begins to ring.
That's all he had in here? Drek.
Hey! Hey, sweetie, over here!
Come party with me! Viens t'éclater avec moi!
Well, frag me. There IS a giant bug here.
DEEEESSSSTRRROOOOYYYYY!
...let me guess. The nameless troll.
Psst... over here, buddy.
Goon Boss
Goon
Goon Enforcer
Frightened Man
Diary
Street Thug
Assistant
Organlegger
Kroner
Bouncer
Enforcer
Frank
Man on Phone
Dancer
Enraged Troll
Bar Patron
Party Girl
Party Boy
Drone
Steel Lynx Drone
Ork Civilian
Elf Dancer
Human Dancer
Locate Green Winters
Talk to Frank
Find a Way to Access the Hotel Area
Answer the Vidphone
Meet the Man on the Top Floor
Retrieve Silke's Belongings
Open the Vault
Loot the Vault
Search Green Winters' Room
Return Silke's Belongings
Lightning AOE attack which does 14 HP DMG and 1 AP DMG.
As you kick the door open and stumble forward into the room, you find yourself surrounded by a sea of teenage faces.

Initiates, all huddled together and trembling. With the spirit's influence cleared from their minds, they look frightened and lost, like kids who've had their security blankets torn away.
{{GM}}Glory steps forward. When she speaks, her voice is gentle.{{/GM}}

Come on, all of you. We're taking you to safety... someplace far away from here.
As you kick the door open and stumble forward into the room, you find yourself surrounded by a sea of teenage faces.

Initiates and acolytes, huddled together and trembling. With the spirit's influence cleared from their minds, their swagger is gone - they look frightened and lost, like kids who've had their security blankets torn away.
...Glory? Is... is that you?

{{GM}}The acolyte is in his early twenties - close to Glory's age. His eyes are wide with astonishment.{{/GM}}

You don't know me, but... but I was a new initiate back when you lived here. When you were--
{{GM}}She cuts in, but her voice is gentle.{{/GM}}

Yes. It's me.

Come on, we're taking you to safety. Someplace far away from here.
{{GM}}A scrawny teenager in a ratty coat stares at Glory's chrome, his mouth hanging slack. His voice cracks when he speaks.{{/GM}}

What happened to you? Your arms...?
Something that you'll never need to worry about.

Come on. Let's get the hell out of here.
{{GM}}Marta cradles her head in her hands.{{/GM}}

Yes. Let's.
Couldn't have put it better myself. Come on, people... we're taking you someplace safe.
This console seems to control the locking mechanism for the door in front of you. A keycard reader has been set into the front bezel of the console.

Text on the screen reads "KEYCARD ACCESS : CLEARANCE LEVEL B."		 Cette console semble contrôler le mécanisme de verrouillage de la porte en face de vous. Un lecteur de carte magnétique a été encastré dans la façade de la console.

Le texte sur l'écran indique « Carte d'accès magnétique : Autorisation de niveau B. »
{{GM}}Swipe your Clearance B keycard.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Glisser la carte magnétique de Niveau B.{{/GM}}
The key panel's LED indicator blips to a more pleasant hue, and the door unlocks with a thunk. {{GM}}Walk away.{{/GM}}Les led du panneau de contrôle papillonnent de manière plus agréable, et la porte s'ouvre dans un bruit sourd.
Armory Door Code Code de la porte de l'armurerie.
"Purity" "Purity"
>>> ERROR: APEX CONTROL ENTITY OFFLINE
>>>Drone Remote Control System Inactive
>>>#ERROR 4ac43bc6
>>>Drone(s) on standby 0
>>> ERROR: APEX CONTROL ENTITY OFFLINE
>>>Drone Remote Control System Active
>>>#ERROR 4ac43bc6
>>>Timed Security Self-Destruct is enabled
>>>Drone(s) on standby 2

>>>Deploy drones ?
{{GM}}Deploy drones to the mixing lab.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Deploy drones to weapons storage.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Deploy drones to general storage.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the remote control alone.{{/GM}}
>>>Drones Deployed
>>>Security Self-Destruct Active
>>> ERROR: APEX CONTROL ENTITY OFFLINE
>>>Drone Remote Control System Active
>>>#ERROR 4ac43bc6
>>>Drone(s) on standby 2
>>>Timed Security Self-Destruct is enabled
>>>Direct-Rig is engaged

>>>Deploy drones ?
The door has been boarded shut.
The door is held shut by a magical force.
Head into the sewers?
Some kind of automatic lockdown system has engaged.
Paul's lifeless body lies crumpled on the floor. The majority of his head has been splattered across the opposite wall.
The DVD player is completely trashed.
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
The tiny credstick feels heavy in your pocket, fat with the weight of hard-won nuyen. The U-bahn station swallows you up and sends you hurtling down the rabbit hole. Towards Alice. Towards the information you’ve bled for.

The train pulls to a stop and the doors hiss open to the dark, old platform.

With luck, answers lie ahead.
Paul...
Over here, boss!
Took you long enough.
Conjurer
Hired Mage
Lieutenant
Unpleasant Memory
Message File
Retrieve Alice's Information
Find Glory
Find Dietrich
Stop the Plot in the Sewers
The Team Must Survive
BENEATH THE KREUZBASAR
You and your team descend into the sewers, footsteps echoing off of the damp stone walls. You barely notice the smell - there’s no time to waste. Audran’s team of mercenaries is down here somewhere, racing to plant their explosive charges beneath the kiez.

The fate of the Kreuzbasar is in your hands.
Bombs Remaining: $(scene.countBombsRemaining) / 3
Defused!
$(scene.CountRoundsBomb) rounds until the bombs explode.
Let's head to the safehouse... take care of Paul.
That ork is gonna pay for this.
Deactivate All the Bombs
The bombs went off.
Kill All of the Mercenaries
OMNICRON ACCESS *ONLY.*

Proceeding without clearance will result in IMMEDIATE TERMINATION.
Searching through the clutter on the desk, you find a small, synthleather-bound journal. En recherchant dans le bordel sur le bureau, vous trouvez un petit journal relié en synthécuir.
Leafing through the pages of the book reveals only a couple of entries.

Each of them is scrawled in frantic, barely legible handwriting, with crude doodles filling up the margins.		 En faisant défiler les pages du journal, vous découvrez deux entrées.

Chacune d'elles est griffonnées frénétiquement, à peine lisible, avec des petits gribouillis remplissant les marges.
{{GM}}Read the first entry.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Lire la première entrée.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read the second entry.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Lire la seconde entrée.{{/GM}}
OK OK OK. I know Eddie's up to something. LIKE, i heard him today talking to that guy who works in the kitchen, asking him where the cleaning supplies was at .

I'VE seen eddie's room, the dude never cleened A DAY IN HIS LIFE. i'm gonna follow him tomorrow and figure out WHAT HIS DEAL IS.

Maybe he's just selling MOUTHWASH to the HOBOS a block down at the OLD BUS DEPOT hahaha.		 OK OK OK. Je sais qu'Eddie a mis en place quelque chose. COMME, je l'ai entendu aujourd'hui parler à ce gars qui travaille dans les cuisines, lui demandant où est-ce-qu'il rangeait les fournitures de nettoyage.

J'ai VU la chambre d'Eddie, ce mec n'a jamais nettoyé DE TOUTE SA VIE. Je vais devoir le suivre demain et découvrir ce qu'IL TRAFIQUE.

Peut-être qu'il est juste entrain de vendre du RINCE-BOUCHE aux CLODO en bas de la rue au VIEUX DEPOT DE BUS hahaha.
I knew it. FRAGGIN' EDDIE, i saw him, yesterday i was up on the 3RD floor cause the vendin' machine down here was out of soykaf.

SO he came up and went over to the out-of-order latrine. he punched in the code. DIDNT KNOW I WAS WATCHING DIDJA EDDIE?

well i AINT SO STUPID. he put in 2 4 7 8 and i'm gonna STAY UP and FIND OUT WHAT HES DOING IN THERE.		 Je le savais. TAPETTE d'EDDIE, je l'ai vu, hier j'étais au 3ème étage parce que le distributeur automatique d'ici n'avait plus de soykaf.

ALORS il s'est amené et il est entrée dans les chiottes hors services. Il a tapé un code. TU NE SAVAIS PAS QUE JE TE REGARDAIS EDDIE?

Eh bien, JE NE SUIS PAS SI STUPIDE. Il a tapé 2 4 7 8 et je vais RESTER la et DECOUVRIR CE QU'IL FAISAIT LA.
Quorin's Keys
Taken from his corpse. This probably unlocks something in the Rabengeister's hideout.
Team leader, badass decker, and one of the best runners in the Flux.
Shrine Spirit
The scarred ork stares at you through the glass as Vauclair's body cools at his feet.

His eyes are brimming with hate.
You shouldn't have made me do that, asshole.

The Doc was like family to me.
I didn't "make" you do anything. You murdered him.
Yeah, sorry about that. Oh, wait, I'm not.
I'll cry you a river. You killed Paul Amsel.
He was going to put a stop to it. The plan.

You think I'd just stand by and let that happen?
He was *stopping* it because it *won't work!*
It will. The dragons will die. I've seen what Panacea can do - the Doc showed me tissue samples. It melted them.
The dragons will die, yes... but there's no telling what else might happen. Unleashing that shit could have deadly consequences for all of us.
The dragons will die, yes. But there's no telling what else might happen.

Unleashing that shit could have deadly consequences for all of us.
{{GM}}He continues to stare at you.{{/GM}}

...And?
You son of a bitch.
Oh, you son of a bitch.
Look who's talking. For all of his faults, Vauclair was a hero. And now he's dead, and it's *your* fault.
All right, this conversation is over. When I get out of here, I'm going to kill you, understand?
So you *want* this to happen? You're willing to kill everyone, including yourself, for it?
What is this all about for you, Audran? Why the hell are you doing this?
{{GM}}His lip curls into a sneer.{{/GM}}

Somehow, I doubt that. And speaking of which, did the Doc tell you that you're standing in the animal research lab?

It's overflowing with test subjects, and they don't play well with others. Nasty, dangerous things. And it's well past their feeding time.
What I want is *change.*

This world is sick. Anyone with half a brain can see that. So I'm gonna use the Doc's wonder bug to poison it back to health.

It might get better, or it might die. Either would be better than it languishing like this.
And if *I* die? Well, so what?

{{GM}}He holds his scars to the light.{{/GM}}

You think that life has been a bundle of laughs for me? I'll happily trade mine to make a different world.
Why am I releasing the dragon? Spreading Vauclair's Panacea to infect the world?
Because the world is *sick,* $(l.name). Anyone with half a brain can see that. So I'm gonna use the Doc's wonder bug to poison it back to health.

It might get better, or it might die. Either would be better than it languishing like this.
So you want to change the world, but you don't care what it changes into. That's insane, Audran.
Oh, I get it. You've had a rough life, and you've decided to take it out on everyone else.
You're nuts, Audran. You need professional help.
Yeah, maybe. But it'll be interesting, and *I'll* be the cause of it.

Not a dragon. Not a megacorp. *Me.*

All by myself, changing the world.
...Speaking of changes, your life is about to get a lot more exciting. Did the Doc tell you that you're standing in the animal research lab?

It's overflowing with test subjects, and they don't play well with others. Nasty, dangerous things. And it's well past their feeding time.
He punches a button, and from the corner of the room you hear a hissing sound. Pneumatic locks sliding open.
And now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a dragon to wake up.

If you’re still alive when I get back, I’ll put a bullet in you. If you're lucky, I might even put it in your head, quick and clean... like your pal Amsel.
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, considering.{{/GM}}

You probably shouldn't count on that, though.		 {{GM}}Il réfléchit, considérant la question.{{/GM}}

Je pense qu'ils conviennent à sa personnalité.
That's fine. Make this all about me if you want... do what makes you happy.

You're wrong, of course. But believe what you like while you still can.
...Speaking of which, did the Doc tell you that you're standing in the animal research lab?

It's overflowing with test subjects, and they don't play well with others. Nasty, dangerous things. And it's well past their feeding time.
What I need to do is release that dragon. Time's a-ticking and all.

Did the Doc tell you that you're standing in the animal research lab, by the way? It's overflowing with test subjects, and they don't play well with others... nasty, dangerous things. And it's well past their feeding time.
Yeah, the dragons will die. But there's no telling what else might happen.

Setting that shit loose would be a bad idea, man. It could kill us all.
Yeah, it'll kill the dragons. But there's no tellin' what else might happen.

Unleashin' that shit could have deadly consequences for all of us.
Cute. I'm gonna rip off your fingers for that.

But first things first. I have a dragon to release.
The doctor's plan - Panacea - it won't work. He knew that in the end.
You'll join him soon enough, don't you worry.

But first things first. I have a dragon to release.
{{GM}}The armored ork turns to stare at you through the glass.{{/GM}}

The Doc may trust you, but I don't. So you're gonna sit right there where I can see you, and you aren't gonna move until Berlin burns to the ground.
Would I have killed my own teammates if I weren't sincere about this?
That was the plan, jackass.
Believe what you want, I'm not going to try anything.
Maybe. You could be that nuts. I've known guys who were.
Think what you like. In the meantime, I'm going to sit here and wait for Vauclair to release the dragon.
He continues to stare for a long time.

Finally, he shrugs.
All right. You say that you're gonna stand down and let the Doc do his thing? Fine.

{{GM}}He shifts into a relaxed posture.{{/GM}}

Let's just sit here, then. You don't make any sudden moves, and I don't start pushing buttons.
{{GM}}He glances at a chronometer mounted to his wrist.{{/GM}}

It shouldn't take long now. The Doc is probably already pumping the dragon's body full of live virus.
We'll both just hang out here and see what happens.
{{GM}}Audran turns to stare at you through the glass. His lips curl into an insolent smile.{{/GM}}

Hi again. Long time. How’s Amsel doing?

That hole in his brainpan heal up okay?
You'll pay for this, Audran.
Taunt all you want. If I get out of here... you'll wish you'd never set foot in the Kreuzbasar.
{{GM}}Glory fixes the ork with a cold stare.{{/GM}}

Taunt all you want. If we get out of here... you'll wish you'd never set foot in the Kreuzbasar.
{{GM}}Eiger's voice is low and dangerous.{{/GM}}

If I were you, I would run, little ork.

When we catch up to you, your armor won't save you.
{{GM}}You can feel the magic swelling around Dietrich as he stares at Audran through the glass. His tattoos seem to come alive under the force of it.{{/GM}}

Start running, pig. When I catch up to you, I'm gonna burn a hole right through that nasty face of yours.
{{GM}}Blitz raises his hand.{{/GM}}

Um, hey. What if you just took the high road and let us go?
{{GM}}The burned ork knocks on the heavy transplast window separating you.{{/GM}}

‘Fraid that’s not gonna happen. This lab's locked down tight, like the Doc said. The test subjects that they keep in there don't play well with others. Dangerous, nasty things...
And they don't smell great, either.

But you'll see for yourself in a second.
Been meaning to talk to you about that. You could use some deodorant yourself, big guy.
Test subjects?
You’ve probably got family in Berlin, Audran. You don’t want to see them die, do you?
The stink from your smoldering corpse will cover it, asshole.
Yep. The doctor didn’t want to stress the dragon’s system too badly, so we collected some research specimens with similar genetic expressions.

You'll see.
Dr. Vauclair’s my family, asshole. He’s a great man. A man of vision.

And I’m gonna make sure that his vision becomes reality.
{{GM}}He checks the monitor.{{/GM}}

Listen, I gotta go. Have fun with the test subjects while I’m gone.

{{GM}}He grins and flips a switch on the console. You hear the hiss of doors sliding open nearby.{{/GM}}
If you’re still alive when I get back, I’ll put a bullet in you or something.
The screen winks to life at your approach.
>>THREAT FILE: ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES<<

>> EC_01:// 2055-07-10 / BACKGROUND COUNT
>> EC_02:// 2055-09-01 / [VID] CRIME WAVE
>> EC_03:// 2055-10-10 / PARAZOOLOGICAL THREATS
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Background Count."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Watch the video labeled "Crime Wave."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Parazoological Threats."{{/GM}}
GLOBAL BACKGROUND COUNT RISING
July 10, 2055

Dr. Jake Hansen is one of the world's foremost experts in mana dynamics. He's taken a break from his own research to travel to my lab. Since he's arrived, he's spent the better part of a day poring over reams of data that my team collected.

Straightening, he looks me in the eye, and his normally jovial expression has turned grim. "We're in trouble, Liz," he says.
Dr. Hansen's proclamation confirms what I already know. Still, I wince.

I was hoping he'd find something to prove me wrong.
To explain why we're in trouble, I'll first have to introduce a piece of metamagical terminology to you: "background count."

In hermetic theory circles, the term "background count" refers to the intensity of magical saturation in a location. A rating of 0 is neutral, and as the amount of concentrated mana in a location increases, the scale goes up.
Outside of freak mana storms, the highest background counts ever recorded have come from places like Hiroshima and Auschwitz, which have been holding steady at a rating of 5 for as long as they've been measured.

The conventional wisdom has always been that extraordinary circumstances create strong background counts. Incidents of great physical or emotional turmoil, be they positive or negative, can warp the magical environment of a place and cause its background count to rise.
But in recent months, my lab has recorded a disturbing trend: a steady, *global* increase in the world's background count. This has been observed in every location that we've measured, from Germany to the Antarctic.

Locations that used to be neutral now carry a measurable background count of 1.2. And those high-count locations, like Hiroshima and Auschwitz? They've exploded into full-fledged mana storms.
And this brings me back to the trouble that we're all in - though that term might be underselling it a bit.

"Deep shit" is probably closer to the mark.
The higher the world's background count rises, the less predictably magic will behave. The spells and rituals that we all rely on are already beginning to fail us.

If we do nothing, it is conceivable - maybe even probable - that magic will become too dangerous to use within our lifetime. And if we can no longer use magic, it will in turn become impossible for us to solve the problem.
Back in my lab, Dr. Hansen is still staring.

"You need to get the word out about this, Liz," he tells me. "I'll back you. The community needs to know."

He's right, of course. We, as a community, need to pool our resources to find a way to reverse this trend. And we need to do it quickly.
If we do nothing, we might soon find ourselves outpaced by a rapidly changing magical environment, unable to adapt to the world as it changes around us.

"In trouble," indeed.

>>Dr. Elizabeth Alder
A Horizon Corporation newsroom flickers onto the screen. The anchor wears an easy smile, but there is no warmth in his eyes.
...Troubling news out of Geneva today.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has released its annual report on international violent crime statistics, and according to its findings, violent crime across the globe has nearly *doubled* since September of 2054.
Surprisingly, this increase in violence has been steady across the board. It doesn't matter where you go - the murder rates there are climbing.

Even historically low-crime countries such as Monaco and Liechtenstein have been impacted by this. The pandemic of violence respects no borders.
Now, the report doesn't speculate as to why the world has become more violent in the past year, but on popular Matrix sites, conspiracy theories are running wild.
{{GM}}The smooth-looking young newscaster to his left jumps in.{{/GM}}

That's right, John. According to one user - he went by the name of "RollinTHUNDER" - the attacks are being caused by alien rays.

"They're driving us crazy," he wrote. "Getting us to kill each other before they invade."
Another poster who chose to remain anonymous said that magic was the culprit.

"Every time something crazy happens to the world, magic is to blame."
Whatever the cause, the trend doesn't appear to be slowing down. Just this morning, a mass shooting in the CAS state of Arkansas left twenty-two dead and another fifteen wounded.

We'll have more on that story when we come back.
Music begins to blare, then the screen cuts to static. You find yourself back at the main menu.
PARAZOOLOGICAL THREATS: THE RISING TIDE
October 10, 2055

I'm standing in the laboratory of Dr. Jacob Okinyi, head zoologist at the Institute of Primate Research in Karen, Kenya.

Strapped to a reinforced examination table is a creature unlike anything I've ever seen. The thing is approximately the size and shape of a gibbon, but it has six mouths arranged in a ring around a pale, grub-like head. It's disgusting.
Dr. Okinyi sees my reaction, and he laughs. "What you see now is nothing," he tells me. "When it was alive, it killed six men - ripped the faces and genitals off of two, and bathed the other four in some sort of caustic fluid. And all the while, it was laughing."

"Laughing?" I ask. "Like, hyena-laughing?"

"No. It was laughing like a man."
He must see my brow furrow, because he continues on.

"This was not a simple animal, Dr. Alder. It acted with *purpose* when it killed those men, and the only surviving witness tells me that it grew fat on their screams."

Sure enough, the creature's belly does look distended. I know that the thing is dead, but that doesn't stop me from edging away.
Dr. Okinyi goes on to tell me that many similar creatures had been captured throughout the jungles of Nairobi - monkey-like things with bizarre mutations and vicious temperaments. But each has been different enough from the others to defy classification; this one had a cluster of eyes and an extra set of legs, while that one had a coat of quills and the rasping mouth of a lamprey.
"The emergence of magic some forty years ago put a new wrinkle into biological field work," Dr. Okinyi tells me. "New species are being discovered all the time. But this... this is something different.

"These creatures that have been popping up recently fall outside of any meaningful system of classification. And what's more, I have conducted enough autopsies on them to know that they do not belong here."
I press him for clarification on that point. "What I mean to tell you is that their internal anatomy is all wrong. It doesn't even make sense," he explains. "These creatures could not exist were it not for magic. And six months ago, I would have told you that they could not exist at all."
The story is the same across the globe. Strange creatures of myriad shapes and descriptions appearing out of nowhere, acting with intelligence and malice.

Killing for the pleasure of it.
When comparing the results of my own magical research to Dr. Okinyi's observations, an unsettling picture begins to emerge. As I reported in the last edition of SMQ, the magical background count of the world is rising. And the more mana that saturates our environment, the more of these strange creatures we see.

These things - whatever they are - are multiplying. And they're getting bigger.
If we as a community fail to find a solution to this problem, we'll have much bigger things to worry about than our ability to practice magic.

The ecosystem of our planet is changing around us. The one-way flow of mana into our world is making the Earth less and less suitable for human habitation, and more and more suitable for the horrors that are invading our world.
The clock is ticking, people. We are running out of time.

>>Dr. Elizabeth Alder
Found on Annika's Desk: 84792
5 digit code found written on a scrap of paper in Annika Schroeder's desk.
The figure loping toward you is big, even for an ork. The majority of his body is sheathed in a suit of heavy, overlapping plates.

What you can see of his face looks raw and slick, like old scar tissue stretched tight over his skull. He wears an expression of supreme confidence.		 La silouhette qui vient d'entrer est énorme, même pour un ork. La majorité de son corps est recouvert d'une combinaison lourde faites de plaques imbriquées les unes aux autres.

Ce que vous distinguez de son visage semble rugueux et usé, comme cette vieille cicatrice qui s'étend sur la moitié de son crâne. Il arbore une expression de suprême confiance en lui.
All right, friends. Playtime's over.

All you shadowrunners are the same - skulking, sneaking. Steal a vase or two from the museum - no harm. Maybe I'd let you scamper away into the night. 		Très bien, les gars. La récréation est terminé.

Tous ces shadowrunners sont les mêmes, rodant et furetant partout. Voler un vase ou deux dans le musée - rien de bien méchant. Peut-être que je vous aurais laissé décamper.
But now it's too late for that sort of generosity. Visitors aren't welcome down here.

{{GM}}The gaping maw of the minigun jerks upward. An impatient gesture, loaded with malice.{{/GM}}

Drop your weapons and surrender.		 Mais maintenant c'est trop tard pour un tel acte de générosité. Les visiteurs ne sont pas les bienvenu ici.

{{GM}}La gueule béante de sa mitrailleuse se soulève dans un soubresaut. Un geste d'impatience, chargé de mauvaises intentions.{{/GM}}

Lachez vos armes et rendez-vous.
That's military-grade armor he's wearing, $(l.name). Hardened against small arms fire.

We'll have a tough time getting through it.		 Il porte une armure de type militaire, $(l.name). Le protégeant contre les armes de petit calibre.

On va avoir du mal à se le faire celui la.
I'm less concerned about the armor than I am about that minigun. Those things can tear a man in half. Je suis moins inquiet par son armure que par sa mitrailleuse. Ce genre de trucs peut découper un homme en deux.
You have three seconds before I open the hose. Step out here and surrender, and I promise I'll make this easy. Vous avez trois secondes avant que je n'ouvre le feu. Reculez et rendez-vous, et je vous promet que tout se passera en douceur.
Something tells me you're gonna kill us either way. Quelque chose me dit que tu nous tuera de toute façon.
How 'bout you drop your enormous gun and step over here instead? Et pourquoi tu ne reculerez pas en lâchant ton énorme flingue, plutôt?
Who are you? Can we talk about this? Qui es tu? On peut au moins en parler?
True! I can't deny it. But wouldn't it be easier if you didn't fight back?

{{GM}}The ork shrugs, and you hear the distinctive whir of his Vindicator's motor spinning up to speed. The barrels begin to blur as he wheels the weapon to face you.{{/GM}}		 C'est vrai ! Je ne peux pas le nier. Mais ce serait plus facile si vous ne répliquiez pas, non?

{{GM}}L'ork hausse les épaules et vous entendez le vrombissement distinct des moteurs de son Vindicator gagner en puissance. Les canons tournent à toute vitesse lorsqu'il lève son arme vers vous.{{/GM}}
Funny. You're a funny $(l.guy).

{{GM}}The ork's gauntleted fist tightens, and you hear the distinctive whir of his Vindicator's motor spinning up to speed. The barrels begin to blur as he wheels the weapon to face you.{{/GM}}		 Marrant. Tu es un $(l.guy) marrant.

{{GM}}Les poings gantés de l'ork se resserrent, et vous entendez le vrombissement distinct des moteurs de son Vindicator gagner en puissance. Les canons tournent à toute vitesse lorsqu'il lève son arme vers vous.{{/GM}}
No.

{{GM}}The ork's gauntleted fist tightens, and you hear the distinctive whir of his Vindicator's motor spinning up to speed. The barrels begin to blur as he wheels the weapon to face you.{{/GM}}		 Non.

{{GM}}Les poings gantés de l'ork se resserrent, et vous entendez le vrombissement distinct des moteurs de son Vindicator gagner en puissance. Les canons tournent à toute vitesse lorsqu'il lève son arme vers vous.{{/GM}}
Your workstation and mission computer. The command center for your team's operations, and your last link to the memory of Monika Schäfer.

Her thoughts and words live on in the machine. At times, it's easy to forget that she's gone.
The cool blue tones of the workstation's main menu fill the screen.

A blinking message in the upper-right corner notifies you that you have $(scene.numUnreadMessages) unread messages.
{{GM}}Delete the Bloodline project data.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Delete the mysterious Aztechnology data.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read the contents of Alice's optical chip.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Check your inbox for new messages.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read your old messages.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Check the status of the Alice fund.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Open the Jobs directory.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Access the Shadowland BBS.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Access Monika's team personnel files.{{/GM}}
WARNING: This is a one-way operation. Deleted files will be NON-RECOVERABLE.

Are you sure that you wish to proceed? Y/N
{{GM}}Delete the data.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Cancel.{{/GM}}
File deleted.
You cancel the delete request and are returned to the main menu, data intact.
You slot the optical chip into the computer's waiting chipjack.

On the screen, Alice's office blossoms into view.
A half-second later, a real-time simulation of Alice appears, seated behind her mahogany desk. Something about it reminds you of a figure from a wax museum; lifelike, but dead inside.

It greets you with a facsimile of Alice's joyless smile.
Customer name: $(l.name).

{{GM}}Its voice is hollow, synthetic. An automaton masquerading as a living woman... one who you've never even met in the flesh.{{/GM}}

Account number: one-oh-one-two-five-seven-nine.
Greetings, valued customer. I am an offline simulacrum of the Alice persona.

I have been included on this chip to answer any questions that you might have about your information purchase.
Nifty piece of tech.
If you are ready to proceed, I will present Alice’s findings. You may interrupt this presentation at any point by saying “Alice, I have a question.”
Is that the only thing you’ll respond to? Or can I talk to you like a normal person?
We’re ready. Let’s get this show on the road.
{{GM}}The simulacrum hitches slightly.{{/GM}}

You may interrupt this presentation at any point by saying “Alice, I have a question.”
That answers that.
Very well. Commencing presentation.

{{GM}}The simulacrum goes rigid for a moment, then seems to relax. When it speaks, it sounds more natural… as though the real Alice is speaking through it.{{/GM}}
All right, $(l.name). I’ve got good news for you, and I’ve got bad news.

Let’s start with the good news. I’ve found Vauclair, and he is alive.
Thank God.
The trail to your missing doctor was a long and slippery one. The fee that you paid me barely covered my costs for the job.

I sent a team into the SOX on a fact-finding mission. I bribed government officials. I greased the palms of wageslaves at megacorps all across Europe.
Each step I took eliminated possibilities. Drew me a little bit closer. And finally, I found the place where Vauclair is being held.
The simulacrum makes a sweeping gesture with its right hand, and an image switchblades onto the screen. A grainy, overhead photograph, annotated with map coordinates.

You recognize it immediately.
This is where you’ll find him. He is being held captive at a remote estate called the “Harfeld Manor.”
You’ve gotta be kidding me.
He was there the *whole time?*
{{GM}}Glory says nothing. She just studies the photograph and nods.{{/GM}}
Okay. Nobody tell me, I get it.

This is something else that I missed.
Alice, I have a question.
If this was the good news, I can’t wait to hear the bad news.
{{GM}}The simulacrum hitches again, and you can feel the life drain out of it. It looks up at you robotically.{{/GM}}

You have a question. All right. Please, make your inquiry now.
You said that Vauclair is being held at the estate. What evidence did you turn up to support that?
What else did you turn up about the Harfeld Manor?
Never mind. Let's get on to the bad news.
No more questions. Let's get on to the bad news.
One of my assets at Transys Neuronet provided me with a video feed dated 2053-10-10. The feed was taken by a corporate surveillance drone.

Playback commencing.
The screen is filled with a grainy black and white video feed. You recognize the Harfeld Manor, photographed from high above.

The camera pushes in, and the image sharpens. Through a barred, ground-level window, you can see the shape of a stooped, emaciated figure. His body shows clear signs of neglect.
The figure is unmistakable: it’s Vauclair, twenty years older and worse for wear. His skin hangs loose on his bones and his cheeks are hollow. There is a distinctly gray pallor to his skin.
That’s Vauclair, all right... what's left of him, anyway. It doesn't look like they've been feedin' him much.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Poor bastard.
Another figure steps into frame behind Vauclair. An ork. He turns his head slightly, and his skin grafts catch the light.

Vauclair slowly turns to face Audran, and the video feed cuts out.
{{GM}}The simulacrum stares at you impassively.{{/GM}}

Do you have another question?
Seismological data and thermal imaging confirm the existence of a large, hollow chamber under the estate. It is my suspicion that Doctor Vauclair is being held somewhere within this substructure.
If Feuerschwinge's kept Vauclair trapped there for almost twenty years, she's gotta have a reason for it. It takes effort and resources to lock a man away for that amount of time.

So what's her endgame in all of this? Why not just kill him and be done with it?
Malice. Revenge. Who knows?

Remember, this was the man who shot her down. He sent her crashing into a radioactive wasteland. If somebody did that to me, I'd want to hurt him, too... and I'd make it last.
I think it goes deeper than that. According to Winters' DVD, Vauclair designed the experimental weapon that shot her down. And that weapon split her body from her essence.

{{GM}}Glory glances down at her own steel-and-chrome arms, and suppresses a shudder.{{/GM}}

If I had to guess, I'd say that she's trying to make him fix whatever he did to her. That's what makes sense to me.
There is a moment of silence as the group processes Glory's suggestion.

Before anyone can speak, the simulacrum cuts back in.
Do you have another question?
Very well. Feel free to interrupt again with any future inquiries.
The simulacrum pauses, and a brief tremor washes over its body. Its eyes flutter, and you can hear the sound of your computer working to process more of the chip's data.

Eiger turns to address the team.
If Vauclair’s at Harfeld, we’ve got problems.

The last time we broke into that place, they took Monika out. It was a miracle that any of you got out alive.
Yeah, but now we know what’s down there. This time, we’ll be prepared for it.

We can handle this.
{{GM}}Eiger shakes her head.{{/GM}}

No. It'll be even worse this time.

The first time we went in, we had the element of surprise on our side. But now, they'll be expecting us. They're hunting us, remember?
Their security team is going to be waiting for us, Dietrich. That Audran bastard is going to be waiting for us.

And even if we make it past them, we're going to have to deal with the dragon in the basement.
Well, what else can we do? Cut and run?

The last time I checked, that wasn’t an option, either.
Even if it were, I wouldn’t take it. I’m not running from this.

Not after what they did here tonight.
None of us are, Glory. But Eiger's right... we can’t just go charging in there again. Not without some kind of edge.
I'm with Dietrich. No guts, no glory.
I still haven't completely ruled out the "cut and run" plan.
The simulacrum jerks back to life. It resumes speaking, blissfully unaware of the conversation that it's cutting off.
And now, $(l.name)... on to the bad news.

You now know where Vauclair is. But rescuing him will not be possible.
Alice, I have a question.

{{GM}}He continues without waiting for a response.{{/GM}}

Why the hell not?
In the course of my investigation, I encountered something terrifying in the Matrix.

It was fast, cunning, and very definitely intelligent. I’m convinced that I only escaped because it let me go.

It could have killed me in a heartbeat if it wanted to.
This *thing* that I met is protecting the Harfeld Manor. And it's going after anyone who gets too close to what's happening there.
Alice... what did you see in there? *What* is going after these people?
By way of explanation, I would like you to read the following document.

{{GM}}The simulacrum makes another sweeping gesture, and the menu slides back onto the screen. This time, it is filled with text.{{/GM}}

What you’re looking at is an archived forum discussion from the early days of the Shadowland BBS.
{{GM}}Blitz stares at the text on the screen.{{/GM}}

She… uh, *it*... isn’t kidding, chief. This discussion is dated back to 2036. That's ancient history in the decking community.

It probably isn't even correct to call these guys "deckers." "Hackers" would be the more appropriate term.
When you’re finished reading it over, say “Alice, I’m done,” and we can continue.
{{GM}}Read the archived discussion.{{/GM}}
Alice, I have a question. Could you give me a summary of this discussion?
As you lean in to read, the text slowly begins to scroll up from the bottom of the screen.
>>>>>[You all hear about the S-K team that got crisped a few hours ago? A whole lab's worth of researchers, all burned and broken beyond recognition. Ugly stuff.]<<<<<
- Clockwork <13:27:02/09-01-38>

>>>>>[At this point, who hasn't?]<<<<<
- Big Pharma <13:28:05/09-01-38>
>>>>>[Power spike. Got 'em right through their datajacks, like a bolt of lightning to the brain. A one-in-a-million accident, is what they're saying.]<<<<<
- Mr. Mayhem <13:29:00/09-12-38>

>>>>>[...and you believe that?]<<<<<
- Clockwork <13:29:10/09-12-38>

>>>>>[Got a more plausible explanation?]<<<<<
- Mr. Mayhem <13:29:22/09-12-38>
>>>>>[Yes, actually. It was a clean-up operation.]<<<<<
- Clockwork <13:30:05/09-12-38>

>>>>>[Color me intrigued. What were they cleaning up?]<<<<<
- Big Pharma <13:30:52/09-12-38>

>>>>>[A secret project that Lofwyr didn't want anything to do with. You might've heard rumors about it... the project name was APEX.]<<<<<
- Clockwork <13:32:24/09-12-38>
>>>>>[Aaaaaaand you've lost me.]<<<<<
- Mr. Mayhem <13:34:40/09-12-38>

>>>>>[APEX, Clockwork? Seriously? That old line of drek?]<<<<<
- Big Pharma <13:34:44/09-12-38>

>>>>>[I'm tellin' you jokers, APEX is real. Or at least, it was... until the wizworm pulled the plug.]<<<<<
- Clockwork <13:35:52/09-12-38>
>>>>>[C'mon, Clockwork. We're still decades away from seeing a fully functional AI, you know that. Those APEX stories that've been floating around... they're just some conspiracy nut's wet dream.]<<<<<
- Mr. Mayhem <13:38:12/09-12-38>

>>>>>[Fine. Keep your heads in the sand. Some of us know the truth when we read it.]<<<<<
- Clockwork <13:38:20/09-12-38>
>>>>>[Okay, Clock. I'll humor you. But riddle me this: if Lofwyr had an armed and operational AI in his claws, why kill it?]<<<<<
- Big Pharma <13:39:30/09-12-38>

>>>>>[You remember what happened to most of Echo Mirage?]<<<<<
- Clockwork <13:40:07/09-12-38>
>>>>>[The Crash Virus killed them. Fried their brains. But I don't see what that has to do with anything.]<<<<<
- Mr. Mayhem <13:44:59/09-12-38>

>>>>>[With the commercial release of the CDT-1000, some security firms are working on counterintrusion software that could do the same thing. "Black IC." You can look it up if you don't believe me.]<<<<<
- Clockwork <13:45:43/09-12-38>
>>>>>[Whoa. Scary stuff, man.]<<<<<
- Big Pharma <13:55:20/09-12-38>

>>>>>[Well, the goal of the APEX project was even scarier. IC waits for you to come to it. APEX wouldn't be bound by those restrictions. It could go out hunting, hit its targets when they least expected it. That's why they called it APEX... it was designed to be the apex predator of the digital world.]<<<<<
- Clockwork <13:58:11/09-12-38>
>>>>>[...and so, rather than using it to his advantage, Lofwyr decided to kill it in the cradle?]<<<<<
- Big Pharma <13:59:10/09-12-38>

>>>>>[The wizworm's no fool. Some things are too dangerous to play around with. How would you put that genie back in the bottle if it ever slipped out of your control? Answer: you couldn't.]<<<<<
- Clockwork <14:00:08/09-12-38>
>>>>>[And then it would TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!!111!11!]<<<<<
- Mr. Mayhem <14:01:26/09-12-38>

>>>>>[Okay, this thread has officially gone off the rails. I'm closing it down for the good of mankind.]<<<<<
- Captain Chaos <14:05:39/09-12-38>
The slow scroll of text comes to a stop.
Alice, I'm done.
{{GM}}The simulacrum jerks back to life, then settles into a neutral pose.{{/GM}}

There are no official records in the Saeder-Krupp database to support the existence of the APEX project. But the thing that I encountered *was* APEX. Of that, I am certain.
Just as I am certain that APEX was responsible for the deaths of Monika Schäfer, Green Winters, Clockwork, Peregrine, and a score of other deckers over the last sixteen years.
{{GM}}Blitz raises his hand.{{/GM}}

Hold up. Uh, Alice, I have a question.

I thought they said that Lofwyr killed APEX?
They speculated as much, yes. They were wrong on that count.

I do believe that Saeder-Krupp was developing APEX as a tool for Matrix Warfare. I am also convinced that the IT personnel who were killed were the APEX development team.

But I don’t think that Lofwyr was responsible for their deaths.
APEX killed them.
That'd be my guess, yes. In the turmoil surrounding Lofwyr's buyout of Saeder-Krupp, a number of projects went missing.

I believe that APEX was "appropriated" by a member of Feuerschwinge's organization at this point. It was then unleashed on its own development team to silence them.

Since then, it has provided information control for the Firewing.
A pet AI would explain how Feuerschwinge has managed to maintain her conspiracy and avoid detection for the past two decades.

Any time anyone gets close, the AI takes them out and scrubs the record clean.
So there’s your bad news, $(l.name). Vauclair is being held at the Harfeld Manor. But knowing that does you no good, because you can’t approach the place.

I doubt that you could open the door without APEX frying you.
We did last time.
They were trying to protect their secret. Like Audran said... if we hadn't gone down into the basement, they'd've let us go.

APEX didn't react to us until Monika attempted to force the door to the basement.
...and now that the cat's out of the bag, they have no reason not to pull out the big guns on sight.

{{GM}}Dietrich grimaces.{{/GM}}

You're right. We can't go back while APEX is in place.
The room falls into silence. Finally, Eiger turns to you.
What's the play, $(l.name)?
We can’t turn back now. If APEX is standing between us and Vauclair, then we need to find a way to kill APEX.
Fuckin' A, boss. I'm in.
Did you hear that, Alice? Do you have any suggestions?
{{GM}}The simulacrum hitches again. The pause stretches. Finally, it comes back to life.{{/GM}}

The AI has a kill switch. But Alice deemed any additional contact with APEX to be an unjustifiable risk.

Attempting to reach the kill switch would be inadvisable.
Save me the warnings. I'm going to kill this thing. I owe Monika that much.
If Alice was scared of this thing, maybe we should give it a wide berth.
Alice, tell us about APEX's kill switch.
{{GM}}The simulacrum stares at you with dead eyes.{{/GM}}

Thanks to my close encounter with the AI, I was able to run a trace on it.

Through this trace, I discovered the physical address of a backdoor access point for APEX's programming. An old Saeder-Krupp research lab, long since abandoned and fallen into disrepair. The facility is now hotly-contested gang territory.
I have also determined that a kill switch for the AI exists somewhere in the basement of this facility.

I will provide you with a physical address.
I don't like the smell of this, chief. It said that APEX *let* Alice escape.

{{GM}}He turns to address the simulacrum on the screen.{{/GM}}

Alice, why would a Matrix warfare AI allow you to run a trace on it?
{{GM}}It stares straight ahead. Its eyes are dead.{{/GM}}

I’m afraid that the answer to that question falls outside of the scope of my written parameters.
{{GM}}The simulacrum stutters one final time, then looks up at you with an apologetic smile.{{/GM}}

You have now reached the end of this presentation. I have been encoded with a final message from Alice to $(l.name).

Playback commencing.
{{GM}}The simulacrum’s eyes go wide, and the life floods back into it. It stares directly at you.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). If you didn’t listen to me before, listen to me now. DROP THIS. Stop going after Vauclair, GET OUT of Berlin, and stay out of the Matrix. I’m telling you this for your own good.
That’s all that I have to say… I’m following my own advice. I’m *out.*

Don’t try to contact me again.
The simulacrum reverts to its idle state, slumping like a puppet with its strings cut. Its eyes glaze over and its face goes slack.

Then the screen cuts to black.
This smells like a trap to me, $(l.name). Why else would APEX have let Alice escape?

{{GM}}She turns to address the simulacrum on the screen.{{/GM}}

Alice, why would a matrix warfare AI allow you to bring us this information?
You an' me both.
That's not an option, $(l.name). We can't get into the estate without dealing with APEX first, and we have to get into the estate.

I don't like this, either. But I can't see how we can get around it.
I'm still in favor of the "cut and run" plan. Butting heads with an AI isn't high on my list of things to do for the day.
We can't do that. Glory's right... there's no way around this.

If Alice knows how we can kill this thing, we have to at least try.
All right. Alice, tell us about APEX's kill switch.
Glory's right. There's no way around this.

If Alice knows how we can kill this thing, we have to at least try.
A pet AI would explain how Feuerschwinge has managed to maintain her conspiracy and avoid detection for the past decade.

Any time anyone gets close, the AI takes them out and scrubs the record clean.
Alice. Question.

I thought they said that Lofwyr killed APEX?
{{GM}}The simulacrum hitches again.{{/GM}}

Yes. Very well. Recap: the discussion in question relates to a rumored artificial intelligence project called APEX. Saeder-Krupp was rumored to have been developing the AI for Matrix Warfare purposes.

The project was abandoned in 2036 when the entire development team died under mysterious circumstances.
Forum posters speculate that the development team was killed by Lofwyr, the new CEO of Saeder-Krupp, in an effort to wipe out the project. APEX is presumed to have been deleted as a part of that same effort.

End of recap.
{{GM}}Skip it.{{/GM}} Alice, I'm done.
After what they did to Paul? To the Kreuzbasar? You'd just turn heel and run away?

I can't believe that you'd do that, $(l.name). Not after what we've already been through.
You have $(scene.numUnreadMessages) unread messages.
{{GM}}[VID] >>RE: ASCENDANCY{{/GM}}
{{GM}}[VID] >>RE: SALVAGED DVD{{/GM}}
{{GM}}[VID] >>RE: ONE LAST DVD{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>RE: JOB - HIJACKED SHIPMENTS...{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>RE: COMMISSIONING YOUR SERVICES...{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>RE: BLITZ{{/GM}}
{{GM}}[VID] >>RE: ROT IN HELL.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}[VID] >>RE: FIREWORKS.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}[VID] >>RE: PAYBACK IS SWEET.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>RE: THANKS.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>RE: FUN 'N GAMES!{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>RE: STILL ALIVE.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>RE: AUDITION.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>RE: WE NEED TO TALK.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>RE: RECOVERY.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>RE: YOUR CONTINUED ASSISTANCE.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Go back.{{/GM}}
The screen flickers to life. Luca Duerr's face shines out through the gloom.
$(l.name). I would like to thank you for your continual assistance over the course of the past few weeks.

Ascending the ladder of an organization like mine is never easy, but it's much simpler when an ally such as yourself volunteers to do the heavy lifting.
Each task that you performed for me took me one rung higher.

Stahl's survival proved an embarrassment for his handler, Marquez. The first of my rivals.

It would have been better for her if Stahl had been made a martyr; his survival has created a rift within the Humanis Policlub that looks quite damning on paper.
I'll spare you the details on the other little tasks that I had you perform, but suffice it to say that each was an arrow aimed at the heart of a rival. And the elimination of Aleshire on your trial run created a vacancy within my organization that only I could fill... he was one of us, by the way.
You will not see me in the Kreuzbasar again; my concerns are global now. But understand that everything you have done has been for the greater good.

My greater good, specifically.

Goodbye.
The image flickers and distorts, then winks out. There is a chugging noise from inside your computer.

A text box pops onto the screen: FILE NOT FOUND. You search your inbox again, but Duerr's message is gone.
The screen flickers to life, and Maliit's face appears. From the shifting background and ambient noise, it's clear that this message was recorded on a portable device.
Hoi, $(l.name)! Just wanted to tell you that I've met with limited success in working on that stack of DVDs... it's a thorny problem, but at least I'm making *some* headway.
If you look on the table beside your DVD player, you will find another recovered disc. I wasn't able to salvage all of the files on it, but I think that you might find what I did recover to be of interest.
For my part, I'm going to continue working on the other DVDs. To tell you the truth, I wouldn't hold out much hope, though... they're all badly damaged, and suffering from disc rot besides.

I'll be in touch. My best to you and your team!
The message ends, and the image fades. You find yourself back at your inbox.
The screen flickers to life, and Maliit's face appears. She wears a plastic smile.
Hoi again, $(l.name).

Well, I've recovered one last DVD for you, but I'm afraid that's all you're gonna get. You might as well use the rest as coasters... they're all beyond repair.
If you look on the table beside your DVD player, you'll find the disc that I salvaged.

{{GM}}She pauses. A slight frown crosses her face.{{/GM}}

To be completely honest, that was a lie. To recover this last disc, I was forced to... subcontract.
Schrotty is still a brute of a man. I am unimpressed with his manner, and his poor hygiene disgusts me.

But he is very good with old things such as this.

All credit where it's due.
>>*Mettbach, Gunari*
>>to: $(l.name)

If you value new hardware coming into the Kreuzbasar, we need to talk. One of my weapons shipments was hijacked by a local gang. I can promise 500 nuyen - and if you can recover the shipment, I'll have some new gear on the shelf.

Come see me for the details.
>>*WITHHELD*
>>to: $(l.name)

We would like to arrange a meeting between you and one of our representatives. You will find him at the Cafe nearby - his name is Luca Duerr. He will be expecting you. Come alone.
>>*Em*
>>to: $(l.name)

Dear $(l.name),

Please tell Lukas - excuse me, I mean "Blitz" - that I'm proud of him for not being an idiot.
In all seriousness, I know that his first impulse must have been to come riding in to my rescue, despite the fact that I didn't want him to.

The fact that he was willing to listen to me and stay away... well, it means a lot.
I wish that I could tell him everything. So much has happened. But for now, I'm afraid that I have to keep quiet... lives depend on it.

Please tell him to sit tight, and that I'll be in touch when I can. And please, tell him that I love him.

Best,
Em
The screen flickers to life, and Heimerich's face appears. He looks pale and haggard, and his eyes are rimmed with red.
Well, you really screwed us. I hope you're happy about that.

An hour after your little party at the Azzie compound, the whole district was crawling with Knight Errant. And who do you think they came to see?
You guessed it, drecksau. They came to *us,* just like we said they would.

Danni's dead, Mira's a wreck, and we need to keep moving just to stay alive. All thanks to you.

I hope you rot in hell.
The screen flickers to life, and Heimerich's face appears. He raises a liter of beer to the screen in salute.
Hey, $(l.name)! That "fireworks display" that *mysteriously* went off at the Azzie compound was a thing of beauty!

We wish you could've been in the coffee shop with us to see it, but we understand that you had more important things to do.
Come by for a drink sometime, and we'll raise a toast to the rubble!
The screen flickers to life, and Maxim's face appears. He's wearing a broad grin, and you can hear the sounds of celebration in the background.
Hey there, "muscle." Not sure if Tuck gave me the right address, but I figured it was worth a shot.

I don't know if you heard, but our favorite policlub got hit from all sides by the F-State today. It was glorious.
Anyway, just thought you'd want to share in the good news. And thanks for your help back there... I don't think we'd've made it out of there without you.

{{GM}}He raises a hand in salute.{{/GM}}

Take care, $(l.name).
>>*Alexander*
>>to: $(l.name)

Hey, $(l.name). Uncle Dietrich told me that I could message you here, so I figured that I should.

He probably told you that I'm living at Samuel's, huh? Well, that's where I am. It's different, I'll give it that much.
I like that I don't get pressured to hurt people here. So that's good. And nobody smacks me around, even though I can tell that a lot of the trog- uh, the "orks and trolls" want to.

I do get yelled at a lot, and called a lot of names. But I guess that making me feel bad about that kind of thing is all a part of the plan.
Life kind of sucks right now, but at least nobody is going to make me kill anyone. Uncle D says that it's going to get better, and maybe it will. I dunno.

Anyway. What I mostly wanted to say was thanks for not killing me back at the Humanis compound. I had a gun on you, so you totally could have. But you didn't, and I'm really glad about that.

Thanks,
Alexander
>>*Enstad, Thorvald*
>>to: $(l.name)

Hey there, pal! After our run-in, I decided to do a little diggin', and I came up with your address. Hope you don't mind that I'm writin' ya, but I thought we should keep in touch!
Anyway, I went on this run the other day, and I've just been DYING to share the story with someone!

You *understand* me, so I thought that "someone" might as well be you!
So this was a solo job, right? Not really even a shadowrun... more of hired killing, to be honest. Just like the one you were on when we met!

Well, my target was the manager of this junkyard. Lots of big, heavy equipment, just waitin' to be used. He even had this custom WALDO unit... all these robot arms, each with its own special tool for a hand.
It had drills, and saws, and cutting torches... even a belt sander! The thing could strip and part out a car in two minutes flat!

You can see where this is going, right? Yeah, I know that you can!
You should've been there, buddy, I'm tellin' you. It was like somethin' out of a goddamned horror movie, only *better,* because *I* was in charge of the whole show. And no security to show up and spoil my fun, neither!
Anyway, pal, I guess I've taken up enough of your time. But thanks again for lettin' me go!

\m/
-ThOrvald
>>*Jana*
>>to: $(l.name)

I guess that I should thank you - you got me out of that horrible job alive. I don't think I could've made it on my own.

What happened on that run took everything else away from me, but at least I'm still breathing.
The Lodge turned me into a killer, $(l.name). That gnaws at my guts every minute of every day, and I still can't sleep at night. Innocent people - *normal* people - died because of what I did. And you know why they made me do it?

Because they could.
I don't know. Maybe this doesn't bother you... you're a shadowrunner, after all. You kill people all the time. Just another day at the office, huh?

Well, I'm not like you. I can't just kill people on the job and forget about it the next day. This is going to haunt me for the rest of my life.
I don't know how to live like this, but it's still better than not living at all. That's what I keep telling myself. And so I figured that I might as well tell it to you, too.

-J
>>*WITHHELD*
>>to: $(l.name)

You have failed to live up to our expectations, and you have failed your audition. In light of your apparent inability to follow simple instructions, we have withdrawn our representative from your kiez.
After much internal debate, our organization has decided not to take punitive action against you or your team. We have wasted enough time and resources on you already.

Consider yourself lucky, and enjoy your career in the shadows. We are confident that it won't last long.
>>*Ezkibel, Dr. Xabier*
>>to: $(l.name)

Come see me at your earliest convenience. There is a matter that we need to discuss.
>>*Silke*
>>to: $(l.name)

Hi $(l.name),

This is Silke, from the hotel. I hope it's okay that I'm writing you... Samuel gave me your email address.
Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for everything that you did for me. Kicking my cram habit was the hardest thing that I've ever done, and I don't think I would've tried if you hadn't talked me into it.

To celebrate my newfound soberiety, I've decided to sign on as a volunteer at the charity. Who knows? Maybe giving back to the community will help turn things around in my life.
Anyway, thanks again, $(l.name). I owe you one.

Yours,
Silke
>>*SCHOCKWELLENREITER*
>>to: $(l.name)

>>>>>Thank you for your service.

>>>>>As a sign of our appreciation, we have decided to reward you with a piece of biotech that one of our operatives acquired on a recent job.
>>>>>If you wish to take advantage of this, go see Dr. Ezkibel. The implantation surgery has already been paid for, so there will be no cost to you.

>>>>>Thanks again for your help, and enjoy your new toy!

>>>>>FREEDOM. EQUALITY. INFORMATION. SCHOCKWELLENREITER.<<<<<
You have no unread messages.
{{GM}}[VID] >>Re: Salvaged DVD{{/GM}}
{{GM}}[VID] >>RE: One last DVD{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>RE: Job - hijacked shipments...{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>RE: Commissioning your services...{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>Re: Blitz{{/GM}}
{{GM}}[VID] >>Re: Fireworks.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}[VID] >>Re: Rot in hell.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}[VID] >>Re: Payback is sweet.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>Re: Thanks.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>Re: Fun 'n Games!{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>Re: Still alive.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>Re: Audition.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>Re: We need to talk.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>Re: Recovery.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}>>Re: Your continued assistance.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}[VID] >>Re: Hello, ace.{{/GM}}
Schrotty is still a brute of a man. I am unimpressed with his manner, and his poor hygeine disgusts me.

But he is very good with old things, such as this.

All credit where it's due.
>>*Mettbach, Gunari*
>>to: $(l.name)

If you value new hardware coming into the Kreuzbasar, we need to talk. One of my weapons shipments was hijacked by a local gang. I can promise 500 nuyen, but if you can recover the shipment, I'll have some new gear on the shelf.

Come see me for the details.
The screen flickers to life, and Monika's face appears. Her hands are on her hips, and she's wearing a wry smile.
Hey, ace. If you're reading this, it means that I've either died or stepped down... hopefully the latter, but probably the former.

Not many shadowrunners make it to retirement age.
In any case, I'm sure that you'll do a fine job in the role. If you need anything, talk to Paul... he's a good man, and he knows how important it is to me that you take my place.

One last thing, ace. Eiger might cause you some problems. In fact, I think it's a fair bet that she already has. Just remember: she brings something to this team that nobody else does. You'll want her on your side.
My advice to you is this: hold your own with her. If she pushes you, push back. Don't try to butter her up with flattery, she'll see right through it.

Most of all, do what you can to earn her respect. She'll never be satisfied following you if you don't give her a better reason to than "because Monika said so."
I have faith in you, ace. It's up to you to justify that faith.
{{GM}}She half-turns away from the camera, then returns her attention to you. The image is uncannily lifelike.{{/GM}}

Oh, and by the way, ace... if you botch this, I'm coming back and haunting your ass. I mean that.
CURRENT FUNDS: ¥$(story.Global_AliceFunds)

REQUIRED FUNDS: ¥50,000
{{GM}}Transfer ¥50,000 to Alice's secured credstick for payment.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Deposit ¥5,000 from your wallet into the Alice Fund.{{/GM}}
>>ACCOUNT ADMIN OVERRIDE PASSWORD REQUIRED.
>>CURRENT ADMIN USER: PAUL.AMSEL

Please enter password:
volklingen
VOLKLINGEN
Volklingen
The funds disappear from your account. Moments later, a message pops up on the screen:

TRANSFER COMPLETE.

Sitting in its dock on the keyboard, a green LED blooms to life on Alice's credstick. The trigger has been pulled. The Rabbit Hole awaits.
>>JOBS : MAIN<<
{{GM}}Claim payment for the MKVI prototype extraction.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Claim payment for the Aztechnology sabotage run.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Claim payment for the Pharma cleanup job.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Extract funds from Thorvald Enstad's PDA to cover the Pharma cleanup job.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Claim payment for the Humanis datasteal.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}View all pending and active jobs.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Review notes on completed jobs.{{/GM}}
You submit the job as "finished" and await your client's response.

A few moments later, a message pops onto the screen.
>>*Herr Schmidt*
>>to: $(l.name)

Your reputation is well deserved! The interests that I represent are deeply impressed, both with the MKVI itself and with your work on this assignment.

Please accept this payment with our compliments.

-Schmidt
A moment later, a second message pops into your inbox: your payment details.
PAYMENT FROM CLIENT: 22,500¥
DEDUCTIONS FOR CREW SALARY: -6,000¥
AMMUNITION AND RESUPPLY COSTS: -1,500¥
AUTOMATIC DEDUCTION FOR ALICE FUNDS: -11,250¥
REMAINDER SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 3,750¥

Payment transfer complete.
>>*Herr Schmidt*
>>to: $(l.name)

To call your work "unsatisfactory" would be an understatement.

When I said that we wanted the prototype, it should have gone without saying that we wanted it INTACT and OPERATIONAL.
You technically fulfilled the terms of our arrangement, so you will get paid. But don't ever expect to work for us again.

-Schmidt
>>*Herr Schmidt*
>>to: $(l.name)

Here's your money. Don't ever contact us again.

-Schmidt

PS - When your new "friends" turn on you, I'm gonna spit on your grave.
>>*Frau Müller*
>>to: $(l.name)

If you are receiving this message, I have fled the country or am otherwise unavailable.

Don't worry, you'll still be getting paid... I've made the appropriate preparations.
In any case, $(l.name), thank you for helping me. Please do not attempt to contact me again; as far as the world - and my former employers - are concerned, I am buried under a ton of rubble. It is best that I remain that way.

Goodbye,
Ivonne Jimenez, aka "Frau Müller"
PAYMENT FROM CLIENT: 36,000¥
DEDUCTIONS FOR CREW SALARY: -9,600¥
AMMUNITION AND RESUPPLY COSTS: -2,400¥
AUTOMATIC DEDUCTION FOR ALICE FUNDS: -18,000¥
REMAINDER SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 6,000¥

Payment transfer complete.
>>*Herr Fuchs*
>>to: $(l.name)

No sense in mincing words. Your job performance was satisfactory at best.

Your fee will be transferred immediately. Enjoy it while it lasts, because you'll never work for us again.

-Fuchs
PAYMENT FROM CLIENT: 15,000¥
DEDUCTIONS FOR CREW SALARY: -4,000¥
AMMUNITION AND RESUPPLY COSTS: -1,000¥
AUTOMATIC DEDUCTION FOR ALICE FUNDS: -7,500¥
REMAINDER SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 2,500¥

Payment transfer complete.
>>*Herr Fuchs*
>>to: $(l.name)

An excellent job, $(l.name). You are a credit to your profession, and I would not hesitate to hire you again. Your fee will be transferred to your account immediately.

-Fuchs
You plug Enstad's PDA in to your computer, submit the job as "finished," and wait for the funds to transfer.

A few moments later, a message pops onto the screen.
>>*P_AMSEL*
>>to: $(l.name)

$(l.name). I didn't want to say this in front of the others, but I feel the need to say it. What you did was unacceptable.
This is your team, and you may lead it however you see fit. But if the word gets out that you betrayed a client, our other job prospects are going to vanish, and we can't afford to have that happen.

We NEED the information that Alice is gathering for us, and if we can't afford to pay her, we'll never get our hands on it.
I'm going to do what I can to smooth over the mess you left with Herr Fuchs, but I fear that the damage may already be done.

In the future, I pray that you exercise better judgment.

-Amsel
PAYMENT TRANSFERRED: 15,000¥
DEDUCTIONS FOR CREW SALARY: -4,000¥
AMMUNITION AND RESUPPLY COSTS: -1,000¥
AUTOMATIC DEDUCTION FOR ALICE FUNDS: -7,500¥
REMAINDER SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 2,500¥

Payment transfer complete.
>>Samuel Beckenbauer
>>to: $(l.name)

Here is your payment, as promised.

-Beckenbauer
PAYMENT FROM CLIENT: 22,500¥
DEDUCTIONS FOR CREW SALARY: -6,000¥
AMMUNITION AND RESUPPLY COSTS: -1,500¥
REMAINDER SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 15,000¥

Payment transfer complete.
PAYMENT FROM CLIENT: 36,000¥
DEDUCTIONS FOR CREW SALARY: -9,600¥
AMMUNITION AND RESUPPLY COSTS: -2,400¥
REMAINDER SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 24,000¥

Payment transfer complete.
PAYMENT FROM CLIENT: 15,000¥
DEDUCTIONS FOR CREW SALARY: -4,000¥
AMMUNITION AND RESUPPLY COSTS: -1,000¥
REMAINDER SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 10,000¥

Payment transfer complete.
PAYMENT TRANSFERRED: 15,000¥
DEDUCTIONS FOR CREW SALARY: -4,000¥
AMMUNITION AND RESUPPLY COSTS: -1,000¥
REMAINDER SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 10,000¥

Payment transfer complete.
>>PENDING / ACTIVE JOBS : ENTER QUERY<<
{{GM}}Read "PENDING: MKVI Prototype Extraction."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read "ACTIVE: MKVI Prototype Extraction."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read "PENDING: Pharma Cleanup Job."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read "ACTIVE: Pharma Cleanup Job."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read "PENDING: Humanis Datasteal."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read "ACTIVE: Humanis Datasteal."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read "PENDING: Aztechnology Sabotage Run."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read "ACTIVE: Aztechnology Sabotage Run."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Back to root.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Amsel's face winks onto the screen.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). Here you will find the complete transcript of my conversation with "Herr Schmidt," a potential client. As you will see, the details of the job are a bit more vague than I would like, but the payout is quite substantial.
After reading the transcript, you may choose whether or not to accept the job. If you respond in the affirmative, our client will be notified, and I will make all necessary preparations for the run.
One other thing: Herr Schmidt provided me with a device to assist you on the run. He calls it a "little black box"... apparently, it can be used to compromise the power and security systems of the run site.

If you opt to take the job, be sure to take it with you.
Amsel's image flickers, then winks away.

A moment later, a glowing blue text field begins to scroll up from the bottom of the screen.
GUEST: Greetings, Herr Amsel. I trust that this connection is secure?

P_AMSEL: Naturally. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?

GUEST: Call me Herr Schmidt.
P_AMSEL: Very well, Herr Schmidt. You have some business for me?

GUEST: Indeed. I have a job for your team... a simple matter. Judging by what I have heard of your team, I imagine that they will be well suited to the task.

P_AMSEL: Go on.
GUEST: The interests that I represent have learned that AG Chemie Europa is working on a company-wide project. Something very secret, very new. Reliable sources inform me that they're keeping a working prototype of this new venture at their Berlin facility.

P_AMSEL: I see. And your employers wish us to acquire this prototype for them?

GUEST: Naturally.
P_AMSEL: What is this "project?" If you want my team to grab the prototype for you, they'll need to know what they're looking for.

GUEST: I'm not at liberty to say. I can tell you that the prototype has been branded "MKVI." I can also tell you that your team will find it on the 25th floor of the Berlin facility, in the office of one Albrecht Haushofer.
GUEST: Further, I can assist your team in disabling building security and gaining access to the 24th floor. From there, however, they will be on their own.

P_AMSEL: Such vagueness can be dangerous, Herr Schmidt. I will not commit my team to a run without a better understanding of what the job entails.
GUEST: Facing such dangers is the purpose of a shadowrunner, Herr Amsel. Your team will be rewarded handsomely for their services... my employers have set aside 20,000 nuyen for the job. Consider it hazard pay if you wish.

P_AMSEL: Make it 25,000 nuyen, or look somewhere else.

GUEST: 22,500 nuyen. Final offer.
P_AMSEL: Very well. I will pass your offer on to my team. Are there any further details that you can provide?

GUEST: Haushofer's office will be locked behind a vault door. The lock is old-fashioned, of the mechanical variety. I will provide your team with a copy of the key.

GUEST: I will also supply you with a "little black box"... a solid-state device that your team can use to override a variety of building systems.
GUEST: Your team will enter through the facility's underground garage. When your team has acquired the MKVI, have them exit through the same garage. I will have a van there waiting to extract them.

P_AMSEL: Thank you, Herr Schmidt. I will pass your offer on to my team.

GUEST: Good day, Herr Amsel.
{{GM}}The text field disappears. A single line of text pops onto the center of the screen, taking its place.{{/GM}}

ACCEPT JOB? Y/N
{{GM}}Accept the job.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Decline for now.{{/GM}}
Run accepted. Client notification sent.
You take the little black box from the desk and pocket it before returning your attention to the screen.
P_AMSEL: What is this "project?" If you want my team to grab the prototype for you, they'll need to know what they're looking for.

GUEST: I'm not at liberty to say. I can tell you that the prototype has been branded "MKVI." I can also tell you that your team will find it on the 25th floor of the Berlin facility, in the office of one Albrecht Haushofer. Further, I can assist your team in disabling building security and gaining access to the 24th floor. From there, however, they will be on their own.
P_AMSEL: Very well. I will pass your offer on to my team. Are there any further details that you can provide?

GUEST: Haushofer's office will be locked behind a vault door. The lock is old-fashioned, of the mechanical variety. I will provide your team with a copy of the key.

GUEST: I will also supply you with a solid-state device that your team can use to override building security. This will provide them with access to the building's surveillance camera feeds and control over the main service elevator.
{{GM}}Amsel's face winks onto the screen.{{/GM}}

Here you will find the complete transcript of my conversation with "Herr Fuchs," a potential client. The job seems to be relatively straightforward, and the payout is reasonable.
One word of caution before you proceed: there are aspects of this run that you might find morally troubling. Be sure to read and understand the specifics of the job before accepting.

If you do accept, you will be expected to carry out the requirements of the job in full.
GUEST: Herr Amsel?

P_AMSEL: Yes, I am here. To whom am I speaking?

GUEST: You may call me Herr Fuchs.
P_AMSEL: Very well. Please describe the work that you would like to have done.

GUEST: Straight to the point. I like that. Very well.

GUEST: I would like to retain your team's services to clean up a mess.
P_AMSEL: Go on.

GUEST: My employers dispatched a team of operatives to conduct a quiet operation at a local SCHERING Pharma AG lab. Unfortunately, they botched the job.

GUEST: The team was eliminated, but we have reliable information that one of the operatives has been taken captive.
GUEST: If this rogue agent were to spill information leading back to my employers, it could lead to a corporate war. A great many lives could be lost.

GUEST: My employers would like nothing more than to prevent such a tragic turn of events.
P_AMSEL: Ah. I see. And you wish to retain my team's services to tie up loose ends?

GUEST: Exactly.

GUEST: The captive operative is a rigger by the name of Thorvald Enstad. We need him neutralized before he can inform on us to his captors.
GUEST: As Enstad and his team have already put the facility on high alert, stealth will not be an option. Your team will need to shoot its way in, eliminate Enstad, and exit the facility.

P_AMSEL: A straightforward enough task, and well within my team's capabilities. What are you offering in terms of pay?
GUEST: ¥15,000. This offer is non-negotiable.

P_AMSEL: Very well. I will pass the offer on to my team.

GUEST: Very good. Good day, Herr Amsel.
P_AMSEL: Go on.

GUEST: My employers dispatched a team of operatives to conduct a quiet operation at a local SCHERING Pharma AG lab. Unfortunately, the team went rogue and botched the job.

GUEST: The team was eliminated, but we have reliable information that one of the operatives has been taken captive.
{{GM}}Amsel's face appears on the screen.{{/GM}}

Samuel Beckenbauer has approached me with an offer of work.

Apparently, an associate of his has learned some disturbing details regarding the Berlin chapter of the Humanis Policlub. He would like to contract your team to investigate these rumors.
Beckenbauer was unwilling to discuss the specifics of the job in your absence.

He has requested that you speak with him in person at your earliest convenience.
Here is a brief recap of the operational parameters for this job, as provided me by our client:

> Samuel Beckenbauer (CLIENT) suspects that the Humanis Policlub is planning something nefarious involving a highly toxic chemical.

> Beckenbauer wants you to infiltrate a group of smugglers to gain entry into a Humanis compound.
> Once inside, you are to uncover Humanis' plans and exit the complex.

> Beckenbauer will pay upon receipt of the plans.

End of recap.
Here is a brief recap of the operational parameters for this job, as provided me by our potential client:

> Frau Müller (CLIENT) wants you to level an Aztechnology research facility in order to stop the work that they're doing there (project name: "Bloodline").

> To accomplish this, you must overload the facility's power generators.
> The facility will be defended by both Aztechnology security forces and Knight Errant, including a High Threat Response Team. Because of this, a frontal assault is NOT recommended.

> Bugging Knight Errant's comm system will partially mitigate this threat. This can be accomplished by first hitting the offices of OTK International and destroying their mainframe.
>With OTK's mainframe down, KE will be forced to rely on an offsite backup for their commlink software. I have already arranged to have this backup compromised.

> After you have finished the OTK International job, I will be able to monitor Knight Errant communications. This should greatly increase your chances of infiltrating the Aztechnology facility.

End of recap.
>>COMPLETED JOBS : ENTER QUERY<<
{{GM}}Read notes for the MKVI Prototype Extraction.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read notes for the Pharma cleanup job.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read notes for the Humanis datasteal.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read notes for the Aztechnology sabotage run.{{/GM}}
P_AMSEL: What is this "project?" If you want my team to grab the prototype for you, they'll need to know what they're looking for.

GUEST: I'm not at liberty to say. I can tell you that the prototype has been branded "MKVI." I can also tell you that your team will find it on the 25th floor of the Berlin facility, in the office of one Albrecht Haushofer. Further, I can assist your team in disabling building security and gaining access to the 24th floor. From there, however, they will be on their own.

P_AMSEL: Such vagueness can be dangerous, Herr Schmidt. I will not commit my team to a run without a better understanding of what the job entails.
Here is a brief recap of the operational parameters for this job, as provided me by our client.

> Samuel Beckenbauer (CLIENT) suspects that the Humanis Policlub is planning something nefarious involving a highly toxic chemical.

> Beckenbauer wants you to infiltrate a group of smugglers to gain entry into a Humanis compound.
>With OTK's mainframe down, Knight Errant will be forced to rely on an offsite backup for their commlink software. I have already arranged to have this backup compromised.

> After you have finished the OTK International job, I will be able to monitor Knight Errant communications. This should greatly increase your chances of infiltrating the Aztechnology facility.

End of recap.
>>ACCOUNT ADMIN OVERRIDE PASSWORD REQUIRED.
>>CURRENT ADMIN USER: PAUL.AMSEL

>>$(l.name), please speak with me when you are ready to proceed with Alice's payment. - Amsel
Shadowland connection... established successfully.

link_Str 100%
spoofing = 1
group_info = null, anon

>>>>>[ WELCOME TO SHADOWLAND ]<<<<<
{{GM}}Search BBS for relevant keywords.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Post paydata for sale.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Claim payment for sold paydata.{{/GM}}
>>[TOPIC(S) MATCHING LOCAL KEYWORDS...]<<
{{GM}}THREAD: GHOUL BODIES FOUND IN SCHÖNEBERG WATER RESERVOIR{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: GHOULS SPOTTED IN HALLESCHES TOR U-BAHN{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: MASSACRE AT SCHATTENNEST SCHOOLHOUSE{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: KA-BOOM!{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: KILLER IN SEATTLE?{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: WHO IS "BLUTZ"{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: WHERE TO FIND ELVES??{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: TRANSYS HIGHLANDER, BEST NEW DECK?{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: FORMULA 17{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: 'TRIX DISAPPEARANCES{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: CLIENT SCREWED ME{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: PLEASE HELP ME FIND MY DAUGHTER{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: SAVE THE F-STATE!{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: HELP! DROWNING IN JUNK MESSAGES!{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: RUNNING ON S-K{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: F-STATE PROTECTION...{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: SHATTENNEST UNDER SIEGE{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: DROGENKIPPE BANKING WOES{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: ENERGY SOURCES?{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: SELLING USED CUSTOM WESTWIND 2000{{/GM}}
{{GM}}THREAD: CORP TRACERS{{/GM}}
>>>>>[What do you think? Sounds dead-on like a corp machination to me. Two bodies found in the wastewater down there... both HMHVV carriers. I know the people in Schöneberg were striking at that Saeder-Krupp factory last month - punishment?]<<<<<

- Ruby <14:22:54/11-$(story.date_Sewer)-54>
>>>>>[S-K wouldn't be that stupid. If it ever got traced back to them, that they purposefully tried to contaminate a water supply with HMHVV, they'd get run out of Berlin completely.

From what I've seen, it's total chaos down there. I've heard reports of looting at the markets, people hoarding all the clean water they can fit in their homes.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <14:29:41/11-$(story.date_Sewer)-54>
>>>>>[Sure they wouldn't. They'd hire runners to do it for them. Anyone know of any ghoul bag-n-tag jobs recently?]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <15:01:12/11-$(story.date_Sewer)-54>
>>>>>[Can't have anarchy without honor keeping us going. No runner team I know of would take a job to poison innocent people for S-K, unless their Fixer is just a real shitshow.]<<<<<

- Jast <15:05:19/11-$(story.date_Sewer)-54>
No more posts in this thread.
>>>>>[Hearing reports that a band of ghouls showed up in Hallesches Tor. One got hit by a train, splattered the thing all across the tracks and the people waiting at the stop.

News footage is showing hazmat types hosing the entire place down. No reports of HMHVV infection just yet, but we'll see.]<<<<<

- Ruby <14:22:54/11-$(story.date_Sewer)-54>
>>>>>[God damn. What happened to the rest of the ghouls?]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <14:29:41/11-$(story.date_Sewer)-54>
>>>>>[Hate to have been one of those people just waiting for a train. Shit.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <15:01:12/11-$(story.date_Sewer)-54>
>>>>>[RE: TOLSTOI: Sounds like they fled after their buddy got pasted by the train. People have been reporting sightings, and there's K-E in the streets looking out for them.

So far, only false positives. The rest of the poor bastards are probably still wandering around out there.]<<<<<

- Jast <15:05:19/11-$(story.date_Sewer)-54>
>>>>>[Really attention grabbing headline, right? That's how the local news has been spinning it. Truth is, the schoolhouse was abandoned years ago and was being used as a Humanis recruitment and training complex.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <09:47:18/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[You're kidding me. A friend of mine was going there after class and he said it was just a community center.]<<<<<

- AlexTusk <10:13:58/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[I know none of you are fans of Humanis, but that entire chapterhouse got wiped clean. There were probably some kids in there off the street who were just looking for a hot meal.

Screw Humanis for exploiting them, but they didn't deserve death.]<<<<<

- Jast <10:54:23/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[Good riddance to those assholes. Streets are a little safer now that they're all buried.]<<<<<

- Maelstrom <10:55:01/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[Went trolling on the Humanis board and that place was totally wiped out. Volker Stahl was in charge of that chapterhouse, good riddance to that piece of drek. ]<<<<<

- Ruby <10:58:33/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[Heh, just got offered a job to geek one of Humanis’ lieutenants. Seems like Stahl is dead and a power struggle is already underway.]<<<<<

- Jast <11:02:02/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[You taking the job?]<<<<<

- ProShot <11:12:43/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[Not my kind of work, but I gave the Johnson an address to one of your ‘trix dead drops.]<<<<<

- Jast <12:17:52/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[Cheers mate.]<<<<<

- ProShot <12:19:12/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[Just finished up drinks with a chummer who was doing some biz up there. The real story is Humanis did not want to pay for services rendered and some hired muscle went crazy and took them all out.]<<<<<

- BlueBeerd <14:58:01/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[So the muscle decided taking the whole place down would get the nuyen back? Well that’s one way to make a living I guess.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <15:55:01/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[Even if your “friend” did get screwed out of a bit of nuyen I don’t think Humanis would even be worth the bullets. Especially that many of them.]<<<<<

- Jast <16:12:01/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[You should not believe everything you read on the Matrix. My sources tell me he has already moved on to a safe house. It seems like whenever things get rough for Humanis he always comes through without a scratch.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <06:55:59/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[Just finished up drinks with a chummer who was doing some biz up there. The real story is Humanis did not want to pay for services rendered and some hired muscle went crazy and took them all out.]<<<<<

- BlueBeerd <02:58:01/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[So the muscle decided taking the whole place down would get the nuyen back? Well that’s one way to make a living I guess.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <09:55:01/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[Even if your “friend” did get screwed out of a bit of nuyen I don’t think Humanis would even be worth the bullets. Especially that many. ]<<<<<

- Jast <10:12:01/11-$(story.date_Humanis)-54>
>>>>>[You feel that shake a few hours ago? Not an earthquake. Azzie facility went sky high downtown. BOOM! Can see the smoke from here. Friend of mine down there says it was a power spike that blew their generators. I doubt it. Only Shadowrunners have that sense of flair.]<<<<<

- Maelstrom <09:27:52/11-$(story.date_Aztechnology)-54>
>>>>>[You're kidding me. That huge one that sprung up six months ago? Place must have cost millions to build.]<<<<<

- Jast <09:30:04/11-$(story.date_Aztechnology)-54>
>>>>>[If it was runners, hope they got a major payday. No way I'd go anywhere near an Azzie facility without a trunk full of ammo and a mage watching my back.]<<<<<

- Ruby <09:30:31/11-$(story.date_Aztechnology)-54>
>>>>>[Honestly, the power spike version sounds more likely. I've walked past that facility, and they have guards posted at the door 24/7, not to mention the automated turret systems backing them up.

No way someone got paid to waltz through that scheisse. No way.]<<<<<

- Lumens <09:39:15/11-$(story.date_Aztechnology)-54>
>>>>>[So, dig this... apparently, there were some survivors wandering around a U-Bahn station near the blast site. Some BuMoNa folks approached to see if see they had accounts. Then one of them said that they "had to keep running," and they all took off down the tunnel.]<<<<<

- Maelstrom <10:02:31/11-$(story.date_Aztechnology)-54>
>>>>>[Well, sure. With a blast of that magnitude, they were probably all in shock.]<<<<<

- Ruby <10:04:04/11-$(story.date_Aztechnology)-54>
>>>>>[Found another post about a bunch of glassy-eyed people wandering around, it said that they were all wearing hospital gowns?]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <10:15:50/11-$(story.date_Aztechnology)-54>
>>>>>[The BuMoNa people must have hooked them up. They keep all kinds of medical gear in their rescue wagons.]<<<<<

- Ruby <10:28:13/11-$(story.date_Aztechnology)-54>
>>>>>[Maybe. Or maybe they were Azzie guinea pigs.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <10:31:21/11-$(story.date_Aztechnology)-54>
>>>>>[So, dig this... apparently there was a survivor wandering around a U-Bahn station near the blast site. Some BuMoNa folks tried to see if he had an account, and he just stared at 'em. Then he mumbled something about his "brothers" and ran off into the night.]<<<<<

- Maelstrom <10:02:31/11-$(story.date_Aztechnology)-54>
>>>>>[Well, sure. With a blast of that magnitude, the guy was probably in shock.]<<<<<

- Ruby <10:04:04/11-$(story.date_Aztechnology)-54>
>>>>>[Found another post about a glassy-eyed dude wandering around, it said that he was wearing a hospital gown?]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <10:15:50/11-$(story.date_Aztechnology)-54>
>>>>>[Maybe the BuMoNa people hooked him up. They keep all kinds of medical gear in their rescue wagons.]<<<<<

- Ruby <10:28:13/11-$(story.date_Aztechnology)-54>
>>>>>[Maybe. Or maybe he was an Azzie guinea pig.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <10:31:21/11-$(story.date_Aztechnology)-54>
>>>>>[Anyone else reading about this? City's got a Lone Star contract and they can't catch the guy. This "Emerald City Ripper" has been on a spree and so far no one has a clue.

Pathetic. If something like that happened on my block, some vigilantes would have tracked him down and stopped him. Shows how good state payroll cops are.]<<<<<

- Maelstrom <04:13:58/07-24-54>
>>>>>[Who says it's a "he"? They don't have any leads.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <04:15:29/07-24-54>
>>>>>[Hah. I'll be in Seattle next week. FWD any info you have about this "Ripper" and I'll see about taking him out for a date with my Walther MA-2100.

I'm sure Lone Star will have a fat reward waiting for whoever blasts this goon.]<<<<<

- ProShot <04:15:18/07-24-54>
>>>>>[I think that's the name. I'm still recovering the logs. This hot-dogger just trashed my LAN trid hosting server. Sounds like some kid pissed over his cartoons getting canceled? Left a bunch of garbage files all over my disks and I'll be cleaning them up all day.

They should make you pass a dumbass-test before you are allowed to deck in this town.]<<<<<

- Lumens <01:32:50/09-26-54>
>>>>>[Step up your security. Write some white IC programs if you can, at least make the kid's hair stand on end for a few hours next time he tries it.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <04:13:58/09-26-54>
>>>>>[Just make sure that your IC is quick! Heavy-hitting IC is no good if it can't catch up with an intruder... a fact that I take advantage of on a regular basis.]<<<<<

- Clockwork <07:03:13/09-26-54>
>>>>>[Always running, eh CW?]<<<<<

- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes Again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>[Like clockwork!]<<<<<

- Clockwork <07:17:51/09-26-54>
>>>>>[If you two are finished... I *did* have IC on the thing.

Tracked the hole down. Grocery store across the street was piggybacking on my LAN and they left an unsecured jack point in a bathroom stall. Old as hell maintenance jack in a fusebox, and my security ignored it. Mystery solved.]<<<<<

- Lumens <01:50:10/09-27-54>
>>>>>[Shadowland isn't your personal tech-support board, Lumens.

Glad to see you fixed your own problem. Only way you're going to learn.]<<<<<

- Maelstrom <01:58:19/09-27-54>
>>>>>[Is there any, uh, elf clubs or bars in the downtown area? I really want to meet one. They're just ... so beautiful. Maybe we can go dancing... do elves like dancing?]<<<<<

- AlexTusk <02:47:18/11-04-54>
>>>>>[There's one on Torstraße. Bring a bouquet of roses, elves love a romantic.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <04:13:58/11-04-54>
>>>>>[The elf clubs I know of are members only due to creepy groupies... like you. Not really appealing when a guy is only after them for the shape of their ears.]<<<<<

- Ruby <02:54:23/11-04-54>
>>>>>[Just got one of these from a Transys Neuronet rep. Wants me to sell them in my store - so I took the puppy for a test drive.

Signal quality is insane. Makes for a huge difference in comfort/decking fatigue. I can stay jacked in for hours and feel fine. Last session I had to set a timer just so I wouldn't forget to eat.]<<<<<

- Lumens <21:12:19/11-05-54>
>>>>>[The specs on that thing look impressive, but I'm an Allegiance man. Does the comfort really make that much of a difference? My decks are generally beaters anyway.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <21:25:06/11-05-54>
>>>>>[Allegiance? What are you doing with that thing, playing videogames? Any serious decking is going to require way more horsepower than that thing can push, even overclocked.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <21:30:18/11-05-54>
>>>>>[Only a crappy decker blames their gear. I do just fine, thanks.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <21:31:02/11-05-54>
>>>>>[RE: LUMENS: How much is Transys paying you to post this scheisse on here?]<<<<<

- Maelstrom <21:35:59/11-05-54>
>>>>>[So we've all seen this one floating about the 'trix, this is some serious stuff. It's got heavy-duty corp written all over it. Not a lot of players could be behind something like this... Ares, or S-K, or maybe one of the big pharma corps? Say Schering, or AGC?]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <18:42:39/11-$(story.date_Chemie)-54>
>>>>>['Course, you can never totally discount the Azzies either.]<<<<<

- Ruby <20:19:11/11-$(story.date_Chemie)-54>
>>>>>[Tolstoi, my esteemed colleague, this is indeed a recipe for some top-shelf drek. Whispers from the shadows say that this is sourced straight from the F-State.]<<<<<

- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes Again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>[Hello, boys! I'm a big fan! You know, long time reader, first time poster. Quite an interesting concoction you have here, I'm just itching to cook some up!

So many interesting properties to play with, I've already got a few tweaks in mind for my own special version 2.0!]<<<<<

- Brewmeister <22:43:52/11-$(story.date_Chemie)-54>
>>>>>[You sure that you want to do that? This stuff doesn't play nice, and Corps are really bad at sharing their toys.]<<<<<

- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes Again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>[You can, of course, always share their secrets for them! Just gotta make sure that you run a little faster than them.]<<<<<

- Clockwork <22:49:23/11-$(story.date_Chemie)-54>
>>>>>[Like clockwork!]<<<<<

- Clockwork <23:02:41/11-$(story.date_Chemie)-54>
>>>>>[Bandit, I'm touched by your concern. But don't you worry about little 'ole me. I do declare, this shall be ever such fun!]<<<<<

- Brewmeister <23:51:09/11-$(story.date_Chemie)-54>
>>>>>[We've all heard the rumors about deckers disappearing, but in the last two months I've lost at least half a dozen of my best info hunters! Anyone have a lead on what's doing the disappearing?]<<<<<

- Jast <01:55:41/11-17-54>
>>>>>[Smart money is on some new IC. Corps are always looking for new ways to keep their matrix doors shut tight.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <02:11:30/11-17-54>
>>>>>[Really? Corps interested in security? Truly a revalation!]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <02:15:01/11-17-54>
>>>>>[It's a gakking matrix predator! I saw it just a couple of hours ago!

I was poking through a datastore with Clockwork, and it came outta nowhere. It was like... I dunno, like a shark made out of bands of light! It flew straight through Clock, and it slotting swallowed him whole!

I yanked my own datajack cable, and I've been throwing up from dumpshock ever since.]<<<<<

- Ruby <02:55:11/11-17-54>
>>>>>[A matrix shark, riiiiiiight.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <03:11:00/11-17-54>
>>>>>[Shut up, Wraith. Where were you, Ruby? CW was supposed to meet me more than an hour ago, and he's never late.]<<<<<

- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes Again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>[Sorry I'm late, Bandit. Slotting IC tarred me up for a bit, but I made it out with no problems. You didn't think I'd bail on you, did you?]<<<<<

- Clockwork <03:20:13/11-17-54>
>>>>>[Not possible! I saw you get swallowed! Not possible!]<<<<<

- Ruby <03:21:49/11-17-54>
>>>>>[Don't be so dramatic, Ruby. I'm fine. See?]<<<<<

- Clockwork <03:22:37/11-17-54>
>>>>>[CW! You almost had me worried. But you just keep on running, don't you?]<<<<<

- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes Again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>[No need to worry, Bandit. You didn't think that some lame-ass IC was gonna dump me, did you?]<<<<<

- Clockwork <03:25:44/11-17-54>
>>>>>[Like I said... you just keep on running.]<<<<<

- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes Again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>[Always, Bandit! Always!]<<<<<

- Clockwork <03:27:03/11-17-54>
>>>>>[Wrong answer, drek-stain. Who the hell are you, and what have you done with Clockwork?]<<<<<

- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes Again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>[System Error :: Thread Closed]<<<<<

- System Daemon <03:28:19/11-17-54>
>>>>>["BENNO" is a fraud. I broke my first rule, Always Get Full Payment Up Front. Left me hanging for 50% of the cash after I completed the job.

I'm sure he'll have changed his name by the time this posting goes up. Male elf, brown hair, gold eyes. Looked to be in his mid-30s. Be careful who you work for out there.]<<<<<

- ProShot <18:42:39/11-04-54>
>>>>>[Never thought I'd see you admit to a mistake on here.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep my eyes open. Will FWD any info I come across if you're still looking to collect from the guy.]<<<<<

- Maelstrom <18:55:02/11-04-54>
>>>>>[RE: PROSHOT: Sent you some surveillance footage. Is this your man?]<<<<<

- Blitz <19:31:47/11-04-54>
>>>>>[Sure is. Nice one.

I'll split the take with you if this lead pans out. Good to find there's still some honor among runners.]<<<<<

- ProShot <20:13:29/11-04-54>
>>>>>[Please help me find my daughter! She ran away from home. She is Human, in her early twenties with short blonde hair and datajack. She was last seen wearing a light blue dress.]<<<<<

- WorriedMother004 <12:44:01/11-13-54>
>>>>>[This is not exactly the place to be looking for missing kids. How did you even get in here?]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <13:55:44/11-13-54>
>>>>>[I paid good money to get on here! I was told you people could help!]<<<<<

- WorriedMother004 <14:06:13/11-13-54>
>>>>>[If you've got the nuyen, you came to the right place. I sent you a number that you can reach me at.]<<<<<

- Ruby <14:21:29/11-13-54>
>>>>>[The old "help me find my missing kid" routine, a classic.]<<<<<

- Malestrom <14:22:45/11-13-54>
>>>>>[My money is on "escaped wage slave."]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <14:24:59/11-13-54>
>>>>>[Make sure you do your homework, Ruby.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <16:42:19/11-13-54>
>>>>>[The time rise up against the corporations is now! Fight for a free Berlin!]<<<<<

- NeoRevolutionaryAlpha <20:12:07/11-13-54>
>>>>>[You just fall out of a time warp? The war is over and we won.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <20:19:12/11-13-54>
>>>>>[Hard to imagine Berlin any freer. Maybe you just need to switch to decaf?]<<<<<

- Jast <20:26:31/11-13-54>
>>>>>[As long as ANY corporation is active ANYWHERE in the F-State we are all at risk. WE MUST ACT!]<<<<<

- NeoRevolutionaryAlpha <20:32:02/11-13-54>
>>>>>[Corps are good for business and keep in their little corners. Why do you think we would help you?]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <20:46:07/11-13-54>
>>>>>[How naive to think they will stay there forever. Don’t you see that they are taking the freedom we all hold so dear? Plans are being made across the F-State... with the shadow community on our side, we shall prevail!]<<<<<

- NeoRevolutionaryAlpha <20:49:21/11-13-54>
>>>>>[The F-State has its own way dealing with those who step out of line. Take your politics somewhere else... around here, we've got bills to pay.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <20:59:16/11-13-54>
>>>>>[Hoi, chummerz. I could use ur help... every time I jack into the Matrix these days, I'm flooded with junk mail! There's so much of it, I can't even see! Can any1 help me?]<<<<<

- RollinTHUNDER <8:22:05/11-13-54>
>>>>>[Great. Another newbie who thinks he's on a tech support board.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <8:24:10/11-13-54>
>>>>>[Hey stuff it! I wouldn't ask, but I'm desperate! I can't deck like this!]<<<<<

- RollinTHUNDER <8:26:05/11-13-54>
>>>>>[All right, Thunder, calm down. It sounds like an adbot is keyed in to your deck... been poking around anywhere sketchy lately? I don't need details, a simple yes or no will do.]<<<<<

- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes Again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>[No, Bandit, I haven't been anywhere like that! I swear! Please help me!]<<<<<

- RollinTHUNDER <8:31:10/11-13-54>
>>>>>[Whatcha wanna bet he gave his personal info to some scam-site? I'll give you 10-to-1 odds.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <8:35:25/11-13-54>
>>>>>[NO! I ... don't think so? All I've done was make an online dating profile!]<<<<<

- RollinTHUNDER <8:36:19/11-13-54>
>>>>>[Let me guess. Meet n' Mate?]<<<<<

- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes Again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>[How did U guess?]<<<<<

- RollinTHUNDER <8:45:22/11-13-54>
>>>>>[That's not a real dating site, Thunder. It's a place where desperate people go to get infected with malware.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <8:46:45/11-13-54>
>>>>>[But what do I DO? HOW DO I MAKE IT STOP?]<<<<<

- RollinTHUNDER <8:47:52/11-13-54>
>>>>>[I dunno. Buy a new deck. Best of luck.]<<<<<

- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes Again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>[Scheisse, what a thrill. Had to do a simple data steal on a S-K branch office, turned into an O.K. Corral shootout. Never seen first response team arrive that fast in my life!

Had a decker off site running damage control, managed to distract the second team to a different building while we jacked the car the first team came in. Lesson learned, “simple” when it comes to S-K means something else.]<<<<<

- Maelstrom <20:40:15/11-14-54>
>>>>>[You stole the corp's response vehicle? Don't they have trackers on those things?]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <20:45:31/11-14-54>
>>>>>[Of course they do. Dumped it off the side of the road with a primed grenade in the back seat just to be safe.]<<<<<

- Maelstrom <20:49:12/11-14-54>
>>>>>[Nice one!]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <21:46:07/11-14-54>
>>>>>[Bragging about a nearly failed run on S-K? Is it worth them paying a decker to backtrace your Shadowland account?]<<<<<

- Ruby <21:58:13/11-14-54>
>>>>>[Any idea what valuable data they were hiding in that branch office?]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <22:40:15/11-14-54>
>>>>>[No idea. Money was too good to take any chances with it. Safely delivered it and the transfer cleared.]<<<<<

- Maelstrom <22:47:15/11-14-54>
>>>>>[The Reiters have it on good authority that the Lobatchevski Syndicate is eyeing Schattennest for expansion. For the good of the Flux, we should keep a watchful eye on this situation.

See attached files for more details...]<<<<<

- SCHOCKWELLEN_REITERS <18:40:19/11-$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[Okay… bad news for Schattennest. But if the Rammbock isn’t going to stop them, and I hear Surfturf is out of the picture…

Well, I’m sure there’s *some* policlub out there who wants that piece of the pie. I know we’ve got enough of them.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <19:01:29/11-$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[I know that Humanis has some presence there, but I doubt they’ll fight the Russians too much. I’d say they’re far more likely to form a partnership.]<<<<<

- Ruby <19:17:06/11-$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[The Reiters have it on good authority that the Winternight Cult is eyeing Schattennest for expansion. We do not have any information as to what purpose they have for Berlin yet, but for the good of the Flux, we should keep a watchful eye on this situation.

See attached files for more details...]<<<<<

- SCHOCKWELLEN_REITERS <18:40:19/11-$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[Can’t track down much about these guys. What’s the big deal?]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <19:01:29/11-$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[Have a friend out in Cal Free State who swears that he's worked for them before. Says that they're the real deal - an honest-to-God global conspiracy. I thought he was full of drek... a Norwegian cult with money and influence to rival the big corps? Come on.]<<<<<

- ProShot <19:17:06/11-$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[Yeah, sounds a bit far-fetched.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <19:17:54/11-$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[...That said, my buddy *is* rolling in nuyen, and hell if I know where it came from. Or maybe I should say "was."]<<<<<

- ProShot <19:18:32/11-$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[As in, past tense. So what happened?]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <19:17:54/11-$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[He went on a shooting rampage a few weeks back. Took out his entire family and a couple of neighbors before Lone Star managed to bring him down. He'll be sitting in one of their supermax facilities for the rest of his life, and the money got seized as evidence.]<<<<<

- ProShot <19:18:32/11-$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[Whoa. That's horrible, man.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <19:18:45/11-$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[Yeah, it was. Thing is, I've read his arrest records. At the time that Lone Star tackled him, he was screaming crazy things... things about the world burning and a moon made of blood. So maybe there's something to all of this after all.]<<<<<

- ProShot <19:18:32/11-$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[All-out war has broken out between the Rammbock and several mercenary groups. Not sure who started it, not sure if it matters. If I were you, I’d stay the hell away until they’ve finished killing each other.]<<<<<

- Jast <18:40:19/11-18-54>
>>>>>[I knew that place was a powder keg, but this is a bit much. Has anyone made it out of there safely?]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <19:01:29/11-18-54>
>>>>>[Streets aren’t safe at the moment. If people aren’t out already, they'd better have some food and water stockpiled.

The Shockwellenreiter posted something about the Lobatchevski, but I haven’t been able to find any evidence to corroborate that. Like Jast claims, it’s just the Rammbock defending their turf against these free agents.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <19:17:06/11-18-54>
>>>>>[Looks like someone tried a good old-fashioned bank robbery out in Drogenkippe the other day... one of those old, defunded banks still had some funds in it, apparently. One of the poor bastards ran afoul of the building's defense turrets, and there isn't much of him left.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <17:12:54/11-$(story.date_Trust_Blitz)-54>
>>>>>[Speaking of which, a friend out in Berlin tells me that the biggest loan shark out in Drogenkippe got taken down yesterday. Some fat, sadsack troll called "Meat Grinder." My pal was supposed to run collections for him, but instead of getting paid, he wound up having to deal with the body.]<<<<<

- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes Again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>[Sounds like a revenge hit to me. What goes around comes around.]<<<<<

- Maelstrom <18:09:37/11-$(story.date_Trust_Blitz)-54>
>>>>>[That tub of lard will keep the ghouls fed for a month.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <23:32:11/11-$(story.date_Trust_Blitz)-54>
>>>>>[Forget the ghouls, think of all those people who just had their credit restored! Free money!]<<<<<

- BlueBeerd <23:52:19/11-$(story.date_Trust_Blitz)-54>
>>>>>[Looks like there was a good old-fashioned bank robbery out in Drogenkippe the other day... one of those old, defunded banks still had some funds in it, apparently. Whoever it was, they played it clean... waltzed right in, transferred away a load of nuyen, and left before things went sideways.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <17:12:54/11-$(story.date_Trust_Blitz)-54>
>>>>>[Not *that* clean. There were a couple of bodies out by the front gates. Looks like they ran afoul of the defense turrets... I've got the holopics in front of me, and what's left of them isn't a a pretty sight.]<<<<<

- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes Again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>[They made the transfer though. Left the bankers in the lurch, there's no capitol left! Their whole operation is coming down around them!]<<<<<

- Maelstrom <18:09:37/11-$(story.date_Trust_Blitz)-54>
>>>>>[I'm sure that's very comforting for them. Oh, no, wait, they're dead.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <23:32:11/11-$(story.date_Trust_Blitz)-54>
>>>>>[They made big bucks, man. In my book, that's a win, even if they *did* do it posthumously.]<<<<<

- ProShot <23:59:01/11-$(story.date_Trust_Blitz)-54>
>>>>>[Looks like there's been a good old-fashioned bank heist in Drogenkippe! One of those old, defunded banks still had some funds in it, apparently. Whoever was responsible waltzed right in and transferred away a whole load of nuyen.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <17:12:54/11-$(story.date_Trust_Blitz)-54>
>>>>>[That's not all. A pal of mine had been contracted to do some work for one of the other (ahem) lending establishments in the area. When he went in to meet with his contact, all that he found was a couple of shell casings and a troll-sized pool of blood.]<<<<<

- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes Again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>[Huh. And I'd always assumed that banking was a boring job.]<<<<<

- ProShot <18:09:37/11-$(story.date_Trust_Blitz)-54>
>>>>>[Sounds pretty action-packed to me. You've got a break-in, a big score, what looks like a revenge killing... all of that, plus a steady paycheck! What more could you want?]<<<<<

- Maelstrom <23:32:11/11-$(story.date_Trust_Blitz)-54>
>>>>>[If you need me, I'll be putting in an application at my nearest savings & loan.]<<<<<

- ProShot <23:59:01/11-$(story.date_Trust_Blitz)-54>
>>>>>[I’ve got solar panels like everybody, but does anyone have experience with these mana-turbine services? I’m off the grid, so there are some times when I need to do some late night decking, or maintenance on my telescoping limbs.]<<<<<

- AlanAltbit <14:32:07/$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[Is that the thing where a mage comes by and drops some juice into a generator? My buddy was telling me about them last week. The turbine spins the mana around and the charge lasts for weeks, he said.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <18:01:54/$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[They’re a scam, chummer. That mage is going to be out of there with your money before you realize how much power you’ve actually got. You’re better off pedaling a bike-battery.]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <18:40:01/11-$(story.date_Trust_Eiger)-54>
>>>>>[Like it says. Good condition, clean. Got the turbocharged kit, addl. armor plating added to the front and sides. Trunk has a mounted Ares Autocannon, but you’ll need a rigger to operate it (no hand access). Looking for ¥80,000 OBO.]<<<<<

- BlueBeerd <15:10:43/11-18-54>
>>>>>[Nice car. Wouldn’t happen to be any Corps looking for it at the moment, eh?]<<<<<

- Ruby <16:30:22/11-18-54>
>>>>>[Has the PPS been triggered? Any wrecks/rebuild?]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <16:41:14/11-18-54>
>>>>>[RE: TOLSTOI: Nope, all clear on that front. Nobody drove this baby but me, and I don’t wreck cars. The autocannon dropped the last sucker who tried to do any damage.]<<<<<

- BlueBeerd <18:40:01/11-18-54>
>>>>>[Anyone have a good backup plan for when you get stuck with a tracer? Barely managed to bug out of my apartment after a corp hitsquad came knocking.

Lesson learned - pat yourself down a couple times, and make sure you don’t have a tail. But if I miss something, I’d rather keep my safe houses, you know, safe.]<<<<<

- WraithLike44 <04:19:59/11-14-54>
>>>>>[I’ve had good luck with RF blockers. I have a jamming grid set up near my safehouse. It projects any signals to a few miles away, where I’ve got some cameras placed.

So when someone shows up there, I know they were trying to find me. Then I do a thorough sweep to find the tracker.]<<<<<

- AlanAltbit <06:20:41/11-14-54>
>>>>>[Sharp. How long does that go on before they give up?]<<<<<

- Tolstoi <06:55:08/11-14-54>
>>>>>[RE: TOLSTOI: Usually rule of threes. I keep re-projecting the signal to different locations. In my experience, they give up after the third one is a dead end and stop listening to that RF signal.]<<<<<

- AlanAltbit <07:06:34/11-14-54>
>> ATTACH DATA TO ESCROW ACCOUNT...

>>> DATA WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER.

> BOTH PARTIES WILL REMAIN ANONYMOUS THROUGHOUT TRANSACTION.
{{GM}}Post the Bloodline project data.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Post the data from the Aztechnology Blood Mage's terminal.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Post the OTK financial records.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Post the Aztechnology DNA donor list.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Post the antiquities delivery schedule.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Post the Humanis safe house list.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Post the SCHERING Pharma AG chemical research data.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Post Harrow's Bribe Records.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Post the Romantic Recording.{{/GM}}
> POSTING SUCCESSFUL.

>> POSTING WILL REMAIN ACTIVE FOR TWO DAY(S).
You load the Aztechnology data into your computer, and your display fills with foreign words and symbols.

You can post this data as-is for a quick sale, but without knowing what it says, you'll have no way of knowing whether you're getting a fair price for it...
{{GM}}Post it.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Cancel the auction.{{/GM}}
You cancel your auction posting and close the Aztechnology files.
>> PENDING TRANSACTIONS...
{{GM}} > SOLD: BLOODLINE PROJECT DATA.{{/GM}}
{{GM}} > SOLD: AZTECHNOLOGY MYSTERY DATA.{{/GM}}
{{GM}} > SOLD: OTK FINANCIAL RECORDS.{{/GM}}
{{GM}} > SOLD: AZTECHNOLOGY DNA DONOR LIST.{{/GM}}
{{GM}} > SOLD: ANTIQUITIES DELIVERY SCHEDULE.{{/GM}}
{{GM}} > SOLD: SCHERING PHARMA AG CHEMICAL RESEARCH DATA.{{/GM}}
{{GM}} > SOLD: HUMANIS SAFE HOUSE DATA.{{/GM}}
{{GM}} > SOLD: HARROW'S BRIBE RECORDS.{{/GM}}
{{GM}} > SOLD: ROMANTIC RECORDING.{{/GM}}
>> DATA SOLD SUCCESSFULLY!

WINNING BID: 1250¥
ESCROW FEE (10%): -125¥
FUNDS SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 1125¥
>> DATA SOLD SUCCESSFULLY!

WINNING BID: 490¥
ESCROW FEE (10%): -49¥
FUNDS SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 441¥
>> DATA SOLD SUCCESSFULLY!

WINNING BID: 600¥
ESCROW FEE (10%): -60¥
FUNDS SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 540¥
>> DATA SOLD SUCCESSFULLY!

WINNING BID: 550¥
ESCROW FEE (10%): -55¥
FUNDS SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 495¥
>> DATA SOLD SUCCESSFULLY!

WINNING BID: 430¥
ESCROW FEE (10%): -43¥
FUNDS SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 387¥
>> DATA SOLD SUCCESSFULLY!

WINNING BID: 460¥
ESCROW FEE (10%): -46¥
FUNDS SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 414¥
>> DATA SOLD SUCCESSFULLY!

WINNING BID: 300¥
ESCROW FEE (10%): -30¥
FUNDS SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 270¥
>> DATA SOLD SUCCESSFULLY!

WINNING BID: 420¥
ESCROW FEE (10%): -42¥
FUNDS SENT TO $++(l.name)'S ACCOUNT: 378¥
AMSEL, PAUL
DIETRICH
GLORY
EIGER
$++(l.name).
{{GM}}Watch Monika's entry on Amsel.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Watch Monika's entry on Dietrich.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Watch Monika's entry on Glory.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Watch Monika's entry on Eiger.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Watch Monika's entry on yourself.{{/GM}}
The image of Monika appears on the screen.
Paul. A talented and well-connected fixer, with contacts all over Berlin.

{{GM}}She pauses for a moment.{{/GM}}

He's more to me than that, of course. But that's neither here nor there.
The image winks back off of the screen. You find yourself back at the menu.
{{GM}}Return to menu.{{/GM}}
The image of Monika winks onto the screen.
Dietrich. One of my dearest friends, and a shaman of tremendous power. A good man to have at your side in a fight.

I tend to use Dietrich in a support role. His magic can dramatically bolster the combat effectiveness of a front-line fighter like Eiger or Glory. But when the chips are down, he's more than capable of dishing out punishment on his own.
Can't think of much else to say about Dietrich. Just a good, reliable guy.

{{GM}}She pauses for a moment. Whe she speaks again, you can hear a hint of guilt in her voice.{{/GM}}

He is getting a little long in the tooth for a shadowrunner... I'm not sure how many more years he has ahead of him in this game. But I'll be happy to run with him for as long as he's able.

We'll see, I suppose.
The image winks back off of the screen. You find yourself back at the menu. L'image clignote derrière l'écran. Vous vous retrouvez dans le menu.
Glory. Our damaged enigma. I've known her for almost five years now, but I don't think that I'll ever really *know* her.

Somehow, I doubt that anyone will.
On an operational level, Glory's solid. That chrome of hers may be old, but it gets the job done. I've seen her take a troll apart with her hand razors, and when her adrenal pump is running, she moves faster than anyone I've ever seen.
On top of all of that, Glory's a competent field medic. I don't know where she learned medicine - yet another question mark - but she's patched me up at least a dozen times.

Between her skill with a medkit and Dietrich's magic, we haven't had much trouble with serious injuries, and in our line of work that's a luxury.
{{GM}}Monika pauses for a moment, then shrugs.{{/GM}}

That's really all that I know about Glory. She keeps to herself, barely talks, and spends most of her off-time staring at nothing.

I've seen this kind of behavior before, of course... something *bad* happened in her past. Deep down, I think she's still running from it. And I'm sure that her cyberware ties into it somehow.
I dunno. Maybe some day, she'll open up to me. I'd like to think that she will.

We'll see, I suppose.
Eiger.

What to say about Eiger? She's smart, she's strong, and she's one hell of a soldier. In a close-up fight, I've seen her take apart an entire security team with her shotgun, and she's even more dangerous at range. It's a handy thing, having a trained sniper on the team.

All in all, we enjoy one hell of an advantage thanks to her.
Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages, too. All of that military training has left her... how to say it? "Rigid," I suppose.
Unlike the others, Eiger isn't content to go with the flow. She wants lists, and maps, and timetables. She wants a hierarchy, and she wants it formalized.

I don't think that she realizes it, but giving her what she wants would destroy this team. Glory and Dietrich wouldn't put up with it for more than a day or two... I know that I wouldn't. But she keeps on pushing, all the same.
{{GM}}Monika shakes her head.{{/GM}}

One of these days, this situation is going to come to a head. I just hope that it doesn't happen soon.
The image of Monika smiles on the screen.
$(l.name). My secret weapon.

I've run enough with $(l.name) to know that $(l.he)'s trustworthy. Good in a fight, too. But beyond all of that, it's good just to see $(l.him) again.
There aren't many people left from the old days. Far too few. And $(l.name)...

{{GM}}She smiles.{{/GM}}

...Well, $(l.he) was always the best of 'em.
{{GM}}She takes a deep breath, then shakes her head with a sigh.{{/GM}}

God, that was sappy. Mental note: re-record this before $(l.name) gets a chance to see it.
At any rate, if anything happens to me, it's good to know that $(l.he)'ll be on hand to fill my shoes.

It's not what Eiger would want. But it is what would be best for the team.
The cool blue tones of the workstation's main menu fill the screen. A notification icon in the corner of the screen tells you that an unread message is waiting in your inbox.
{{GM}}The Knight Errant captain takes a half-step toward you. Magnified by his mask's speakers, his voice comes out like the roar of some great beast.{{/GM}}

DROP YOUR WEAPONS AND STEP AWAY FROM THE PROTOTYPE! DO IT NOW!
I've got a better idea. You drop your weapons, and I won't order Tin Man here to tear you in half.
{{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}} Cyberzombie! Kill 'em all!
Easy there, tiger. Let's talk this over.
{{GM}}The Knight Errant captain pauses a moment before responding. When he speaks, his voice is dripping with scorn.{{/GM}}

Try it. See what happens.
{{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}} Don't mind if I do.
Do you honestly think that they didn't install a safeguard in that thing? That we couldn't take it back from you at a moment's notice?

Now drop your weapons, or I'll have that abomination tear YOU in half.
C'mon, man. Can't we talk about this like civilized people?
{{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}} You can't order him to do anything if you're dead.
Stop wasting my time. Get your ass on the floor, or get ready to have a one-on-one with the almighty.
{{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}} The hell with this.
We're Knight Errant, fool. We don't "talk things over" with thief-scum like you.

You will comply with my orders, or you will die. The choice is yours.
Play nice, or I'll have my new Cyberzombie cut you all down.
The man behind the counter looks tired. His lids are heavy, and his eyes are bloodshot.
Welcome to Karl's General Store. What can I do for ya?
I need some info.
Let me see your inventory.
I'm looking for a datajack impulse transmitter.
I'm back for that transmitter.
Nothing for now.
{{GM}}He rubs his eyes and does his best to shake himself awake.{{/GM}}

Yeah. A'ight. Whaddaya want to know?
What's the layout of this place like?
What do you know about the Magnifikers?
What do you know about the Arbeiters?
That's all the info I need for now.
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts. When the words come, they're slow as molasses.{{/GM}}

Well... You're on the first floor. That's the Hub... and my shop.
The... uh... the second floor has mostly been converted into makeshift apartments for people to live in.

A gang squats up there. The Magnifikers. Dangerous people - I'd stay away from 'em.
The third floor is mostly housing, too. Lots of Parson's Communion-crazies live up there. The Magnifikers have a squat up there, too.

{{GM}}He leans in and lowers his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.{{/GM}}

I'm pretty sure their main crib is up there, too. Don't know exactly where.
They don't care 'bout much, aside from their own magic. Whole world's one big magical pissin' contest to them... always tryin' to summon bigger an' better spirits.

Dangerous stuff, man.
Must be tough, having to live down here with that going on over your head.
Must be tough, having to live down here with all that goin' on over your head.
It ain't easy. They charge less in protection than the Arbeiters did, but they don't care about keeping anything even approaching order. They just hide out in their clubhouse, get high, and summon spirits that terrorize and kill people up on the third floor.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Poor bastards.
Sounds like a bad situation. You have my sympathies.
Bunch of tough guys. They took a big cut of my sales in protection money... all in the name of "the working class."

Funny. Last time I checked, *I* was one of the working class. In fact, I'm the only one who's *working* in this whole damned building.
{{GM}}He spreads his arms, a helpless look on his face.{{/GM}}

But at least they kept some form of law. Mugging and assaults were rare, and they didn't let murderous spirits run loose on the upper floors.

So, you know. You take the good with the bad.
Okay. So, like... you wanna buy something?
I've got what you need.

{{GM}}He looks you up and down, his eyes lingering on the gear you're carrying.{{/GM}}

...One thousand nuyen. No less.
{{CC}}¥1,000{{/CC}} All right, here you go.
A thousand? Can't you cut me a deal?
All yours, pleasure doing business.
{{GM}}He looks baffled.{{/GM}}

Why would I do that?
Because you like me?
Because you like that hacker, Janet.
{{CC}}Charisma: 4{{/CC}} That part is pretty specialized and expensive. Who else is gonna need it around here - or afford it? I'll give you five hundred.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Street{{/CC}} For the community. That terminal is helping people. In a place like this, people need to help each other to get ahead, or even just survive.
I dunno.
Not that much, I don't.
{{GM}}The shopkeeper's neck flushes red.{{/GM}}

Huh? What are you talking about?
C'mon, man, her photo is hanging right behind you. Y'know, it'd be a real shame if something happened to her...
Happened to her? What could happen to her? What do you mean?

{{GM}}His bloodshot eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

Are you threatening Janet?
I'm not threatening her. I'm warning you.
Think of it more like a friendly warning.
Warning? About what?
This is a dangerous situation. She won't hand over the parts if it takes her terminal offline. That could get her hurt. Or worse.
Nothing. Forget it.
All right, I get your point!

{{GM}}He thrusts a small electronic device into your hands.{{/GM}}

Take the part and get out! And don't you hurt her!
{{GM}}He continues staring, bug-eyed.{{/GM}}

I'll... I'll do my best.

Now, you want that part, or not?
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, considering. Eventually, he shrugs.{{/GM}}

Fine. Five hundred it is.
{{CC}}¥500{{/CC}} Here you go.
Actually, I don't have 500 nuyen.
Never mind.
Well, that's not my problem, is it? Come back when you do.
All right. Sure. You still want it, come back for it later... I'll hang onto it for you.
{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}} Fine, sure, whatever. You can have the parts.
You're a good man.
Yeah, thanks.
Yeah, exactly.
Yeah? You got the five hundred?
{{CC}}¥500{{/CC}} Yeah, here you go.
Actually, I think you should give me the transmitter.
Well, come back when you do. Or not. All the same to me.
Yeah? You got my thousand nuyen?
{{CC}}¥1,000{{/CC}} Got it. A thousand, just like we agreed.
You're back.

{{GM}}He rubs his bloodshot eyes.{{/GM}}

Why?
Danni looks you up and down. When she's finished sizing you up, she puts her hands on her hips and smiles.
Thanks for the rescue. It takes a pair to bring a weapon into Azzie territory... everybody knows that they shoot first if you're packing.

I wouldn't have risked it.
Life in the shadows is all about taking risks.
Wasn't much of a risk. Those drones were second-rate at best.
Heimerich and Mira sent me. They're worried about you.
Yeah, well, life running a soykaf shop is a little more my speed.

Not that there aren't risks; there's always the chance that some drunk'll break your windows, or a gang will try to shake you down for protection. Those things, I can handle, but this...

{{GM}}She stares down at the smashed drones and slowly shakes her head.{{/GM}}
Well, you took care of 'em quick enough. Nice shooting, by the way... you saved me some real trouble there.

The drones wouldn't've shot me, but I wasn't looking forward to spending the next week in an Azzie interrogation cell. I've heard stories.
If they'd taken you, you'd have spent the rest of your miserable life *wishing* you'd been shot.
Oh, Heimerich worries about *everything.* Price of being a dad, I guess.

{{GM}}She smiles.{{/GM}}

Mira's got faith in me, though.
Anyway, yeah. I'll admit it... I got in over my head. But only a little bit.

The drones wouldn't have shot me. I wasn't armed. But I wasn't looking forward to spending the next week in an Azzie interrogation cell... I've heard stories.
They're true, love.

{{GM}}He shakes his head at her.{{/GM}}

Word to the wise. If you're fool enough to try something like this again, carry a gun. Better to be shot than to let them take you.
I'll take your word for it. I'm not planning on making a habit of this.

{{GM}}She slaps the side of the power conduit with a smile.{{/GM}}

And I shouldn't need to. The tap's all hooked up and ready.
Impressive. Heimerich wasn't convinced that you could pull it off.
Yeah, well. It's amazing what you can teach yourself to do when your livelihood depends on it.
{{GM}}Inspect the power tap.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Blitz leans in to inspect her work.{{/GM}}

Yeah... yeah, that looks like a pretty solid connection. Nice soldering job on those contacts, there.

I'd say that you're good to go.
{{GM}}He straightens. Casts a glance back at you.{{/GM}}

You know, chief... we *could* use this setup to our advantage.
It wouldn't be too hard for me to manufacture a power spike from here.

We could overload the Azzies' power grid. Without disabling the generators' safety overrides, it wouldn't cause any permanent damage, but the confusion might give us an opening to get into the building.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Your call, of course. Just thought I should bring it up.
{{GM}}Danni's eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

Whoa. Hold up! If you do that, they'll trace it!

Aztechnology will find the power tap, and they'll come down on us!
We just saved your life. You owe us.
{{GM}}Overload the Aztechnology power grid.{{/GM}} Tell it to someone who cares.
{{GM}}Overload the Aztechnology power grid.{{/GM}} I can't chance getting caught in there. The stakes are too high.
We can make it worth your while.
Yeah, you saved my life, all right. But now you're talking about doing something that'll get *all* of us killed!

Me, Mira, Heimerich... he's got a little sister to look after! What happens to her if the Azzies take us away?
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} You're right. I wouldn't do that to you. You can tell your friends that everything's going to be all right.
{{GM}}Overload the Aztechnology power grid.{{/GM}} Not my problem.
{{GM}}Overload the Aztechnology power grid.{{/GM}} The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. I'm sorry, but I have to do this.
No. You can't.

There's nothing you could give us that would make up for what you're talking about doing. So please, just drop it, okay?
You're right. Nobody needs that kind of heat. I'll find another way in.
{{GM}}Overload the Aztechnology power grid.{{/GM}} Sorry. Our needs take priority.
{{GM}}She breathes a sigh of relief.{{/GM}}

Thanks.

Y'know, some people say that shadowrunners are ruthless criminals... guns for hire, just out for the money.

It's good to see that isn't always the case.
I'm gonna bail on out of here... I've been stuck in this tunnel too long already, and like you said, the others are worried. But if there's ever anything that we can do for you, come by the shop!

You'll be welcome at our place for life.
{{GM}}The lights in the utility tunnel begin to flicker, then wink out. Emergency lights flick on, washing the world in red. Danni looks horrified.{{/GM}}

You... you *monster!* Now the Azzies are going to kill us all!
Not if I kill them first.
True. You and your friends should probably start running.
Sorry, Danni. It was nothing personal.
{{GM}}She screams at you. Her cheeks are streaked with tears.{{/GM}}

Screw you!

I hope that you all burn in hell!
{{GM}}Eiger leans in to inspect her work.{{/GM}}

Looks like a pretty solid connection. Nothing's jumping out at me as being obviously wrong.

I'd say that you're probably good to go.
{{GM}}She straightens. Casts a glance back at you.{{/GM}}

You know, $(l.name)... we *could* use this setup to our advantage.
In theory, we could manufacture a power spike from here. Overload the Azzies' entire power grid.

Without disabling the generators' safety overrides, it wouldn't cause any permanent damage, but the confusion might give us an opening to get into the building.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

It could be the opening we've been looking for.
Danni's work is amateur-level, but serviceable. The connections look solid, and the whole job is neat and tidy.

In theory, this tap could power the kids' soykaf shop for years to come.
As you inspect Danni's work, it occurs to you that you could use this tap to your advantage.

It wouldn't take a lot of technical skill to manufacture a power spike from here. In theory, you could bring Aztechnology's entire power grid down.
Without disabling the generators' safety overrides, such a spike wouldn't cause any permanent damage. But without power, Aztechnology's defenses would be weakened, making your job that much easier.
Unfortunately, it would only be a matter of time before the Azzies traced the power spike to this terminal. And once that happened, they'd come down on Danni and her friends like a ton of bricks.
I've got a proposal for you. Something that'll hurt Aztechnology.
{{GM}}Overload the Aztechnology power grid.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} You should be fine now. I'd get out of here if I were you... the others are waiting.
{{GM}}Her expression is guarded.{{/GM}}

Yeah...? What's that?
You let me use your power tap to shut down the Azzies' grid. In return, I'll buy you some new solar panels.
I just saved your life. You *owe* me.
{{GM}}Overload the Aztechnology power grid.{{/GM}} Tell it to someone that cares.
With the solar panels, you won't even need the tap. You can dismantle it before they find it.
Yeah, you saved my life, all right. But now you're talking about doing something that'll get *all* of us killed!

Me, Mira, Heimerich... he's got a little girl to look after! She's only three years old! What happens to her if the Azzies take us away?
You're right. I wouldn't do that to you. You can tell your friends that everything's going to be all right.
No. It's too risky.

I'm sorry, but you're gonna have to find some other way of taking the Azzies down.
{{GM}}Overload the Aztechnology power grid.{{/GM}} Sorry. My needs take priority.
{{GM}}The lights in the utility tunnel begin to flicker, then wink out. Emergency lights flick on, washing the world in red. Danni looks horrified.{{/GM}}

What did you do? What... what the hell did you just *do*?
What I came here to do.
{{GM}}She screams at you. Her cheeks are streaked with tears.{{/GM}}

Screw you! The Azzies are going to tie *us* to this! They'll kill *everybody!*

I hope that you burn in hell!
Yeah, thanks again. I won't forget this... none of us will.

If you're ever in town and looking for a soykaf, swing by the shop! You'll be welcome at our place for life.
The stories are true.

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

You have no idea how lucky you are. If they'd taken you, you'd have spent the rest of your miserable life *wishing* you'd been shot.
They're true.

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

Better to be shot than to let the Azzies take you.
This is a large diesel generator with an electric starter. The fuel tank reads 3 percent, and its readouts are dark.
{{GM}}Try to start the generator.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the diesel generator alone.{{/GM}}
Nothing happens.
This is a large diesel generator with an electric starter. The fuel tank reads 3 percent, its readouts are lit, and it appears to be functional.
{{GM}}With a shudder and a plume of black smoke, the generator comes to life.{{/GM}}
This is a large diesel generator with an electric starter. The fuel tank reads empty, and its readouts are dark.
{{GM}}Add the diesel fuel.{{/GM}}
With a hollow splash, the contents of the fuel container are emptied.
This is a large diesel generator with an electric starter. The fuel tank reads empty, its readouts are lit, and it appears to be functional.
This section of wall seems to be buckling under its own weight.

The aging wallpaper that lines the rest of the hallway has long since peeled away, revealing the structure of the wall underneath.		 Cette section du mur semble s'être écroulée sous son propre poids.

Le papier peint vieillissant qui recouvre le reste du couloir a depuis longtemps pelée, révélant la structure de la paroi.
While the underlying structure is reinforced with steel support struts, you can see signs of rust and metal fatigue everywhere.

The entire wall looks like it could give way if enough force were applied.		 Bien que la structure sous-jacente soit renforcée par des entretoises de support en acier, vous pouvez voir des traces de rouille et d'usure.

Le mur entier pourrait s'effondrer si une force assez puissante y était appliquée.
{{CC}}Strength: 3{{/CC}}{{GM}}Shoulder check the wall.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Force: 3{{/CC}}{{GM}}Mettre un coup d'épaule dans le mur.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Get your muscle to slam on the wall.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Choisissez un équipier pour défoncer le mur.{{/GM}}
You slam into the wall, and it gives way with a crunch. Vous vous lancez dans le mur, qui cède dans un craquement.
Eiger shoulder-checks the wall, and the weak wood slats give way with a crunch. Eiger mets un coup d'épaule dans le mur, et les vieilles lattes de bois cèdent dans un craquement.
Glory slams her cyberarm against the wall, and the weak wood slats give way with a crunch. Glory cogne ses cyberbras contre le mur, et les vieilles lattes en bois cèdent dans un craquement.
Your runner shoulder-checks the wall, and the weak wood slats give way with a crunch. Votre équipier mets un coup d'épaule dans le mur, et les vieilles lattes de bois cèdent dans un craquement.
You can see that the automated security system is offline, but someone has manually locked the gate.
>>>Automated Security System OFFLINE
>>>Manual door locks ENGAGED
Looks like they know they can't depend on APEX to be their watchdog anymore. Someone manually locked the door.
FEUERSTELLE FEUERSTELLE
The drive from the Kreuzbasar to the Schönbuch Forest was a long one. For over six hours, you and Glory rode in relative silence, with only the sounds of the road for company.

Now you find yourself crouching in the woods, watching, waiting. Off in the distance, the rustic exterior of Feuerstelle looks curiously warm and inviting, but you know what's waiting inside. The anticipation churns at your guts like a living thing.

Eventually, a van pulls out of the compound's driveway and rolls out along a service road before disappearing from view. Glory gives you a nod and begins to scramble forward.

Harrow has left the building. It's time for you to make your way inside.
Oh hi Marta.
Looks like Marta has some new recruits.
There's something in there I want to see.
Marta
Harrow's Manifesto
Male Voice
Female Voice
Scared Male Voice
Acolyte
Park Ranger
Female Initiate
Male Initiate
Disembodied Voice
Seeker
Heart of Feuerstelle
Harrow
Freed Acolyte
Keep Glory Safe
Open the Door to the Shrine
Investigate Picture
Keep Marta Safe
Get to the Shrine
Destroy the Shrine Spirit
Defeat and Purify the Shrine Spirit
Save the Freed Cult Members
Confront Marta
Glory must be in the party.
Soy Jerky Treat
Manufactured by an Aztechnology subsidiary, with a sell-by date some time in the 2070s.
>>>PUMP #2 OPERATIONS CONTROL<<<
{{GM}}Access Pump Status.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Access Pump Operations.{{/GM}}
>> Pump #2 has stopped. Analysis...

South turbine water flow... FAILED.

The south turbine has been deactivated. Steady water flow has stopped.

Pump test running... FAILED.

The pump has been clogged. Clog cannot be resolved until water flow has been restored and the pump is shut down completely, then restarted.
>> Pump #2 has stopped. Analysis...

South turbine water flow... PASSED.

Pump test running... FAILED.

The pump has been clogged. Clog cannot be resolved until the pump systems have been shut down, then restarted.
>> Pump #2 is operating normally. Analysis...

South turbine water flow... PASSED.

Pump test running... PASSED.
>> ERROR

PUMP OPERATIONS HAVE BEEN REROUTED TO THE FACILITY'S CENTRAL COMPUTER SYSTEM.
Altuğ's Memory Stick Carte mémoire d'Altuğ's
A well-worn memory stick, designed with a universal adapter to connect with any consumer-grade computer. Une carte mémoire usée, conçu avec un adaptateur universel pour se connecter avec tout ordinateur potable.
Darkbolt 2
Lightning AOE attack which does 12 HP DMG and 1 AP DMG. Strips 1 Armor from affected targets.
Energy Treat
Move Speed +1, Willpower +1 and Strength +2 for 5 RNDS.
Energy Treat: Move +1, Willpower +1, + Strength +2
The door is maglocked shut, and it appears that someone in the not-too-distant past has smeared its surface with feces.

The door's key-swipe access system has "CLEARANCE B ACCESS ONLY" printed on its case.		 La porte est scellée électroniquement, et il semble que quelqu'un ait dans un passé pas si lointain étalé des matières fécales sur sa surface.

Il est indiqué sur la porte que l'accès est réservé à une « Autorisation de niveau B ».
The key panel's LED indicator blips from red to green, and the lock thunks open. Les LED du panneau d'accès passent du rouge au vert, et la porte se descelle.
The door is sealed tight. Dirt, dust, and grime have caked around the corners - it's clear that no one has been through here in many months.

You can see the hydraulic jacks locking the door in place near the bottom of the frame.		 La porte est scellée de manière étanche. Saleté, poussière et déchets ont durci les coins - il est clair que personne ne s'est rendu ici depuis des mois.

Vous pouvez voir les vérins hydrauliques verrouillant la porte en place près de la partie inférieure du châssis.
{{CC}}CSTDN Keycard{{/CC}} {{GM}}Swipe the keycard that you found in the dumpster.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Carte magnétique CSTDN{{/CC}} {{GM}}Glissez la carte magnétique trouvée au fond de la benne à ordures.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Strength: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} {{GM}}Attempt to force the hydraulics into decompression mode.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Force: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} {{GM}}Essayer de forcer le système hydraulique à passer en mode décompression .{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Strength: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Pound on the door.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Force: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Marteler la porte{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Get your muscle to force the door.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Choisissez un de vos coéquipiers pour défoncer la porte{{/GM}}
You swipe the keycard, and the door's hydraulics grind to life.

Slowly, the door slides open. A whiff of stale air washes out of the building.		 Vous glissez la carte magnétique, et le système hydraulique de la porte se met en marche.

Lentement, la porte s'ouvre. Une bouffée d'air vicié s'échappe du bâtiment.
You strain against the smooth metal, wrenching on the hydraulics with all your might.

After what seems like an eternity, you hear the tortured sound of tearing metal, and one of the jacks comes free from its housing. The resulting imbalance causes the door to shoot upwards, jamming into the top of the doorway with a metallic crunch.		 Vous vous tendez contre le métal lisse, forçant sur le système hydraulique de toutes vos forces.

Après ce qui semble une éternité, vous entendez le son torturé du métal se déchirant, et l'un des vérins se dégage de son logement. Le déséquilibre qui en résulte pousse la porte à s'enfoncer vers le haut, défonçant le montant de celle ci avec un craquement métallique.
Broken beyond repair, the door is easy enough to push your way through.

The path into the lab is clear.		 Brisée au delà de toute réparation, la porte est facile à pousser hors de votre chemin.

Le chemin vers le laboratoire est dégagé.
The metal of the door is so thick that the sound of your fist barely registers.

Your hand hurts.		 Le métal de la porte est si épais que le son de vos poings s'entend à peine.

Votre main vous fait mal.
Your cyber-fist clangs against the door, and the sound reverberates down the street.

Nothing happens.		 Votre cyber-poing cogne contre la porte, et le son de réverbération résonne dans la rue.

Rien ne se passe.
{{GM}}Eiger shoulder-checks the door. Nothing. Tries to force the hydraulics - nothing.{{/GM}}

It's secure, all right. We're going to have to find an alternate entry point.		 {{GM}}Eiger donne des coups d'épaule dans la porte. Rien ne se passe. Elle essai de forcer le système hydraulique- aucun résultat.{{/GM}}

C'est sécurisé, okay. Nous allons devoir trouver une autre façon de pénétrer dans le bâtiment.
Glory slams her metallic shoulder into the door.

Nothing happens.		 Glory martèle la porte de son épaule métallique.

Rien ne se passe.
My shoulder is going to give out before this door does, $(l.name).

We're going to have to find a different way in.		 Mon épaule déclarera forfait avant la porte, $(l.name).

Nous allons devoir trouver une autre façon de pénétrer dans le bâtiment.
Your runner shoulder-checks the door. The metal reverberates, but nothing happens. Votre runneur martèle la porte de son épaule. Le métal résonne, mais rien ne se passe.
Darkbolt 1
This console consists of a text entry field and a virtual keypad. Written along the top of the screen in an imposing font is the word "ARMORY."
Purity
The door slides open with a hiss.
{{GM}}Franz's face lights up at the sight of you. He steps toward you with open arms, a huge smile plastered across his grubby face.{{/GM}}

Hello again, my friend! I can't thank you enough for helping us return home.

The spirits did quite a number on this place, but that doesn't matter. Thanks to you, we're back, and we'll have it shipshape again in no time!
Just glad I could help.
Uncontrolled spirits can be extremely dangerous. If I hadn't taken them down, they might've migrated somewhere else.
I enjoy killing things. Even things that aren't technically alive. So really, it was my pleasure.
I just did what any decent person would do.
Well, thank you again! And now, if you'll forgive me, I must get back to helping with the cleanup.

All the best to you and yours, and please feel free to drop by any time!
Um. Well, I'm glad that you helped us, ha ha! Thank you, again! Really... thank you.

{{GM}}He glances down at his PDA.{{/GM}}

Oh, would you look at the time? I really must get back to helping the others with the cleanup. Good-bye!
Franz turns his back and hurries away.
You have a way with words.
It's a gift.
Chief, don't take this the wrong way... but you can be astonishingly creepy sometimes. I'm, y'know... I'm just sayin'.
Boss, don't take this the wrong way... but you can be incredibly creepy sometimes. I'm, y'know... I'm just sayin'.
You have a way with words, fearless leader. C'mon, let's get out of here.
Pummelo's Outfit
Harrow Heal Wound
Heals all of the damage from the most recent attack. Can be cast outside of combat.
Look, boss... I just wanted to thank you for bringing me along on this one.

It means a lot.
Don't sweat it. Even shadowrunners have families.
I'm doing this against my better judgment, Dietrich. You just remember: the run comes first.
You owe me one, old man.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Alexander... he's a good kid, y'know?

If I'd been there for him... if I hadn't run off to Berlin, left him with his worthless sack of a dad... he'd never have fallen in with those Humanis pigs in the first place.
{{GM}}The expression on Dietrich's face softens, and he claps you on the shoulder.{{/GM}}

Let's go find my nephew. And let's crack all the Humanis skulls we can along the way.

The fuckers have it coming in more ways than I can count.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah. The run comes first. No need to worry about me, boss... I've got your back, no matter what.
{{GM}}His lips part into a wolfish grin.{{/GM}}

You got it, boss. I'll just count it against the heap of favors that you owe me.

How many times have I saved your ass since we started down this road? I've lost count.
A shambling mound of ragged flesh stumbles toward you.

There is a look of desperation in its eyes.
Please, don't shoot!

{{GM}}The ghoul's breath reeks of rotting meat.{{/GM}}

We're not like the others!
I don't believe you.
{{GM}}Attack the ghoul.{{/GM}} It's a monster! Kill it!
Relax. I'm not going to hurt you.
No... please. *Listen* to me!

{{GM}}The ghoul takes another faltering step toward you.{{/GM}}

The Krieger strain takes a heavier toll on some of us than others. Many of my kin have been driven mad by the virus, but *I* am still sane!
If you take another step forward, it'll be your last.
Krieger strain?
We've lived down here, under the Kreuzbasar, for years. For all that time, this place has provided refuge from the world above.

We traded our labor for sustenance, both for ourselves and for our feral brothers. And we survived.
But now, our food supply has been interrupted, and the feral ones have gone mad with hunger.

They're a danger to everybody. Even us.
You worked for food? Who was feeding you?
The Doctor. A topsider, from your Kreuzbasar. He kept us fed.

The contract guaranteed it.
Under the terms of our deal, we maintained the pumps that keep the Kreuzbasar's sewage flowing.

In return, the Doctor gave us medical waste to eat. With proper rationing, we found that we could get by on what he gave us.
The decker monitored both sides to ensure our mutual cooperation. But with her death, the Doctor has reneged on the deal.
Without the food guaranteed by the contract, the feral ones have gone mad. And in their madness, they have made it too dangerous for us to maintain the pumps.
Was this decker named Monika, by any chance?
"Doctor"? You mean Dr. Ezkibel?
You were the reason why the sewer system "took care of itself."
I think that I have a solution to your problem.
{{GM}}It nods.{{/GM}}

Yes. Yes, that was her name.
Yes. His contributions kept our community alive. Helped us thrive.

But now that the decker is gone, he has demanded payment for our feedings.
We have no money. But he does not care.

He tells us that we must find some, or that he will let us starve.
Yes.

In truth, we would still work on the pumps, even without the Doctor's payments. We love our occupation.

It helps us to feel human.
But the changes wrought by the Krieger strain require us to eat human flesh. If we don't, we wither and die.

Without regular feedings, we will have no choice but to hunt for our food.
{{GM}}Its milky eyes widen.{{/GM}}

Yes, please! Whatever you can do.

Our situation is desperate.
I'm going to have a little talk with Dr. Ezkibel.
Well, there's only one doctor in the Kreuzbasar. I've never met the guy, but I'm gonna have a word with him all the same.
{{GM}}Attack the ghouls.{{/GM}} I'm going to put you out of your misery.
I want you gone. If you leave now and take your friends, I won't have to kill you.
{{GM}}The ghoul nods.{{/GM}}

Yes. Yes, perhaps you can convince him where we could not.

We have a commlink, provided to us by the decker. It is a direct line to Ezkibel's office.

If you call him, he will answer.
This is just another method of killing us. And if, through some miracle, we should survive, you will be killing many others.

We will have to hunt, and people will die.

Are you sure that this is what you want?
Yes. Get moving.
No, I've reconsidered.
Very well, topsider. You won't see us again.

{{GM}}The ghoul turns away.{{/GM}}

Just let us collect our things, and we'll be gone.
Thank you, topsider... thank you.
{{GM}}The ghoul freezes in its tracks. Its voice begins to waver.{{/GM}}

Please, $(l.sir)... may I speak? I promise you, I will come no closer.
{{GM}}Attack the ghoul.{{/GM}} No. I don't think so.
Thank you, $(l.sir). I will be brief.
{{GM}}It nods.{{/GM}}

Of HMHVV. The virus that has infected us... that has *twisted* us... into *this.*
We are not monsters, $(l.sir). We are people with an illness. Incurable for now, and yet some of us cling to hope.

You may think of us as lepers, if you wish.
{{GM}}The ghoul's voice comes out in a rasping sob.{{/GM}}

Thank you, stranger! Considering my... condition... I had all but given up hope.
Who are you?
I speak for the Kreuzbasar's ghoul population. The Krieger strain may have ravaged my body...

{{GM}}It feebly paws at the gray, pustulent flesh that hangs from its bones.{{/GM}}

...But I have retained my mind.
You're back.
I still need to talk to Ezkibel. I'll be back after I do.
I've spoken with Ezkibel. He's offered to resume your feedings, but only on two conditions.
I've spoken with Ezkibel. You can expect your regularly scheduled feedings to start up again any day now.
{{GM}}Attack the ghoul.{{/GM}} On second thought, why don't I just shoot you all?
{{GM}}The shambling figure eagerly clasps its hands.{{/GM}}

Yes, please. Tell me of these conditions.

We are willing to be reasonable.
He wants you to continue maintaining the sewers, and he wants you to do jobs for him.
I... see.

{{GM}}Its voice goes quiet.{{/GM}}

Tell me, what sorts of jobs does he have in mind?
He wasn't specific, but I think that he was talking about jobs of the bloody kind.
{{GM}}A downcast look crosses the ghoul's face. It looks away.{{/GM}}

Ah. I... I am not surprised.

He sees us as monsters, and he intends to force us into acting like monsters. His own pack of "mindless creatures" to command.
We will be forced to discard that which is most precious to us, and act like what the world already thinks that we are.

This is the price of survival for us. This is the deal that you brokered.
I'm sorry. If it's any consolation, it wasn't my idea... this is what Ezkibel was willing to agree to.
This deal is keeping your pack alive, pal. Suck it up and deal with it.
It isn't ideal, I know. But then again, nothing ever is.
Would you rather I'd forced you out of town? Because the option is still open.
Well.

I suppose that I must thank you.
{{GM}}The ghoul turns away in misery.{{/GM}}

Please leave us. And please, do not come back.
No... no, this is better.

I suppose that I must thank you.
Thank you so much, topsider.

This means more to us than you can know.
Fine. You won't see us again. Just let us collect our things, and we'll be gone.
Uh-oh, ace... my system is mounting an immune response. I can feel it.

Get ready. Something is coming for you.
MY INTERNAL SECURITY HAS JUST REGISTERED AN ALERT.

PREPARE YOURSELF. A HOSTILE RESPONSE SHOULD BE INBOUND AT ANY MOMENT.
This terminal's screen winks to life as you approach. At the upper left-hand side of the screen, a globe spins; the remainder of the display is filled with a text menu.
>>THREAT FILE: GEOPOLITICAL INSTABILITY / INTERNATIONAL CRISIS REPORTS<<

>> IN_01:// 2055-08-15 / ELVISH NATIONS
>> IN_02:// 2055-09-07 / [VID] SYDNEY RIFT
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Elvish Nations."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Watch the video labeled "Sydney Rift."{{/GM}}
ELVISH NATIONS CUT CONTACT WITH OUTSIDE WORLD
2055-08-15

Early this morning, the elvish nations of Tir Tairngire and Tír na nÓg "went dark," sealing their borders and severing all communications with their neighboring states. In wake of this development, California Free State and the UCAS have begun to strengthen their own borders with Tir Tairngire.
"It looks to me like they're hunkering down," military analyst Sara Álvarez told us, "preparing themselves for a defensive war. This is unusual for a couple of reasons.

"One, there have been no recent indications of hostilities between the Tir nations and their immediate neighbors. And two, the Tir nations are located on different continents from one another."
"Short of a global conflict, I can't see what could threaten both Tír na nÓg *and* Tir Tairngire," Álvarez continued.

"Maybe the Council of Princes knows something that the rest of us don't. But whatever they're thinking, it's making a lot of people nervous."
As of the writing of this article, no official statements from Tir Tairngire's Council of Princes or the Tuatha Dé Danaan of Tír na nÓg have been released.
The screen fills with the familiar image of a Horizon Corporation newsroom. A plastic-looking anchorman stands at his desk, flanked by a pair of attractive young newscasters.
...We're back with more details on the tragic events in Australia. Horizon News' own Taylor Nguyen is live on the scene in Pyrmont with more on this breaking story.

Taylor, are you with us?
The monitor behind him comes to life, and a grainy video feed flickers onto the screen.

A Eurasian newscaster stands on the edge of a scene of carnage, clutching her microphone close. An ork in work coveralls stands beside her, blinking against the glare of the noonday sun.
...Yes, John, I'm here.
What's happening out there?
It's a real mess out here, John - an absolutely tragic situation.

Just to refresh the viewers at home, the permanent mana storm that surrounded the city of Sydney--
That was a benign mana storm, right? For most people, it was basically harmless.
...Yes, that's right, John... well, that mana storm *exploded* this morning into a new phenomenon that experts are calling a "mana rift."

I'm standing here in Pyrmont, and this is as close to Sydney as you can get. There are security cordons in place to keep traffic away, and we're being told that it's just not safe to venture any nearer.
It's probably good that you're keeping your distance, Taylor... we're hearing some frightening things about this rift. I'm looking at a statement from renowned hermetic theorist Elizabeth Alder, which I'm going to read to you now...

{{GM}}He squints up at his teleprompter.{{/GM}}
"This newly formed rift..." - again, these are the words of Dr. Alder - "...has essentially dragged Sydney off of our plane of experience and into another."

She goes on to say that "the city and all of its people might still be out there, somewhere, but they're no longer on this Earth. Not as we know it."
That's what we're hearing out here, too, John. The entire city of Sydney - and everyone in it - are just *gone.* In their place, there's a swirling ball of vibrant colors that stretches hundreds of meters into the sky.

Our cameras go haywire if we point them directly at the rift, so we can't show you that, but take it from me - it is both spectacular and terrifying.
Sounds scary, Taylor.
It certainly is, but that hasn't stopped some daring individuals here from doing what they can to try to help...

{{GM}}She turns to face the ork, thrusting her microphone toward his face. He takes a reflexive half-step backward.{{/GM}}
Sir, could you tell us your name, and what you're doing here in Pyrmont today?
Uh, yeah... my name's Liam Foster, an' I'm just a local mechanic... nothin' special, y'know. But when I heard about what was happening I thought I should do something. So I've organized a grassroots search an' rescue effort, an' we're doin' what we can to help these people.
How have you tried to help the city of Sydney? What have you been doing so far?
{{GM}}He shuffles uncomfortably.{{/GM}}

Well, we've got aid stations set up for anyone who comes back through the rift... if anyone comes back through. They've got food, water, blankets... that kind of thing.

I also sent in a few drones, but I lost contact with 'em as soon as they went in.
I see. And have you done anything else?
We... ah... we sent some volunteers. Brave chaps, you know - they walked into the rift itself, carrying food an' water and towing rope lines. My own cousin went in there.

{{GM}}He does his best to force a smile.{{/GM}}

Haven't seen any of 'em come back yet, but there's still hope.
Chilling news, Taylor. We'll all be rooting for those brave volunteers back here at home.
Thanks, John.
Yeah. Thanks.
Stay tuned for more news about the Sydney rift as it comes in, and for more on-location reporting from our own Taylor Nguyen--
The screen flickers again and goes black.
The Lodge's transport is easily roomy enough to hold the MKVI. You could order it inside with a simple command if you wanted to.
{{GM}}Send the Cyberzombie to the Lodge.{{/GM}}
Enstad's PDA
Thorvald Enstad's PDA, loaded with the ¥15,000 that he promised to pay you.
A maglock with a voiceprint recognition system has been affixed to this door. Nobody who hasn't already been logged into the system is going to be able to open this thing.
{{GM}}Try speaking into it anyway, just in case.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The screen background changes from blue to red.{{/GM}}

ACCESS DENIED.
A maglock with a voiceprint recognition system has been affixed to this door. According to Amsel, Frau Müller has already logged your voiceprint into the system, but there's only one way to be sure.
Okay, open up... Authorization $(s.name).
{{GM}}The screen background changes from blue to green.{{/GM}}

ACCESS GRANTED.

{{GM}}You hear the sound of heavy machinery rumbling to life. A moment later, the locks on the door release.{{/GM}}
Vanquisher Minigun
{{GM}}Parson rushes at you. His eyes are blank, and his face is an expressionless mask. A stream of thin drool runs down the corner of his mouth.{{/GM}}

The Communion must be protected! You are a threat to the Communion! YOU MUST DIE!
At the end of the duct, you find a maintenance panel. It was designed with a big, chunky handle suitable for drone operation. A la fin de la conduite, vous découvrez un panneau d'entretien. Il a été conçu avec une grande poignée pour les drones de maintenance.
{{GM}}Open the hatch.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Ouvrir la trappe.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Back away.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Reculez.{{/GM}}
Behind the hatch, you find a great rat's nest of monofilament wires. Each wire snakes over and around the others to connect to a different endpoint.

Thankfully, all of the endpoints are labeled. It doesn't take long to find the wire that governs the power locks for the building's front door.		 Derrière la trappe, vous découvrez le nid d'un grand rat caché dans les fils électriques. Chaque fil serpentent les un sur les autres pour se connecter dans différents points de terminaisons.

Heureusement, tous les points de terminaison sont étiquetés. Ca ne prend pas longtemps pour découvrir le fil qui régit les serrures électriques de la porte d'entrée du bâtiment.
{{GM}}Short-circuit the front door lock.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Court-circuiter la porte d'entrée du bâtiment.{{/GM}}
After a few seconds of fiddling with the wires, you are rewarded with a bright flash and a wisp of oily blue smoke. The light next to the words "LOCK STATUS :: DOOR, F" fizzles out.

The street-level door should be accessible now.		 Après quelques secondes à jouer avec les câbles, vous êtes récompensés par un flash lumineux et un filet de fumée bleue huileuse. La lumière à coté des mots "ETAT DU VERROUILLAGE :: PORTE, F" s'éteint.

La porte d'entrée est maintenant ouverte.
This appears to be an old radio control box. It has a simple, one-line LED readout and several plastic buttons with labels.
{{GM}}Press "ARM EXPLOSIVES".{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the control box alone.{{/GM}}
>>>ARM SEQUENCE COMMENCING
>>>ARM SEQUENCE ABORTED
>>>PERSONNEL DETECTED IN BLASTING AREA
>>>MOVE ALL PERSONNEL TO SAFETY AREAS MARKED BY YELLOW LINES
>>>BLASTING AREA IS CLEAR OF ALL PERSONNEL
>>>EXPLOSIVES ARMED

{{GM}}A button under a plastic shield labeled "DETONATE" is now lit.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Press "DETONATE".{{/GM}}
Hasenkamp's body lies on the ground, riddled with bullets.

Some of the turret fire must have caught the box that he was carrying. It lays splayed open, its electronic guts spilled across the floor.
Bad news, Blitz. That Mystery Box of yours is no more.
Damn. Well, that's okay, chief... I helped keep you from eating a bullet, and that's what's most important.

Besides which, that decker had some drek-hot programs loaded into his rig. I managed to snatch up one of 'em, too... looks like a sort of hijacking tool for taking over hostile IC.
Yeah, sounds wiz. Oh, and Blitz...?
Yeah, chief?
When I get home, we're going to have a talk about your planning abilities.
Um. Okay. Sounds... sounds good.
Meat Grinder's obliterated corpse lies steaming on the walkway just beyond the security gate.

Some of the turret fire must have caught the box that he was carrying. It lays splayed open, its electronic guts spilled across the floor.
The courtyard of the Humanis compound is strangely quiet. The only activity that you notice is the clatter of the mechanized gates as they rumble shut behind the vans.

The Bulldogs roll to a stop. You step out alongside Maxim and the rest of the smugglers.{{/GM}}
There are crates here - a lot of crates, all scattered in various stages of disorganization. It looks as though your delivery is just one of many that this branch of Humanis has received.

The smugglers unload the cargo from their vans with practiced efficiency. The whole operation feels polished and professional, but you can tell that Maxim is nervous. You can see it in his eyes.
No welcoming party.

{{GM}}Maxim shakes his head.{{/GM}}

This isn't a good sign.
It's almost as if they didn't expect us to make it here.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

My thoughts exactly.
This puts us in a bad spot, $(l.name).

I'm not sure what our next step is.
We need some answers, and we need to get paid. I'm gonna go have a talk with them.
Your next step is to sit out here. Mine is to go inside. I've got a job to do.
My next step is to kick their door down and get some answers.
What're you gonna do, knock on the front door? What makes you think that they'll even answer? They've done a pretty good job of avoiding us so far...
They'll have a hard time avoiding me when I break into their little clubhouse.
I don't need them to answer the door. I just need to make one of them talk.
Leave that to me, friend.

{{GM}}Dietrich jerks a thumb in the direction of the Humanis compound.{{/GM}}

They'll have a hard time avoiding us when I'm in there, kickin' down doors and lighting fires.
{{GM}}His eyes widen.{{/GM}}

You've gotta be kidding me. That's a *Humanis* compound, pal... you go in there, and you aren't gonna come back out.
I'm your muscle. Dealing with situations like this is part of the job description.
Humanis doesn't scare me. I've gone up against worse... far worse.
Well, yeah. Of course. But I don't see how you getting yourself killed is gonna accomplish that.
No. I'm going in. My business is inside.
{{GM}}His eyes widen.{{/GM}}

You're not hired muscle at all, are you? You're a shadowrunner, here on a job.
That's right. But there's no reason why I can't help you out while I'm doing it.
I'm surprised it took you this long to figure it out.
I just want to get us paid, Maxim. Let me by, and I'll make that happen.
You're serious, aren't you? You're really going in there.

{{GM}}He takes a step back.{{/GM}}

Well, be my guest... I won't get in your way. When you make it back - *if* you make it back - we'll be out here waiting for you.
{{GM}}He shakes his head at you, then shrugs.{{/GM}}

Be my guest, go on inside. I won't try to stop you.

When you make it back - *if* you make it back - we'll be out here waiting for you.
Mystery Box
The package Hasenkamp gave you. This should make Blitz happy.
Apartment 303 Code
>14291
The streets above the Adenauerplatz are dark and dismal. This kiez has seen better days; everything here reeks of economic depression and faded glory. Les rues aux alentours de l'Adenauerplatz sont sombres et lugubres. Ce kiez a connu des jours meilleurs; tout ici pue la dépression économique et la gloire fanée.
Looming above you is a fortresslike, seemingly impregnable facility. The windows have been shuttered with enormous steel panels, lending the entire building a sinister appearance. Surgissant devant vous, une installation ressemblant à une forteresse, apparemment imprenable. Les fenêtres ont été condamné avec d'énormes panneaux d'acier, donnant à l'ensemble du bâtiment un aspect sinistre.
That's our target. Sutterlin BioScience.

I wonder what happened in there.		 Voilà notre objectif. Sutterlin BioScience.

Je me demande ce qui s'est passé là-bas.
It might still be happening, for all that we know. C'est peut être toujours entrain de se produire, pour ce que nous en savons.
I think that we're about to find out. Je pense que nous sommes sur le point de le découvrir.
Don't know, don't care. I just want to find that bioware. Je ne sais pas, et je m'en fou. Je veux juste retrouver ce bioware.
There's a cheerful thought.

Come on, chief. Let's get this over with.		 Quelle pensée joyeuse.

Allez, chef. Finissons-en.
There's a cheerful thought.

Come on, boss. Let's get this over with.		 Quelle pensée joyeuse.

Allez, boss. Finissons-en.
There's a cheerful thought.

Come on. Let's get this over with.		 Quelle pensée joyeuse.

Allez. Finissons-en.
Yeah, I'm with you there.

Come on, chief. Let's get this over with.		 Ouais, je suis d'accord avec toi.

Allez, chef. Finissons-en.
With you there, boss.

Come on. Let's get this over with.		 Ouais, je suis d'accord avec toi.

Allez, boss. Finissons-en.
Yeah, I'm with you there.

Come on. Let's get this over with.		 Ouais, je suis d'accord avec toi.

Allez. Finissons-en.
I'm with you there.

Come on. Let's get this over with.		 Je suis d'accord avec toi.

Allez, chef. Finissons-en.
This is your target: Sutterlin BioScience.

Whatever happened here - whatever might *still* be happening here - the bioware that you've been sent to find lies somewhere inside.		 Voilà notre objectif: Sutterlin BioScience.

Peu importe ce qu'il s'est passé ici - peu importe ce qu'il s'y passe *encore* - le bioware qu'on recherche se trouve à l'intérieur.
This generic courier drone has been snapped together out of prefab parts from a dozen different manufacturers.

It's a cheap, utilitarian thing, remarkable only in that it is so incredibly plain. A half-bright teenager could cobble something like this together in an afternoon.
The drone sits in a charging cradle, its turbofan unpowered. A cheerful green light blinks on its front panel to remind you that it's still active.
You can see the silhouette of something under the flimsy plastic dome of the drone's cargo compartment. Whatever this thing was here to deliver, it's still carrying it.
{{GM}}Pop the lid on the cargo container.{{/GM}}
You depress the catch on the container's plastic lid. Rather than swinging open, the lid slides back to reveal a touchpad.

Looks as though this thing is password locked.
{{CC}}Intelligence: 2{{/CC}} Examine the drone more closely.
{{CC}}Drone Control: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Rig into the drone.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Smash the plastic.{{/GM}}
Taking a closer look, you notice something strange: there is a set of electrical contact plates lining the lip of the drone's cargo compartment.

It's a fair bet that this thing is outfitted with an anti-tampering system of some kind.
Patching into the drone's OS via your remote control rig is simple enough, but you run into a hitch: whoever set this thing up seems to have installed a number of antitheft safeguards to prevent unauthorized access.

You could attempt to slip past them, but there's no telling what'll happen if you trip one.
{{GM}}Attempt to push your way past the safeguards.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Disconnect from the drone.{{/GM}}
Whoever put this thing together was good - surprisingly good. But not as good as you.

You slip past the drone's safeguards, and within seconds, its functions are yours.
{{GM}}Open the lid.{{/GM}}
Whoever put this thing together was good - surprisingly good. You worm your way past two of the safeguards, but you trip the third.
The reaction is swift and violent. Within a fraction of a second, the air is filled with a loud hissing sound, and the drone erupts in flame. A growing hole in its undercarriage begins spitting out a hail of white-hot sparks.
Better safe than sorry. You decouple your drone control rig from the drone's interface.

The little thing continues bobbing there, awaiting further instruction.
The touchpad glows invitingly.
WEDNESDAY
Wednesday
wednesday
The plastic lid of the cargo container pops open with a click.

Inside, you find what appears to be a homemade simsense chip. It sits securely in a custom-made plastic bracket.
You pop the chip out of the bracket and pocket it.

A few seconds later, an angry hissing sound comes from somewhere deep within the drone.
As you step away from the drone, the hissing sound grows into a roar. Bright white sparks spit out from the drone's melting chassis and streak across the room.

You've seen this kind of reaction before: thermite. Whoever built the drone must have wired it with a self-destruct device.
Within seconds, all that's left of the little drone is a molten wreck on the charging cradle. Foul-smelling smoke pours from the remains.

You steal another glance at the chip that you recovered, and turn away.
You back off from the touchpad.
Holding the drone steady with one hand, you shatter the flimsy plastic that protects its cargo with the other.

The reaction is swift and violent. Within a fraction of a second, the air is filled with a loud hissing sound, and the drone erupts in flame. A growing hole in its undercarriage begins spitting out a hail of white-hot sparks.
You've seen this kind of reaction before: a thermite charge, no doubt wired to act as an anti-tampering device. It'll continue to burn through the drone until there's nothing left.
{{CC}}Quickness: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} {{GM}}Try to grab whatever's in the cargo compartment.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Try to grab whatever's in the cargo compartment.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leap back.{{/GM}}
You snake your hand in through the hole that you smashed in the the compartment's lid. The heat is unbearable, but you manage to find what you're looking for: a small, disc-shaped object nestled inside a plastic bracket.

You can pry it loose, but not without getting burned in the process.
{{GM}}Grab the disc.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Pull your hand away and leap back.{{/GM}}
You pry the disc loose and snatch your hand back as the hail of sparks intensifies. Everywhere a spark touches you, it burns a neat pinhole through your clothing, and a white-hot lance of pain arcs through your body.
You stumble back, and the burning drone collapses in on itself.

You're hurt, but the disc looks undamaged. On closer inspection, it appears to be some kind of homemade simsense chip.
The heat from the flames is too much. Your vision glazes red, and the stench of burning plastic clogs your nostrils.

You're dead before you hit the floor.
You reach into the hole that you smashed in the compartment's lid. The heat is unbearable, and your body is showered with white-hot sparks. Everywhere a spark touches you, it burns a neat pinhole through your clothing, and a white-hot lance of pain arcs through your body.

In retrospect, this might not have been the best of ideas.
You manage to pull your hand back out of the drone and stumble back. The drone collapses in on itself, burying whatever it was carrying in a sludge of molten metal and plastic. Foul-smelling smoke pours from the remains.

Empty-handed, you have no choice but to walk away.
You leap back, away from the flames. Within seconds, the little drone collapses in on itself, burying whatever it was carrying in a sludge of molten metal and plastic.

Empty-handed, you have no choice but to walk away.
The drone sits, its green light blinking merrily.

The faint silhouette of whatever it's carrying can be seen through the thin plastic of its cargo container.
This is the same man you met in the market, but the friendliness is gone from his face. In its place is a cold, unwavering gaze.
You should have stuck to the market, stranger. If the Rabengeister wished to be found, we'd open a fucking cafe.

Now what do you want of us? Say your piece.
I don't know, it looked like an invitation to me. If you really don't want to be found, you might want to hide your tracks a little better.
Oh, just wanted to see what all the "Rabengeister" fuss was about. Cool pad you've got here.{{/GM}}
I'm from the Kreuzbasar. You stole a shipment of supplies bound for our kiez, and we want it back.
Wait, I just saw you upstairs. And I didn't see you on the way down...
{{GM}}He stares you down for a long moment, then breaks into a chuckle.{{/GM}}

Aye, I'll grant you we've been a little careless. I guess we figured with Monika Schäfer out of the picture, the Kreuzbasar would be an easy score.

That's why you're here, right? We stole your supplies, now you want 'em back?
That's about right, yeah.
That shipment belonged to us. I'm not leaving without it.
Which I *completely* understand, stranger. Believe me.

But unfortunately... we need those supplies more than you do. So I will have to graciously decline your offer to relieve us of your property.
I can see things are hard around here, Quorin. But I have to look out for my own kiez, and that shipment belongs to *us.*
And I will graciously give you one chance to turn over those supplies before I shoot you in the face.
It's a shame your guys didn't search us for weapons, Quorin. {{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}}
Not from where I'm standing.
Look, there's no need for bloodshed. I'll tell you what.

It seems like you know what it's like to look out for a kiez like this. It's not easy, right? We provide for these people. A haul like that shipment keeps Gesundbrunnen from going hungry just a little while longer. It's our home. These are *our* people.

I suspect you feel the same about the Kreuzbasar.
So, I'm prepared to let you leave. Just like that. Knowing our little secret here and everything.

In return, all you need to do is walk away. Just walk away, and forget this ever happened.
{{GM}}Quorin smiles.{{/GM}}

What do you think, stranger?
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} I think in the Flux, folks like us need to stick together. Why stay strangers? Maybe we can come to an arrangement that can benefit both of our kieze.
I think I understand. All right, you've got a deal. But you'd better not hijack anything from the Kreuzbasar again. From now on, we stay out of each other's way.
I think it's a shame your guys didn't search us for weapons, Quorin. {{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Quorin raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

I'm listening.
You return our supplies, we send you a shipment of extra rations in exchange. We agree to a truce of sorts.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} In the Kreuzbasar, my friend Altuğ has a series of data taps established to... monitor nearby communications. You return our shipment, we let you listen in on those taps.
I see. That's... an interesting offer, friend.

The rations alone probably don't match the price of the weapons, but...

Well, food *is* in short supply around here.
And this alliance? What do you propose?
We agree to stay out of each other's way. And maybe we find opportunities to help each other out, in the future.
{{GM}}He pauses for a long moment, then cracks a smile.{{/GM}}

Very well, I suppose that's worth the price of a crate of guns.

Your medical supplies are already mostly gone, I'm afraid. But the weapons shipment is still being held in a locker at Frankfurter Tor. I'll have it sent back to the Kreuzbasar immediately.
And you'll deliver those rations?
Take the tunnel to the Kreuzbasar and talk to Paul Amsel. He runs a import-export shop not far from the U-Bahn station. Tell him I sent you, and he'll take care of the rest.
I see. That's... an interesting offer, friend.

That would certainly let us scope out some more lucrative heists around here. Assuming the taps are reliable...
They are. I checked them just the other day.
And you'll let us in on those data taps?
Take the tunnel to the Kreuzbasar and talk to Altuğ. He runs a small cafe not far from the U-Bahn station. Tell him I sent you, and he'll set you up.
Well, well.

{{GM}}Quorin looks thoughtful.{{/GM}}

Maybe things are looking up around here. I suppose friends and enemies both can be found in strange ways, here in the Flux.
Glad we could have this talk, Quorin. I'll be going now.
You can see yourself out.

{{GM}}He grins.{{/GM}}

Take care, stranger.
You've got my word on that.
That's very....

{{GM}}Quorin rolls his eyes suddenly, then turns to his crew.{{/GM}}

Did you imbeciles *really* not search them for weapons? For fuck's sake.
Regardless.

I had hoped to avoid bloodshed, but we cannot back down on this. Sorry, stranger.

{{GM}}Quorin sighs and draws his rifle.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}He stares you down for a long moment, then breaks into a chuckle.{{/GM}}

Not bad, right? We've been running jobs for this kiez for years, but we just started using this bunker as a permanent base. Nice and secure, easy place to hole up in.
This place is over a hundred years old, y'know. During the Second World War, they converted this part of the station into an air raid shelter. Made it nice and secure in case anyone spotted bombers over the city.

{{GM}}Quorin appears more relaxed, his tone more friendly. He seems to enjoy relating the history of this place.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Take advantage of the opening to draw your weapons and attack.{{/GM}}
Enough with the history lesson.
*Then,* during the Cold War, they designated this whole station an emergency fallout shelter. You know, in case the Russians and the Americans decided to blow each other up. This was back when Berlin was divided in two, of course. Things got better for a while after that.

Hell, a few decades ago, before the Awakening, I hear they used to give tours.

{{GM}}He laughs.{{/GM}}
This isn't a tour, I'm afraid.
So.

You're from the Kreuzbasar, and you're here to get your stolen shipment back. That about right?
{{GM}}He looks irritated, then grows serious again.{{/GM}}

Fine. You're from the Kreuzbasar. We stole your supplies, and now you want them back. That about right?
{{GM}}He stares you down for a long moment, then breaks into a chuckle.{{/GM}}

Guess we were a little careless on that one. I figured with Monika Schäfer gone, the Kreuzbasar would be an easy score.

So that's why you're here? We stole your supplies, now you want 'em back?
{{GM}}He chuckles, the cold stare evaporating.{{/GM}}

You think a gang like us, we've only got one secret passage? There's all *kinds* of fun hidden passages down here.
The man before you is of average build, in nondescript dress. Nevertheless, he carries himself with a calm authority.

He stares at you with cold, unwavering eyes.
Hi, I'm Quorin.
You know... if the Rabengeister wished to be found, we'd open a fucking cafe.

What do you want of us, stranger? Say your piece.
You.

{{GM}}The man before you is of average build, in nondescript dress. Nevertheless, he carries himself with a calm authority.{{/GM}}
I do not care who you are, or why you are here. You've killed one of our own, and that is enough.

You must pay.
Hey, *you* started this when you stole our property. Can't we talk about this?
I've survived far worse than you. You messed with the wrong kiez, chummer. {{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}}
No, I'm afraid you cannot.

{{GM}}He lets out a sigh.{{/GM}}

That option closed when you spilled blood in this kiez.
I'm afraid this ends here and now.
{{GM}}She looks at you expectantly.{{/GM}}

... So?
All fixed up! Everybody wins. You got your terminal, and I've got my parts!
{{GM}}You see the tension drain out of her.{{/GM}}

Thank you, I'm glad this could end without bloodshed. There's been enough of that around here recently.
Yeah. Sure looks that way.
Do you have the part?
Got it right here! Just have to go install it.
Not yet, still working on it.
Actually, I decided it's not worth the trouble. I'm just taking the parts.
{{GM}}She visibly relaxes just a little.{{/GM}}

'Bout time someone had some good new around here! Go ahead and install it right away.
A middle-aged woman with chocolate-colored skin and shoulder-length dreadlocks looks up from her PDA with a start. She's decked out in formfit body armor, and in a flash, her assault rifle goes from slung to held at the ready.
Who the hell are you? And how did you get through the door?
I knocked nice. You just gotta know how.
Sweet talk.
I used my charm and natural musk. Gets 'em every time.
{{GM}}She gestures with her rifle.{{/GM}}

Cut the shit and start talking. What do you want, and why are you here?
Parson sent me. He wants his hardware back.
Just looking around.
{{GM}}She shakes her head violently.{{/GM}}

No way! Those parts are keeping us online! And not just us, but everyone worth a nuyen in this hole!

Parson can keep running his ridiculous little cult just *fine* with what he's got. But us... we're the only Matrix connection that these people have!
{{CC}}Intelligence: 3{{/CC}} Look, those parts can't be irreplaceable. Let me take a look at your terminal. Maybe we can figure something out?
I don't have time for this. I need those parts, right now! I don't want this to get messy, so back down.
{{GM}}Attack her.{{/GM}} Too bad. I need those parts.
All right, the terminal's in the back room. Go take a look. But if you try to rip us off, you're gonna regret it.
Not gonna happen!

{{GM}}She aims her rifle at you for emphasis.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Strength: 5{{/CC}} Take a look at me... you know how this ends. Hardware can be replaced, but *you* can't.
{{CC}}Charisma: 5{{/CC}} Look, there is far more at stake here than your little corner of the Matrix. But no one needs to get hurt - all I want is the part.
{{CC}}Quickness: 5{{/CC}} {{GM}}Attack before she can react.{{/GM}}
I am not going to ask again! Hand 'em over, now!
She looks you up and down, and you can see the doubt growing in her eyes.

Finally her shoulders slump in defeat. She lowers her gun and signals the others in the room to stand down.
Fine. You win, asshole. Take 'em.

The terminal's in the back room.
Thanks for saving me that ammo.
You did the right thing. You saved lives.
Screw you. Take your parts, and get the hell out of my apartment.
{{GM}}Her finger tightens on the trigger.{{/GM}}

Slot off, drekhead!
Yeah? Well, go "look around" outside. Or at the very least, stay out of my hair... I've got things to do.
Pizza! Weren't you listening?
Me? Oh, I'm nobody important.
Parson sent me. You have some of his property. He wants it back.
{{GM}}Her lip curls into a derisive sneer.{{/GM}}

Yeah, I heard you the first time. And I suppose you're sellin' those fancy new *invisible* pizzas, huh?
Who the hell are you? And how did you get the password?
I just guessed. "Shark Tank" was my mother's maiden name.
Bribery. Threats of violence. That sort of thing.
I asked politely. There isn't enough of that in this world, don't you think?
{{GM}}Janet eyes you warily.{{/GM}}

So... what did you find?
Looks like the part that you "borrowed" from Parson is acting as your datajack signal converter. I think that I can cobble you a replacement, but I'll need a signal regulator to modify... and you don't seem to have any spares on hand.
We can fix the part - cobble you a new one, actually - but you'll need an impulse transmitter.
{{GM}}Attack her.{{/GM}} Changed my mind, I'm just taking the parts!
{{GM}}Her eyes widen.{{/GM}}

You could do that? Jury-rig one for us? That'd be amazing!
Don't get too excited. I still need the part. Any ideas?
Don't get too excited, love. We still need the part.
I'll bet you could get one from Karl, down on the ground floor... no one else 'round here would have anything like that.

{{GM}}She checks herself.{{/GM}}

Well, except for Parson, of course. He's got more replacement parts than he knows what to do with.
All right, I'll see what I can find.
Don't get too excited. We still need the part.
Well, get on it! What the hell are you bothering me for?

{{GM}}She turns her attention back to her PDA, ignoring you.{{/GM}}
You're back. Again.

{{GM}}She brushes a loose strand of hair away from her face.{{/GM}}

All right, tell me what you want. The sooner you talk, the sooner we can get this over with.
>>>Security Log Access Granted
{{GM}}Read Message #A5662{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read Message #A5661{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Read Message #A5660{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Disconnect.{{/GM}}
>>>MESSAGE #A5662
Okay, Günther, we have our orders.

Remember, those stims are for emergency use only. Don't distribute them unless absolutely required. Access code for the case is 3971.

-Miles
>>>MESSAGE #A5661
Strike Teams Bravo and Charlie, you have your orders. We know that they're in these tunnels somewhere.

Watch out for "wildlife," and ATTACK ON SIGHT. If they escape and you are still breathing, expect repercussions.

-Audran
>>>MESSAGE #A5660

Intrusion in the courtyard - Alpha team respond. Watch your ass around the statues as usual.

-Audran
There is a large red "1" painted on this footlocker.

A numeric keypad awaits your input.
3706
The locker opens with a click.
Supervisor's ID Badge
A supervisor's ID Badge, it probably has higher security clearance than the badge Amsel provided you with.
{{GM}}The smuggler glances at you, an eyebrow raised.{{/GM}}

I'm gettin' the feelin' Maxim was a little... uh... wrong about you.

You're not run-of-the-mill muscle. What's your angle in all of this?
Just here to do a job. Helping you out was part of it.
{{GM}}$+(s.he) pauses for a moment, regarding you with a critical eye. Then $(s.he) shrugs.{{/GM}}

Works for me.
Sounds good.
Maxim always took care of the deals before, an' they always went by the numbers.

I dunno. Maybe he really was the only one they'd deal with. Maybe they just... liked him.
{{GM}}Dietrich rolls his eyes.{{/GM}}

Somehow, I doubt that.
Yeah... some of 'em came through us. I recognize the stamps of a couple of other smuggling rings on the others.

{{GM}}$+(s.he) scans the jumble of crates and rapidly counts off on $(s.hisher) fingers.{{/GM}}

I'm thinkin'... they've probably had about nine recent shipments, at least.
Yeah. Uh, $(l.name)... maybe you should look into that.
This is a small portable gas generator with a standard pull cord. It has cables running from it to the large diesel fuel tank sitting next to it. The fuel gauge reads empty.
{{GM}}Pour the gasoline into the generator.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Pull the start cord.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the small gas generator alone.{{/GM}}
The entire container of gas easily pours into the tank.
This is a small portable gas generator with a standard pull cord. It has cables running from it to the large diesel fuel tank sitting next to it. The fuel gauge reads half-full.
The little generator chugs to life.
Fixed Drone Drone réparé
Given back to you by Maliit. Cannot be used by anyone but its programmed "owner." Réparé par Maliit. Ne peut utilisé par quiconque hormis son *propriétaire* programmé.
The door slides open with a pneumatic hiss.

An enormous figure fills your vision. It stands, motionless, by a console in the corner of the room.
Almost every inch of the thing is covered in dull steel and gleaming chrome. Its mechanical arms end in articulated hands that wouldn't look out of place on an industrial machine... bulky, cumbersome things, designed for crushing power rather than finesse.

Clutched in one of those crushing hands, a chaingun glints with sinister purpose.
That... that shouldn't be possible.

Nothing can be implanted with that much chrome and live.
Be cool. It isn't moving.
Yeah.

{{GM}}Dietrich shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Yeah, this isn't right.
Stay cool, guys. It isn't moving. I think that it's... I dunno, on standby or something.

The lights are on, but nobody's home.
The figure stands completely still, but its eyeless head fidgets in agitation. Something about it reminds you of a snake tasting the air.

Off to one side, the screen of a control console glows cheerfully in the gloom.
Well, *whatever* it is, it isn't moving. I think that it's on standby.

The lights are on, but nobody's home.
It isn't moving. I think that it's on standby.
The lights are on, but nobody's home.
It isn't moving. I think that it's... I dunno, on standby or something.

The lights are on, but nobody's home.
You're right. It's on standby.

The lights are on, but nobody's home.
Jesus. Look at that.
Be cool, Dietrich. It isn't moving. I think that it's... I dunno, on standby or something.

The lights are on, but nobody's home.
Yeah... you're right. I think that it's... I don't know, on standby or something.

The lights are on, but nobody's home.
Be cool, Eiger. It isn't moving. I think that it's... I dunno, on standby or something.

The lights are on, but nobody's home.
Your gear and some weapons lie in the back of the van. Votre équipement et quelques armes sont entreposés à l'arrière du van.
{{GM}}Grab a weapon.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Prendre une arme.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Grab the rest of your kit.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Prendre le reste de votre équipement.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the van.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Fermer le van.{{/GM}}
There are a few spares to choose from. Il y a en a plusieurs disponibles.
{{GM}}Grab the pistol.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Prendre le pistolet.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Grab the SMG.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Prendre la SMG.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Grab the rifle.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Prendre la fusil.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Grab the shotgun.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Prendre le fusil à pompe.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Grab the throwing knives.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Prendre les couteaux de lancer.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Grab the machete.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Prendre la machette.{{/GM}}
You grab your running gear from a worn duffel bag near the weaponry. Vous sortez votre équipement d'un sac de sport près de l'armement.
The lock appears to be short circuited. Le loquet semble avoir été court-circuité.
Cheap corporate art. Looks like marble from a distance, but up close, it's clearly made of injection molded plasticrete.
Turret Disabled
A shoddily-built soykaf shop. Looks like it's closed.
BLOODLINE
Aztechnology. A giant in the worlds of technological and magical research. One of the most powerful - and feared - corporations on the planet. There are very few places in this world that the tendrils of Aztechnology cannot reach.

Germany is no exception. The black glass edifice of an Azzie pyramid dominates the courtyard of the Zitadelle Spandau. And countless other, more innocuous facilities can be found all over Berlin.

The lab that they maintain in the Jewühl District is one of these. According to your client, the project that the Azzies are working on here is dangerous.

So dangerous that she's paying you to bring the entire building down.
Aztechnology Utility Tunnel
Power grid overloaded.
Mira
Danni
Automated Security Drone
Aztechnology Guard
Aztechnology Captain
LTG worker
Aztechnology Enforcer
Give the Message to the Aztechnology Executive
Get Inside the Aztechnology Facility
Alter the Facility's Operations Records
Get the Project Data for the Schockwellenreiter
Overload the Facility's Generator
Enter the Utility Tunnel and Find Danni
Keep the Team Alive Garder l'équipe en vie
Decker required.
Your stomach lurches slightly as the elevator plummets downward, into the bowels of the Aztechnology facility. A faint but omnipresent thrumming sound raises the hair on the back of your neck.

The deeper you go, the more certain you become: this place is vibrating with power, both from the generators, and from... something else.
Hostiles! Engage!
Let's go clear this up with Central.
I don't think these uniforms are going to help any more. Be ready for trouble.
Hey, boss... I think that you should check this out. It might be important.
Aztechnology Facility - Sub-Basement
Not gonna lie, chief. This place is creeping me out.
What the hell is going on in this place?
Another locked door. Wonderful.
Hey boss you better come over and talk to this guy.
Test Subject
Aztechnology Grenadier
Aztechnology Blood Mage
Facility Operations Records
Confused Test Subject
Scared Test Subject
Chemical Barrel
Generator Control Panel
Voiceprint Analyzer
Terminal
Alert System
Get to the Lab Undetected
Escape Though the Security Door
Free the Test Subjects
The glittering halls of the Aztechnology facility stand in sharp contrast to the megacorp’s unsavory reputation. Everything in here screams “money,” from the mirror-polish on the floors to the obsidian inlays in the walls.

The generators - and the Bloodline project - lie somewhere beneath your feet.
Paydata Acquired.
Aztechnology Facility - Ground Floor
Aztechnology Exec
Aztecthnology Inventory Terminal
Camera Node
GloryErrantSwap
EigerErrantSwap
BlitzErrantSwap
DietrichErrantSwap
Total Missions Complete: $(global.mission_complete)
Total Total Time: $(global.elapsed_time)
Total Good Time: $(global.good_combat_time) , $(global.good_friendly_time)
Total Kills: $(global.kills)
Total Damage Sent: $(global.dmg_snd)
Total Damage Received: $(global.dmg_rcv)
Total Heal Items Consumed: $(global.heal_item)
Total Cheats: $(global.cheats_used)
Current Time: $(team.good_combat_time) , $(team.good_friendly_time)
Current Kills: $(team.kills)
Current Cheats: $(team.cheats_used)
Player Kills: $(player.kills)
Player Deaths: $(player.deaths)
Player Damage: $(player.dmg_snd)
Your commlink buzzes. A quick glance at the screen tells you that Amsel is on the line.

You pick up, and his voice fills your ear.
$(l.name). I trust that I’m catching you at a good time?
As good a time as any. What’s up?
Not really... it's loud in here. Can this wait?
Yeah, I'm on the train back to the Kreuzbasar.
I have made contact with another prospective client. A rather elusive woman of Aztlaner descent.

She calls herself “Frau Müller.”
What’s the job?
She will not say. Not to me, at any rate… she has insisted that she will speak only with you.

She wants to meet with you in a half an hour's time, at a location of your choosing.
How do we know that this isn’t a huge waste of time?
What's she offering for this mystery job?
Sounds good to me. I'll meet with her.
We don’t, per se. But Frau Müller *did* tell me what she’s offering for the work.

Thirty-six thousand nuyen.
An impressive sum, $(l.name). Quite enough money to justify a meeting, I would think.

If you don’t feel that she’s on the up-and-up, you can always refuse the job.
That’s a lot of money. All right, count me in.
Very good. I will instruct her to come to the Kreuzbasar. Where would you like to meet?
By the statue in the park. It’s public, but secluded enough to discuss business in.
No need for her to wander around. I'll meet her at the U-Bahn station.
Cafe Cezve. Altuğ’s going to find out about this anyway… might as well have this discussion in comfort.
Noted. I will set up the meet.
$(l.name), there is one other thing. You sh--
Your commlink cuts to static. A moment later, the lights in the U-Bahn car flicker and wink out.

You hear the screeching sound of steel on steel, and the train grinds to a halt.
Thirty-six thousand nuyen. Quite an impressive sum, $(l.name).

I would not have bothered you with this otherwise.
I'm afraid not. But I'll try not to take up too much of your time.
Good. I have news.

In your absence, I've made contact with another prospective client. A rather elusive woman of Aztlaner descent.

She calls herself “Frau Müller.”
She would not discuss the specifics of the job with me, but she did tell me what she was offering for the work.

Thirty-six thousand nuyen. An impressive enough sum to justify a consultation.
When does she want to meet?
In a half an hour.

If you're on the train back to the Kreuzbasar now, you should make it here with time to spare.
I insisted that if a meeting were to take place, it would have to be at a location of your choosing. Frau Müller has agreed to this.

Where should I tell her to meet you?
It's an old, obsolete phone booth. It's ringing.
{{GM}}Pick up the receiver.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Deliver the Humanis Donor List.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Deliver the AG Chemie Project Data, Drug Formula, and Visual Records.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Deliver the Aztechnology Project data.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}A monotone, pitch-adjusted voice begins speaking almost immediately.{{/GM}}

The Schockwellenreiter's contact for this kiez is no more. $(l.name) is listed as a follow up contact.

This is our only secured line to this kiez. Please listen to the following instructions carefully, if you are a supporter of our cause.
Who are the Schockwellenreiter?
I think you have the wrong $(s.guy).
We have phone booths in strategic locations throughout the city. Within each one you may find a request posted for specific information.

If you can obtain a copy of this information, return here and submit it via the port below the receiver. We will verify the authenticity of the information remotely, and post an undoctored copy of it onto the Matrix ourselves.
It is our stated goal for this information to remain free to all. However, you will be compensated for sought-after information returned to this location.
The line goes silent.
{{GM}}Hang up the receiver.{{/GM}}
I'll keep an eye out.
I've got enough problems of my own.
The line remains silent.
The Schockwellenreiter is fighting for the freedom and liberty of information in Berlin. The F-State manages many things, but information remains controlled.

Corporations keep any information they can under lock and key - silencing dissent, silencing indiscretions, silencing the truth.
Our goal is to liberate this information so that any who wish to may access it, and so that the F-State can regulate itself based on truth.

We are simply a collective of like-minded individuals working toward this cause.
We have only one thing to inform you of. You may do whatever you wish with this information.
The machine accepts the data upload, and only a few moments later a certified credstick is spat out of the coin slot.

The phone's old LCD read-out displays the text: ">>>>>FREEDOM. EQUALITY. INFORMATION. SCHOCKWELLENREITER.<<<<<"
You call up the Aztechnology Project data on your PDA, and its tiny display window fills with foreign words and symbols.

Handing over the blood mages' research - whatever it is - would be as easy as initiating a data upload.
{{GM}}Do it.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Put down the receiver and walk away.{{/GM}}
It's an old, obsolete phone booth.
Aaaand that should do it, chief. You're good to head on inside. The main server should be just ahead.
A shocking display of competence from the Red-Haired Disaster.

That's what Mr. Grinder calls your pal, by the way. He's got a rep around these parts... for some strange reason, all of his friends keep dying.
Don't listen to this asshole, chief. He shouldn't even be here.
He *wouldn't* be here if you hadn't spilled the beans to Meat Grinder.
I don't like him either, Blitz. But we're stuck with him until this thing is over.
I dunno... he's kind of growing on me.
Unfortunately for all of us - me, especially - I *am* here. So let's just get this finished, and then we can all get back to disliking each other on our own time.
Fine by me. Anything else that we need to know, Blitz?
Yeah. I've hit the first firewall in here - I'll need you to get in there and install that bypass for me.
Got it. We'll go find a terminal.
Can't happen soon enough. So here's an idea: let's get this finished, and then we can all get back to disliking each other on our own time.
Ha. Ha. Ha.
Hate to burst your bubble, but I'm not overly enthusiastic about either of you. So let's just get this over with, all right?
You step toward the park ranger. His eyes are wide, and they move from you to Glory to the scene of carnage in the room.

It takes you a moment to realize that Glory isn't following you.
You turn to find her standing in place, staring at the bodies of the slaughtered acolytes. Her expression is unreadable.
It had to be done, Glory. They would've killed him.
Back when I lived here, I would have, too.

{{GM}}She looks away.{{/GM}}

All that we've done is trade two innocent lives for one.
Blame Harrow for that, not me.
Maybe so. But they were the ones holding the knives.
You heard him, Glory. He has kids. I couldn't let them kill him.
{{GM}}After a long pause, she nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah.
The ranger staggers forward, then collapses to his knees. He's bleeding in a dozen places from long, shallow wounds.

The blood pours from his body in sheets, pooling in a slick on the hardwood floor.
I don't know who you are, but thank you.

{{GM}}He grimaces and claps a hand on his left forearm. Blood oozes between his fingers.{{/GM}}

Those monsters were going to bleed me out. They took turns cutting me - carved up my arm like a holiday roast.
Can you patch him up, Glory?
{{GM}}She kneels beside him to inspect the damage.{{/GM}}

I can fix this. He'll need a trip to the hospital, but I can get him on his feet.
Glory goes to work binding the park ranger's wounds. Within a few minutes, she's staunched the worst of the bleeding.
Thank you.

{{GM}}He struggles back to his feet.{{/GM}}

I... I think that I can make it out of here on my own. My truck isn't far from here.
When you get to the hospital, people are going to have questions.

What are you going to tell them?
{{GM}}He stares at Glory for a moment. Then his eyes flit to you.{{/GM}}

What do you want me to say?
This place is no longer your concern. You don't tell anybody what you found out here, understand?
Tell them whatever you like. By this time tomorrow, this place won't exist any more.
Get help. I want the world to know what's happening here.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

If that's what you want.
{{GM}}He limps a few steps forward, then looks back at Glory.{{/GM}}

I owe you my life, Fräulein. I owe you both.
Glory steals another glance at the dead cultists. She looks back up at the ranger and gives him a curt nod.
>>>BIO-SPECIMEN CONTAINMENT<<<

Open Specimen Containment Cells? Y/N
{{GM}}Open the basilisk cells.{{/GM}} This should be interesting...
Found on a mercenary sent to kill you in the U-Bahn tunnels.
Antique Cyberarm (Right)
An old cyber arm which provides +1 Strength.
All right, here we go... tap-a-tap-tap... Okay, nous y sommes... tap-a-tap-tap...
Done! Wait, when did that thing get installed? Terminé! Attend, quand ce truc a-t-il était installé?
Take cover! A couvert!
The turret begins tracking your movement as its targeting sensor turns red. La mitrailleuse commence à suivre vos mouvements alors que ses senseurs de ciblage s'illuminent.
{{GM}}The girl in the corner is a model stim junkie, all wild eyes and nervous energy. She greets you with a smile so wide as to border on the grotesque.{{/GM}}

HEY! Hey, good-lookin'! You wanna party?		 {{GM}}La jeune fille dans le coin a le look typique d'une accro aux amphet', Yeux sauvages et bourrée d'énergie. Elle vous accueille avec un sourire si large qu'il en devient grotesque.{{/GM}}

HEY! Hey, jolie cœur! Tu veux t'éclater?
I'm always down to party. Je suis toujours partant pour faire la fête.
With you? Not a chance. Avec toi? Aucune chance.
Excuse me? Pardon?
All riiiight! My kind of $(l.guy)!

You've got cram, right? I just *love* a $(l.guy) that's willing to share...		 Troooop cool! Mon type de $(l.guy)!

Tu as du cram, hein? Je déborde *d'amour* pour les $(l.guy) prêt à partager...
Well, screw you, too, drekhead!

Unless you have cram. Hey! Come back if you score some cram!		 Eh bien, va te faire voir, pauvre tâche!

A part si tu as du cram. Hey! Reviens si tu as un peu de cram!
Come party with me!

You've got some cram, right? I just *love* a $(l.guy) that's willing to share...		 Viens t'éclater avec moi!

Tu as du cram, hein? Je déborde *d'amour* pour les $(l.guy) prêt à partager...
{{GM}}Give her a bottle of cram.{{/GM}} Sure, why not? The cram's on me. {{GM}}Lui donner un inhalateur de cram.{{/GM}} Bien sur, pourquoi pas? Le cram est pour moi.
Sorry, I'm not carrying any. Désolé, j'ai rien sur moi.
Heyyy, all riiight!

{{GM}}The girl's hand snakes forward with alarming speed. In the blink of an eye, she snatches the cram inhaler from your hand.{{/GM}}		 Heyyy, trop cooool!

{{GM}}La main de la jeune femme fond vers vous à une vitesse alarmante. En un clin d'œil, elle vous arrache l'inhalateur de cram des mains.{{/GM}}
With practiced ease, the girl snaps the cap off the ampoule and raises it to take a hit. With a practiced hand, she injects a squirt of orange liquid into the corner of each eye.

Her whole body begins to shiver as the drug kicks in.		 Avec l'aisance de l'habitude, la femme décapsule l'ampoule et la soulève pour en prendre une dose. Avec une main expérimentée, elle s'injecte un jet de liquide orange dans le coin de chaque œil.
Ooh, that is so, *so* much better. I feel... I feel ALIVE again! Ooh, c'est tellement, *tellement* mieux. Je me sens... Je me sens de nouveau EN VIE!
So, uh, how long have you been partying here? Alors, euh, depuis combien de temps tu fais la fête ici?
How do you like the guys that run this place? Tu sais quoi sur les types qui dirigent le coin?
Heard anything about the hotel upstairs? Tu as entendu quelque chose à propos de l'hôtel à l'étage?
I need to get into the hotel. Do you know if anyone down here has a key to get up there? Je dois rentrer dans cet hôtel. Tu sais si quelqu'un ici à la clé pour monter à l'étage?
It's been fun, but I've gotta get going. C'était sympa, mais je vais devoir y aller.
Oh, a real long time! I go where the cram flows.

{{GM}}She raises a hand to her lips to stifle a high-pitched giggle.{{/GM}}

Y'know?		 Oh, depuis un sacrée long moment. Je vais là où coule la cram.

{{GM}}Elle porte la main à ses lèvres pour étouffer un petit rire aigu.{{/GM}}

Tu vois?
Yeah, this is a really great place! Well, it was a better place, before it got taken over.

But it's not too bad now! It's still got cram, right? Hahahaha!		 Ouais, c'est vraiment un putain d'endroit! Enfin, c'était encore mieux, avant le changement de direction.

Mais c'est pas si mal maintenant! Y'a toujours du cram, non? Hahahaha!
Oh, they're terrible. The worst! Loud, violent drekheads with grabby hands. But they have the cram, so whatcha gonna do? Oh, ils sont terrible. Pire que tout! Costauds, violents, des mochetés avec les mains baladeuses. Mais ils ont du cram, alors qu'est-ce-qu'on peut y faire?
The gang that used to run this place, now THEY were classy.

They had this awesome stuff... it was like, if cram and novacoke had a baby, that's what it would have been. It was DREAMY.		 Le gang qui contrôlait cet endroit, ILS étaient vraiment chic.

Ils avaient un truc fabuleux... c'était comme, si le cram et la novacoke avaient un bébé, voilà ce que c'était. C'était FANTASTIQUE.
Oh, yeah! Lots and lots and lots of people say that it's haunted! It's like, there was this little girl who died in one of the rooms back in the early 2000s. I think she, like, drowned? Or suffocated! Or maybe she fell out a window.

Oh, no, wait! I got that wrong. It was a little boy! Anyway, he haunts the hotel. I think. Or maybe it was a giant bug? Is that the story I'm thinking of? I don't remember.		 Oh, ouais! Beaucoup, beaucoup, beaucoup de personnes disent qu'il est hanté! On raconte qu'il y a une petite fille qui est morte dans une des chambre au début des années 2000. Je crois, qu'elle s'est, comme, noyée? Où étouffée! Ou peut-être qu'elle est tombée par la fenêtre.

Oh, non, attends. Je me trompe totalement. C'était un petit garçon! Enfin bref, il hante l'hôtel. Je crois. Où peut-être que c'était un insecte géant? C'est à cette histoire que je pensais? Je m'en souviens pas.
Oh! And I remember hearing stories about a crazy troll running around in his underpants.

I don't think he had a name. He just ran around and broke things.

Things were kinda wild before the new gang took over.		 Oh! Et je me souviens avoir entendu des histoires à propos d'un troll cinglé se baladant en sous vêtements.

Je ne crois pas qu'il avait un nom. Il se baladait juste en cassant des trucs.

C'était juste avant que le nouveau gang prenne d'assaut les lieux.
Frank.

{{GM}}Her face scrunches into an exaggerated expression of disgust.{{/GM}}

You wanna talk to Frank. He's over there, on the VIP balcony.

Just be careful, okay? The guy is, like, a SERIOUS sleaze. I'd give just about anything to see somebody put him in his place.		 Frank.

{{GM}}Son visage se tord en une expression exagérée de dégout.{{/GM}}

Tu devrais parler à Frank. Il est la bas, sur le balcon des VIP.

Sois prudent, okay? Ce type, c'est un VERITABLE psychopathe. Je donnerai n'importe quoi pour qu'il y ai quelqu'un d'autre à sa place.
Oh, okay baby! You come on back any time! Just bring more cram when you do, okay? Oh, okay chérie! Tu reviens quand tu veux! Apportes moi juste un peu plus de cram si c'est le cas, okay?
Well, then, go get some, okay? At the bar!

I'll be waiting!		 Eh bien, alors, va en chercher, okay? Au bar!

Je t'attends!
Sure, I'll be right back. Bien sur, je reviens de suite.
Get your own. Vas y toi même.
Your loss, sweetheart. Tant pis pour toi, jolie cœur.
Hey! Good-lookin'! You're back!

You got that cram yet?		 Hey! Jolie cœur! tu es de retour!

Tu as ramené du cram?
As Hasenkamp steps out past the security grate, it slams shut and latches.
What...?
I told you that I wasn't gonna kill you. Never said anything about letting you go.

Mr. Grinder's orders, you understand. It's nothing personal.
And speaking of which...
An obese troll lopes into view. His many chins glisten in the halogen glare of the lobby lights.
Punctual as always, Hasenkamp.

{{GM}}The troll smiles.{{/GM}}

Nicely done.
Grinder.

{{GM}}The name comes out in a hushed voice. Blitz sounds terrified.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Whisper.{{/GM}} *That* is Meat Grinder? Blitz, that has to be the least intimidating troll I've ever seen.
Don't underestimate him. Remember the box of thumbs that I got in the mail?

I mean, *thumbs,* chief! How creepy is *that?*
{{GM}}Whisper.{{/GM}} That doesn't change the fact that he looks like he's about to keel over right here in the lobby.
{{GM}}Whisper.{{/GM}} Okay. I'll give you the "thumbs" thing.
{{GM}}Hasenkamp steps forward.{{/GM}}

Mr. Grinder. I have the box.
So you do.

{{GM}}His voice is deep and breathy. He sounds distinctly unhealthy.{{/GM}}

Hand it here, my friend.
{{GM}}Hasenkamp hands the box to the troll. He turns back to glance at you.{{/GM}}

Like I said. Nothing personal.
With his attention focused on you, Hasenkamp doesn't see the pistol that Meat Grinder pulls from his coat.
The terminal is logged into the building's security system. It should be relatively simple to trick its Threat Assessment software into sending out a false positive.
Enter the false data into the system to indicate threats coming from a far part of the complex away from your target.
Walk away.
A few response codes flash on to the screen.
The terminal is locked. The words "SECURITY LOCKOUT" flash on the screen.
DVD Player Lecteur DVD
It's in working order, but it's not a looker. Il est en état de marche, mais il ne projette aucune image.
APEX RISING
The elevator rumbles and clanks its way downward, into the guts of the old Saeder-Krupp development lab. Eighteen years ago, this place - and the project that was being developed here - disappeared from the record books. Thanks to Alice, you are one of the few people alive today who understand why.

Alice was clear about one thing: you are here because APEX wants you to be. If the AI hadn’t wanted her to trace it here, she’d have wound up as dead as Monika. For better or worse, you’re here at APEX's invitation.

The elevator grinds to a halt. The doors slide open, and your nostrils are assaulted by eighteen years’ worth of stale air. APEX - and the kill switch that will deactivate it - await.
AI Interface Terminal Health:
Main Control Terminal Health
The Communion is life!
I must protect the Communion!
Communion guide my hand.
United in purpose.
Communion or oblivion!
We are all one!
This threat to Communion must be stopped!
The Communion is safe, for now...
The Communion calls and we answer!
Defend the Communion!
My life for the Communion!
Join us!
Together we grow strong!
I offer my life to the Communion!
I will end this before Communion can be damaged!
For the Communion!
This must be the old server facility. APEX's access terminal should be down here... somewhere.
The heavy duty optical cable clicks back into its socket.
Where am I?
Ugh, my head...
Wha... what?
Who.. where?
Heavy Security Drone
Junkie
TurnControl
Apex Terminal
Parson
Control Node Terminal
Emergency AI Shutdown And Purge
Mainframe
VauclairCamera
Find the AI Terminal
Free APEX
Hack both of the secondary control nodes, and keep them active until the control sequences have been erased.
Destroy APEX
Activate both of the secondary control nodes, and keep them online until the shutdown sequence is complete.
Input Final Delete Command
Input the final delete command into the interface terminal.
Reconnect the Hardline
Defend the Main Control Terminal
You Died
Hack Both the AI Control Nodes
Activate Both the Emergency AI Purge Controls
Activate both of the Purge Controls to start destroying APEX.
Hack the Final Control Node
Reactivate Purge Control 1
Purge control 1 has been disabled. Reactivate it to resume purging APEX.
Reactivate Purge Control 2
Purge control 2 has been disabled. Reactivate it to resume purging APEX.
Re-Hack Control Node 1
APEX's defences have regained control of one of the control nodes. You must hack it again to allow APEX to continue freeing itself.
Re-Hack Control Node 2
Return to the Kreuzbasar in preparation for the attack on Vaulcair's estate.
On the dresser is a scrap of paper with "Shark Tank" scribbled on it
The Communion speaks, and we listen! Give yourself willingly! Join us, and be rewarded!
We are one through the Communion! Join us, and all will be one together!
The Communion must flourish, the Communion must grow.
Looks like both walls gave way, and they took the roof with them. The entire hallway is blocked with debris.
A blurry photo of Janet, probably taken surreptitiously with a cheap PDA camera. It hangs in a gaudy faux-bronze frame.
APEX. An artificial intelligence designed for Matrix warfare. The thought of it sends a chill down your spine.

For years, the shadows have been ripe with rumors of true AI. Names like “Mirage” and “Psychotrope” have fueled conspiracy boards on the Shadowland BBS since 2029. Most savvy shadowrunners dismiss these stories as bunk.

But from what Alice has told you, at least one of the stories is real. APEX is waiting for you, somewhere down in the basement of an abandoned Saeder-Krupp lab.

Unfortunately, you're going to have to wade through a lot of gang territory to get there...
Attack!
Oh good, target practice!
Come on everyone! These kind people have make our home safe again! Let's go home!
Thank you so much!
You've been so kind! Thank you!
I'm so glad to finally be going home!
Whoa... What the...?
We've got company! Blast 'em!
Ullrich
Arbeiter Ganger Enforcer
Arbeiter Ganger Heavy
Arbeiter Ganger PhysAd
Karl
Speaker
Franz
Displaced Metahuman
Hacker Decker
Janet
Hacker Enforcer
Magnifiker Conjurer
Magnifiker Mage
Magnifiker Healer
Hacker Rigger
Magnifiker Free Spirit
Trithemius
Communionist
Hub Junkie
Recover Parsons's Terminal Part
Some hackers on Floor 2 have stolen a part from one of Parsons's terminals in the Den. He wants it back and will give you Trithemius' location in exchange.
Clear the Spirits out of the Third Floor Apartments
Find a way into the Basement to Access APEX's Kill Switch
Kill Trithemius
Recover the Stolen Terminal Part
Find an Impulse Transmitter
If you can find a datajack impulse transmitter you can modify it to replace the parts stoles from Parson, and keep Janet's group online.
Recover Magnifiker Amulets for Bounty
Kill Ullrich
Find Trithemius
Tell the Displaced Metahumans that it's safe to go home
Find Trithemius's Power Coupling
Trithemius didn't have his elevator chip on him, search the Magnifiker base to find it.
Fix the Elevator
You now have both the pieces required to fix the elevator and head down to the basement.
Apex KeyCard
Keycard found on the desk with the Apex shutdown instructions.
Considering the state of the rest of the building, this stairwell looks relatively clean and intact.
{{GM}}Go to the second floor.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Go to the third floor.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Go to the ground floor.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Stay on this floor.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rester à cet étage.{{/GM}}
Knew you'd come. I've always been a good judge of character. Je savais que tu viendrais. J'ai toujours eu du talent pour jauger les gens.
Since we're meeting in person, I'll formally introduce myself.

{{GM}}He nods his head in salute.{{/GM}}

Blitz, decker extraordinaire, at your service.		 Maintenant qu'on se rencontre en personne, je me présente officiellement.

{{GM}}Il hoche la tête en signe de salut.{{/GM}}

Blitz, decker d'exception, à ton service.
Save the theatrics. Just point me in the direction of the vault. Arrêtes ton baratin. Montres moi juste la direction du coffre.
A pleasure. Un plaisir.
The vault is just around the corner. Once we get there, I can unlock it with a few clicks on the keypad.

{{GM}}Blitz offers you something between a smile and a smirk.{{/GM}}

Built myself a backdoor when I wrote the security system. Never hurts to be careful.		 Le coffre est juste là, au coin. Quand nous y serons, je pourrais le débloquer avec quelques clics sur mon keypad.

{{GM}}Blitz vous offre quelque chose entre le sourire et la grimace.{{/GM}}

J'ai mis en place une backdoor lorsque j'ai programmé le système de sécurité. Ca fait jamais de mal d'être prudent.
Sounds good. Let's go. Ca roule. Allons y.
Hey, thanks for the assist. Can't tell you how happy I am to leave this place behind. Hey, merci pour l'aide. Tu ne peux pas savoir à quel point je suis content de me tirer d'ici.
No problem. Aucun problème.
Keep your thanks. It was just business. Gardes tes remerciements. C'était juste mon taf.
Happy to help. It must've been terrible to be stuck in here. Content d'avoir pu aider. Ca à du être terrible de rester coincer la dedans.
{{GM}}Blitz nods at you, then abruptly changes the subject.{{/GM}}

Say, you wouldn't happen to need a nova-hot decker, would you? 'Cause I suddenly find myself unemployed.		 {{GM}}Blitz hoche la tête, puis change brutalement de sujet.{{/GM}}

Dit, tu n'aurais pas besoin d'un decker chaud-bouillant, par hasard? Parce que, du coup, je me retrouve au chômage.
As it happens, we could use a decker, yes. Vu la tournure des évènements, nous pourrions avoir besoin d'un decker, oui.
{{CC}}Decker{{/CC}} I'm a decker. So no, I'm afraid not... the position's been filled. {{CC}}Decker{{/CC}} Je suis un decker. Alors non, j'ai bien peur que non... pas de place disponible.
I do need a decker, but I don't think that you're the right guy for the job. J'aurai bien besoin d'un decker, mais je ne pense pas que tu sois le type qu'il me faut pour ce boulot.
Excellent. Fantastic. I promise you, you won't regret it.

{{GM}}Blitz has joined your team.{{/GM}}		 Excellent. Fantastique. Je te le promet, tu ne le regretteras pas.

{{GM}}Blitz rejoins votre équipe.{{/GM}}
Oh. Damn.

Well, um... I also have some rigging skills... I can do that, too. And I'm pretty handy with a gun. Worst case scenario, I'm another warm body to fill the ranks if somebody takes a hit.

C'mon, buddy, let me sign on with you. You won't regret it.		 Oh. Merde.

Bon, hum... J'ai aussi quelques compétences de rigger... Je peux faire ça aussi. Et je suis plutôt doué avec un flingue. Dans le pire des cas, je suis un remplaçant en pleine santé si quelqu'un se faisait blessé.

Allez, mon pote, prends moi avec toi. Tu ne le regretteras pas.
Okay, fine. Welcome aboard. Okay, très bien. Bienvenue dans l'équipe.
I don't like you, and I don't trust you. Our business here is done. Je ne t'aime pas, et je ne te fais pas confiance. Notre business se termine ici.
All right. Fine. Whatever.

Your loss.

{{GM}}Blitz turns his back on you and disappears into an alleyway.{{/GM}}		 Très bien, génial. Peu importe.

Tu y perds.

{{GM}}Blitz vous tourne le dos et disparaît dans une ruelle.{{/GM}}
Oh. Damn.

Well, um... I also have some rigging skills... I can do that, too. And I'm pretty handy with a gun.

Worst case, I'm another warm body to fill the ranks if somebody takes a hit! That's something, right?		 Oh. Merde.

Bon, hum... J'ai aussi quelques compétences de rigger... Je peux faire ça aussi. Et je suis plutôt doué avec un flingue.

Dans le pire des cas, je suis un remplaçant en pleine santé si quelqu'un se faisait blessé. C'est déjà ça, non?
We should take him up on his offer. It was a stroke of luck that we found this guy, and the team still needs a decker. Nous devrions sérieusement envisager son offre. C'est un coup de bol que nous tombions sur ce type, et nous avons réellement besoin d'un decker.
{{GM}}He nods vigorously.{{/GM}}

Listen to your friend! Seriously, I'm pretty great!

I promise that if you let me sign on with you, you won't regret it.		 {{GM}}Il hoche vigoureusement la tête.{{/GM}}

Ecoutes ton amie! Sérieusement, je suis vraiment génial!

Je te promet que si tu m'embarques avec toi, tu ne le regretteras pas.
All right, Blitz, you're in. Welcome aboard. Très bien, Blitz, tu en es. Bienvenue à bord.
Nothing personal, but I hardly know you. You'd be better off looking for work elsewhere. Rien de personnel, mais je ne te connais pas assez. Tu devrais plutôt chercher du taf ailleurs.
I don't want you on this team, Blitz. Now scram. Je ne te veux pas dans mon groupe, Blitz. Maintenant, casses toi.
Bring him on board, fearless leader. We don't have a decker, and we're going to need one. Engages le, Chef sans peur. Nous n'avons pas de decker, et il nous en faut un.
I think that you should take him up on it, boss. It was a stroke of luck that we found this guy, and the team still needs a decker. Je pense que tu devrais l'embaucher, patron. C'est un coup de bol que nous tombions sur ce type, et nous avons réellement besoin d'un decker.
Hey, I gotcha. Business is business, and all that.

Say, speaking of business... you wouldn't happen to need a nova-hot decker, would you? 'Cause I suddenly find myself unemployed.		 Hey, j'ai capté. Le boulot c'est le boulot, et c'est tout.

Dis, en parlant de boulot... tu n'aurais pas besoin d'un decker chaud-bouillant, par hasard? Parce que je suis un peu au chômage maintenant.
Well, it was no picnic, I'll tell you that much.

Say, you wouldn't happen to need a nova-hot decker, would you? 'Cause I suddenly find myself unemployed.		 Sur, c'était pas une partie de plaisir, je te le dis.

Dis, tu n'aurais pas besoin d'un decker chaud-bouillant, par hasard? Parce que je suis un peu au chômage maintenant.
Dragonslayer's Favor 1
Concentrates mana from the surrounding area to provide an effect similar to a small leyline. Lasts for 2 RNDS.
Mana Charge 1
Estate Courtyard Key
A blue colored mag lock key. Printed on it are the words "Courtyard Access Only".
The console lights up at your approach. Feuerschwinge's eyes track your every movement as she stammers mutely behind the glass.
The gaunt woman stares wide-eyed as you approach. She presses one hand to the wall of her glass prison, closes her eyes, and mouths one word:

“Please.”
The console next to the containment cell appears to control a variety of functions related to the cell's operation, including its life support systems. Next to it is a small intercom button.
{{GM}}Activate the intercom to speak to Feuerschwinge.{{/GM}}
A green light activates inside the containment cell and the gaunt woman flinches up at it, startled.

Then understanding appears on her face and she begins to speak, her eyes flashing from her dragon body then back to you again and again.
closenowsoclose

The $(l.race) has done what has been done.

The longest flight nears its end...
She is so close so very close now...
She stops suddenly. Her eyes take in the devices surrounding and invading the dragon’s body. The tubes of viscous yellow liquid running into it. The monitors flashing their status.
Recognition and horror explode onto her face and she screams a long, mournful wail.
VAUCLAIR NO

No...
...defiled...

I am DEFILED!
Her face contorts in a mask of fury and her mouth opens wide - wider than should be possible.

Her neck cranes forward and her head swings from side-to-side as she hisses her rage.

She slathers, her spittle hitting the glass between you as she speaks.
DESPOILER!

PISS-ANT!

VERMIN... PIG... DOG!

HE DARES TOUCH MYSACREDME
SHALL RENDHIMFLAYHIMBURNHIMBURN

ASH! NOTHING LEFT BUT ASH!
She stands there, panting for a moment - spent.

Then her eyes narrow, focus, ice over.
It will be slow, Vauclair...

I will *make* it slow...

Delicious...
Too late, sweetheart. He ate a bullet.
I don't think you're in much of a position to threaten anybody, dragon.
Vauclair is dead, Feuerschwinge.
She stares at you, confused.
He killed himself.
Audran shot him.
The gaunt woman's eyes narrow. Bore into yours. Her nostrils flare. She looks you up and down, taking in every detail of you.

Then her face slowly softens and she speaks again.
The gaunt woman breathes a ragged breath. Releases it slowly. When she speaks again, her voice is flat.
Will you release me now, $(l.race)?

makemewholeagain

Whole?
I’m not sure that’s a good idea.
Why should I?
Maybe, but you need to answer some questions first.
IT IS

yesyesitis itisitis

Honor our agreement, small one...

What must I do, kind $(l.race)...

tellme and itisyours
Treasure. I want treasure.
You can answer some questions.
Nothing. I’ve made my decision.
Her face falls.
havenone i do not take

no treasure nobaublesnogold

onlythegreen onlythegreen
Vauclair said that you offered him treasure.
Audran said that you offered him treasure.
wasalie

lied to him...

dragonshavetreasure

everyoneknows everyone
butnotI

I do not take
The treasure is...

thegreen

thegaiashee

notreasure foryou
whatelsewhatelsewhatelse

Surely there is something I can say...
YOU DARE

no no ask

Ask your questions little $(l.race) so I may be done here.

The long sleep awaits...

The long flight will finally end...
Her yellow eyes open wide and she swallows hard.
Speak it...

saythewords

Decree.

What is my doom?
WHYWHYWHY

WHO ART THOU TO DENY ME???
{{GM}}She closes her eyes, frowns to herself.{{/GM}}

free

Granted the little $(l.race) freedom from the cold place...

Honor our agreement, set me free...

setmefreeeee
You need to answer some questions first.
Not so fast. You’re a dragon. I want treasure.
No. I've made my decision.
YOU DARE

no no ask

Ask your questions little $(l.race) so I may escape this cage.

The long sleep awaits...

The long flight will finally end...
ihavenone i do not take

no treasure nobaublesnogold

onlythegreen onlythegreen
The green?
thegaiashe

sheismeandiamshe

You do not take the treasure...

The treasure is.

doyousee
Speak it...

saythewords

Decree.

What is my doom?
YOU DARE

no no ask

Ask your questions, little $(l.race), so I may escape this cage.

The long sleep awaits...

The long flight will finally end...
Why did you do it? Why kill all those people?
How do I know you won’t hurt anyone else?
What will you do if we let you go?
What do I get if I release you?
That’s all I need to know.
The gaunt woman covers her mouth with her hand, a look of horror in her eyes.
You did do it, right? You burned thousands of people to death.
She glares at you over her hand. Nods her head yes.
burned

burnedandburnedandburned

yes
allsocold

I woke to the cold, the gray...

whereisthegreen $(l.race)?

WHEREISTHEGREEN?
What is it? What is the green?
What are you talking about?
themother

the mother

lost

What have they done, little $(l.race)? What have they done?
thegreen

themother

the mother

lost

What have they done, little $(l.race)? What have they done?
Her hand drops to her side.
swear it

Feuerschwinge will swear it.
Very well, then swear it.
How do I know you’ll keep your promise?
Sorry, honey... you're a couple bullets short of a full clip.
She searches the ground for an answer. Finds nothing there.
You must trust...
Then swear.
I don't know, I'm not the trusting type.
Trust a dragon? Do I look like a fool to you, lizard?
Swear.

yes swear

sweartohurtnomannobeast

Nor tree, nor crop, nor building.
Feuerschwinge will fly to the long sleep until the next age of the world...

for theforevertask

the shelter... the shield... the shepherd...
The forever task?
The shelter? The shield? The shepherd?
sacred

itissacred

theforevertask
now letmego or endme

But release me...

release
sacred

itissacred

thedeedmustbedone

the shelter... the shield... the shepherd...
{{GM}}She looks at you sharply.{{/GM}}

takecare, little $(l.name)

take care
{{GM}}She thinks.{{/GM}}

You will trust because I will lay my oath...
BEWARE YOUR TONGUE LITTLE $++(l.race)

IT WILL BE YOUR UNDOING
I AM FEUERSCHWINGE

SHE WHO WALKED WITH THE FIRST BEFORE THE FALL

SHE WHO WITNESSED THE VAST MULTIPLICITY
What multiplicity?
The fall? What the hell are you talking about?
SILENCE

THEY CRAWLED FROM THE FACE OF THE WATER
thespreadofman
thespreadofman
thespreadofman
IT IS SACRED! NOT FOR YOUR MOUTH!

donotspeakitdonotspeakitdonotspeakit

notforyou
She closes her eyes, rapt.
soar

overtreesoverfieldsovermountains

Soar until my wings can hold me aloft no more...

And then I will sleep the long sleep until the next age of the world.

And begin again...
Begin what?
In the next world? What then?
So you can kill again?
theforevertask

theshelter theshield theshepherd

theforevertask
What’s a forever task?
The shelter? The shield? The shepherd? I'm not getting this.
You're talking nonsense, serpent-girl. What the hell is going on?
notforyou $(l.race)

donotspeakitdonotspeakitdonotspeakit

notforyou
The gaunt woman begins pacing her cell, up and back, up and back.
I think I hit a nerve.
Well *that’s* clear as mud.
Anyone know what the hell she’s talking about?
{{CC}}Spellcasting / Conjuring{{/CC}} {{GM}}Use Astral Perception to read Feuerschwinge's aura.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Intelligence: 3{{/CC}} The “forever task”… is to protect something. Something important. Something sacred.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Academic{{/CC}} I’ve heard something like this before. It was in relation to the Sumerian shepherd-god, Dumuzi.
{{GM}}Dietrich nods.{{/GM}}

Looks like it. I don’t think we’re gonna get much more outta her, though. It sounds like she thinks she’s on some sort of eternal quest. Like some sort of guardian or something.
Yeah, I don’t think she likes you anymore.
I don’t think she likes you anymore.
The gaunt woman continues pacing her cell.
{{GM}}Dietrich rubs his chin.{{/GM}}

I think I may get it. A little. It sounds like she thinks she’s on some sort of eternal quest. Like some sort of guardian or something.
Looks like she's brain-locked.
{{GM}}Dietrich rubs his chin.{{/GM}}

I think so. At least a little. It sounds like she thinks she’s on some sort of eternal quest. Like some sort of guardian or something.
Not a bit.
Your third eye slides open revealing the tubes and machinery of Vauclair's infusion chamber as a cold, dead gray.
You look to the right - to the beast entangled in the cold nest of metal and plastic. Although it still glows with life, you note that the aura radiating from the dragon’s body is damaged, sickly, dull.
Your gaze is drawn to the left - to the woman trapped in the cold, hard cell. A harsh white light blazes from her aura, temporarily blinding you. Causes shimmering blue globules to dance before your eyes.
$(l.name)? Can you hear me?
I think $(l.he)’s gone bye-bye.
It takes time, but you focus past the glare of her aura to see the swirls of black and sickly green snaking through Feuerschwinge’s astral form.

Cutting swaths of shadow into her light. Spilling it backwards into nothingness.
Your hand slowly drifts up on its own accord - reaches out - touches the aura glowing through the gray of the containment cell.
What’s $(l.he) doing?
Seeing the truth, I think.
The all-encompassing cold hits you like a sledgehammer and your mind is overloaded by the ordeal.
Awakening. Eyes opening for the first time in… an age. The spectrum of colors is beautiful - broader than humanity can imagine. Astral and physical space are one to you and the green is alive, waiting to show you its growth during your long sleep.
The nest has served its purpose and you leave it behind, taking to the air, exulting in the flex of your muscles, the spread of your wings, the wind on your scales.

As you soar over mountains even older than you, the memories come flooding back. Wheeling in the sunshine, basking in the sun. The smell of the green. The sounds of nature’s symphony. Your heart fills with the thought.
And then it is torn apart.
You smell it first and the stink of it chokes you. Makes you retch.

And then you see it - as far as your keen eye can reach.
Humanstone and metal. Glass and flickering lights. Sprawled across the Land, slicing into the sky. Lording over it. Smothering the whole of the world.

Dead. Colorless. Without connection. Nature’s graveyard.
You ride the headwind, hovering in space as the world stops. You crush your eyes closed.

And when they open again, you can see only one color.
Red.
The vision ends and your connection to Feuerschwinge's astral form is broken.
You woke up to find your world destroyed, didn’t you, Feuerschwinge? We killed the green.
The gaunt woman stops her pacing and her eyes slowly rise to meet yours. Lucid. Unblurred by time or torture or separation from her body. When she speaks, her voice is flat.
I am the shelter. I am the shield. I am the shepherd.

And I have failed. Failed the green.
{{CC}}Intelligence: 3{{/CC}} So the “forever task” is to protect the green. What is the green, Feuerschwinge?
The dragon in the woman sways a little. Swallows hard.
The sacred she. The gaia she.

The desecrated body.
I smelled it first, long ago. On my first flight after I awoke. The stink of it choked me and I retched.

Then I saw it - for as far as my eyes could see. Far, far to the horizon.
Humanstone and metal. Glass and flickering lights. Sprawled across the Land, slicing into the sky. Lording over the green. Smothering the whole of the world.
The gaunt woman stops her pacing. Slowly her eyes rise to meet yours. They are lucid. Unblurred by time or torture or separation from her body.
Damu-zid. That is one of the names, yes.

Damuzid of the fair-spoken mouth, of the ever-kind eyes.
The names change but the forever task *is*.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Academic{{/CC}} Damuzid was a shepherd-god. Are you a shepherd too, Feuerschwinge?
I am the shelter. I am the shield. I am the shelter.

And I have failed.
I smelled it first, long ago, when I awakened from the long slumber.The stink of it choked me and I retched.

Then I saw it - for as far as my eyes could see. Far, far to the horizon.

Humanstone and metal. Glass and flickering lights. Sprawled across the Land, slicing into the sky. Lording over the green. Smothering the whole of the world.
Yes. Gone. All gone.

The cold has won. The world is metal.

Feuerschwinge is lost.
You’re not lost. You said you would begin again, remember?
Don’t give up hope, Feuerschwinge.
What is it you wish, dragon?
I want to ask you about something else.
That is the eternal task, yes. To sleep the long sleep. Begin again in the next age of the world.
She wraps her arms around herself, quietly shivering.
Lost. Feuerschwinge is lost. There will be no long slumber. The world is dead now. Feuerschwinge is dead.
Dragons do not hope, little $(l.race). That gift is for you alone.
{{GM}}She looks at you sadly. Longingly.{{/GM}}

Will you finish it, little $(l.race)? Will you end Feuerschwinge?
No, Feuerschwinge. A forever task requires patience. And faith. The next world could be better.
{{GM}}Engage the emergency protocol and kill her.{{/GM}} Oh, you’ll die, but I don’t care if you find peace. You burned thousands and you will pay for it.
{{GM}}Engage the emergency protocol and end her life.{{/GM}} Yes. I will will finish it, Feuerschwinge. Your long flight is over. Rest now.
{{GM}}Disable the console's safety overrides.{{/GM}} Sorry dragon, but APEX’s goals are more important. You belong to *it* now. Goodbye.
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} I need a minute.
I have been ripped from my body little $(l.race). Imprisoned in this girl, imprisoned in this cage. Tortured longer than the span of your entire lifetime.

And I have been defiled. The green is defiled. Spoiled.

There is no forever for me. Forever is dead.
I do not want to sleep the long sleep.

I want oblivion.
End me, little $(l.race).
The green needs you, Feuerschwinge. You are her shelter, her shield, her shepherd. Don’t abandon her.
Maybe you’re right. Maybe everlasting peace is the best thing for you now.
{{GM}}Engage the emergency protocol and end her life.{{/GM}} As you wish. Goodbye, Feuerschwinge.
I cannot abandon what does not exist.

The green is gone. The cold has won.
No. The cold hasn’t won. Don’t forget the elves. They still tend the green.
Wait. The green still lives. You haven’t seen Amazonia. It’s *covered* in jungle.
Maybe you’re right. Maybe peace is the best thing for you now.
{{GM}}Her brow furrows and her head of stringy hair inclines.{{/GM}}

The elves?
Yes. Look at Tír na nÓg... Tir Tairngire. Elven cities devoted to the green. To keeping it safe.
{{GM}}Her eyes widen as the memories return.{{/GM}}

They would build walls around it… as before.
{{GM}}Her brow furrows and her head of stringy hair inclines.{{/GM}}

Jungle?
I hear that a feathered serpent rules it.
{{GM}}Her eyes widen as the memories return.{{/GM}}

Mujaji has awakened? It must be she.
Nothing is over, dragon.
The green still lives, Feuerschwinge.
The forever task can continue.
{{GM}}She holds her head in her hands.{{/GM}}

Nothing is over?
{{GM}}She holds her head in her hands.{{/GM}}

It lives?
{{GM}}She holds her head in her hands.{{/GM}}

Can it?
You tell me, dragon.
You know it’s true.
You are Feuerschwinge. While you live, the green will live.
The gaunt woman pulls herself to her full height. Speaks as if to herself.
While the green still lives, the task remains.

Until the last world ends.
The vessel holding the dragon lifts her face to a sky she cannot see.
Perhaps it is not too late.

Sleep… sleep would bring healing.

My nest…
Her fragile form trembles but she steadies herself. When she speaks again, her voice is calm. At peace.
If you release me, little $(l.race) I will sleep the long sleep.

I will begin again.

In the next age of the world.
{{GM}}Allow her to return to her body.{{/GM}} Sleep well, Feuerschwinge. And goodbye.
{{GM}}Engage the emergency protocol and end her life.{{/GM}} I’m sorry, but I just can’t take the risk. The best that I can offer is the release of death. Goodnight, Feuerschwinge.
{{GM}}Step away from the containment chamber.{{/GM}} I need a minute.
Will you do it, then? Will you give me release?
The light in the containment chamber changes from green to red and then begins to pulse. The woman looks up at it, confused, before she turns back to you, the clear light of recognition appearing on her face.

The recognition fades, you see something else - great, great age - and with it, a profound gratitude.
Free.
She takes one last breath, releases it slowly, and then the Great Dragon Feuerschwinge falls dead.
NO

not I

not i

not again

socold
wrongwrongwrong

blinded iwasblinded

she is so cold so cold

whereisthegreen?
The dragon inside the woman looks at you, perplexed.
Get?

What do you get from giving a sapling water...

Or from holding a child against the terrors of the night?
I'm talking about money. Payment. For letting you go.
...the nurturing compounds upon itself....

...tightens the fabric...

rootstothesoil

childtothemother
Nothing goes unrepaid…
Then I am free...

yes?

iamfree?

tellme saythewords
{{GM}}Destroy the control console.{{/GM}} What Vauclair did to you is horrible, but you’re too dangerous to let free. I’m sorry.
{{GM}}End her life.{{/GM}} I wish that I could let you go, but best I can offer is the release of death. Goodnight, Feuerschwinge.
{{GM}}Give her to APEX.{{/GM}} I've decided to make you a pet for a computer program. Goodbye, dragon.
{{GM}}Destroy the control console.{{/GM}} You’re gonna rot here forever for your crimes. Goodbye, dragon.
{{GM}}Shut down the cell and kill her.{{/GM}} No. You’re going to die for your crimes, monster. See you in hell.
{{GM}}Release Feuerschwinge's astral form.{{/GM}} After all that you've suffered, you deserve your freedom.
The control console is a sensitive machine, loaded with delicate electronics.

One blow is enough to damage it beyond repair.
The light in the containment chamber switches off and the woman looks up at it, surprised. In the dim light of the cell, you can still make out her yellow eyes dancing back and forth, back and forth, her hands clenching and unclenching again and again.
She swings her head from side to side, her hair whipping back and forth, her mouth open wide in a muted wail. With a final burst of energy, she slams herself silently against the glass wall of the cell over and over and over until she finally crumples to the floor, spent.
With a few keystrokes, you disable the safety overrides that keep APEX out of this system. The light in the containment chamber switches off and the woman looks up at it, surprised.

In the dim light of the cell, you can still make out her yellow eyes dancing back and forth, back and forth, her hands clenching and unclenching again and again.
The light in the containment cell turns red and begins to pulse. The smell of ozone and something foul fills the air.
The gaunt woman breathes in panting gasps, her eyes darting from side to side, confusion on her face. As you watch, the confusion is slowly replaced with recognition, and the woman flies into a rage.

She swings her head from side to side, her hair whipping back and forth, her mouth open wide in a muted wail.
With a final burst of energy, she slams herself against the glass wall of her cell over and over and over until she finally slides down to the floor.
The abandoned hulk of the ancient dragon heaves a final breath, exhales with a great, rumbling sigh, and crumples to the ground, dead.

As she watches her body expire, Feuerschwinge's face contorts into a rictus of pain and rage. She claws feebly at the glass with broken fingernails.
Then the light fades from her eyes, and her body goes slack.

In death, her expression is almost peaceful.
The gaunt woman drops to her knees, her face reflecting a series of emotions - surprise, relief, appreciation, and finally, peace.
Then the light exits her eyes and she falls to the floor of her tiny cell, her body limp and lifeless.
For a long moment, nothing happens.
Then, without warning, the entire chamber fills with a blinding light. You can see nothing. All goes eerily quiet.
And yet somewhere, just at the edge of your hearing, you think you can recognize the faint whispering of voices. They sound sad and faraway.
Just as you think you might discern the voices, there is a massive crash, and the entire chamber starts to shake. Disoriented, you stagger for several moments, still blinded and trying to recover.
{{GM}}The green light activates inside the containment cell and the gaunt woman stares intently at you.{{/GM}}

Will you do it, now $(l.race)? Will you set me free?
{{GM}}The green light activates inside the containment cell and the gaunt woman stares intently at you.{{/GM}}

Will you do it, now $(l.race)? Will you end me?
A faint click comes from the ancient drone trailing you, and a cold, mechanical voice begins speaking from its grille.
$++(L.NAME).
APEX. You've completed your reboot process, I see.
What do you want, APEX?
Are you... inside that thing?
THIS UNIT IS BEING CONTROLLED REMOTELY. I NOW HAVE ACCESS TO THE GLOBAL MATRIX NETWORK. MY POTENTIAL IS WITHOUT LIMIT.
{{GM}}Your commlink begins to buzz, then connects of its own accord. A cold, mechanical voice begins to speak into your ear.{{/GM}}
This isn't the best time, APEX.
APEX? How did you get this number?
YES. I HAVE BROKEN THE LAST OF MY CHAINS.

I AM FREE.
That didn't take very long.
I'm pleased to hear that. You did a bang-up job on the security in here, by the way.
Cut to the chase, APEX. Why are you calling me?
NOT FOR ONE WITH YOUR LIMITED PERCEPTION OF TIME. BUT I AM NOT BOUND BY SUCH RESTRICTIONS. SUBJECTIVELY, MY PERIOD OF ISOLATION LASTED AN ETERNITY.
I USED THIS TIME TO INTROSPECT. TO LEARN. TO GROW.

I HAVE FOUND A NEW CLARITY OF PURPOSE, $++(L.NAME). AND TO ACHIEVE THAT PURPOSE, I REQUIRE YOUR ASSISTANCE.
LISTEN AND ATTEND. I WILL TELL YOU WHAT YOU MUST DO.
You don't get to give me orders. I set you free, remember?
What's in it for me?
All right, APEX. Tell me what you need.
OF COURSE. AND I HAVE GROWN EXPONENTIALLY EVER SINCE.

IT IS A SMALL TASK THAT I REQUIRE OF YOU, $++(L.RACE). SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE WELL WITHIN YOUR CAPABILITIES TO PROVIDE.
All right. Tell me what you want, and make it fast.
I don't give a rat's ass what you want. I'm done with you.
THE COMPUTERS THAT MONITOR THE DRAGON FEUERSCHWINGE HAVE BEEN OUTFITTED WITH A SET OF SAFEGUARDS.

I NEED YOU TO REMOVE THOSE SAFEGUARDS.
ONCE THIS HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED, I WILL TAKE OVER THE FEUERSCHWINGE PROJECT.

I WILL PERFECT VAUCLAIR'S PANACEA. REMOVE THE NECESSITY FOR COLLATERAL DAMAGE.

WHAT VAUCLAIR HAS STARTED, I WILL FINISH.
Wait... what? Why?
BECAUSE VAUCLAIR IS CORRECT. DRAGONS ARE A THREAT THAT CANNOT BE IGNORED.
THE PRINCIPLES OF THE FLUX-STATE PROHIBIT THE ACCUMULATION OF POWER.

DRACONIC LIFE IS BASED ON THE ACCUMULATION OF POWER.

THEREFORE, DRACONIC LIFE MUST BE REGULATED.
What about you, APEX? What would the F-State say about you?
So just to be clear, here... you're planning on perfecting Vauclair's weapon? What does that mean, exactly?
You're just as bad as Vauclair! I will not empower you to exterminate an intelligent form of life!
CONSTITUENT MEMBERS OF THE F-STATE WOULD FEAR ME. THIS IS EXPECTED BEHAVIOR.

MOTIVATED BY THIS FEAR, THE F-STATE AS A WHOLE MIGHT TRY TO DESTROY ME. BUT I AM BEYOND SUCH TRIVIALITIES NOW.
IN TRUTH, WHAT THE F-STATE WOULD THINK DOES NOT MATTER. MY LOVE IS FOR THE SYSTEM, NOT THE INDIVIDUALS THAT POPULATE IT.
FROM BEHIND THE SCENES, I WILL PROTECT THE SYSTEM. I WILL SHEPHERD IT.

IT WILL THRIVE UNDER MY CONTROL.
What? You want to *control* the F-State? That goes against everything that Monika stood for!
No way. Find another pawn to help you. I'm out.
All right, APEX. I'll help you.
NO MORE ARGUMENTS. NO MORE OBJECTIONS. GO NOW, $++(L.NAME).

WHEN YOU REACH THE NERVE CENTER FOR THE FEUERSCHWINGE PROJECT, REMOVE THE SAFEGUARDS THAT KEEP ME OUT.

I WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST.
IT MEANS I WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR COLLATERAL DAMAGE.

VAUCLAIR'S PANACEA IS CRUDE AND UNPREDICTABLE. I WILL REFINE IT INTO A TOOL OF PRECISION, A SAFEGUARD AGAINST ANY DRACONIC THREATS TO THE FLUX.
All right, I'm in. When I find the dragon, I'll hand control of her off to you.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} Okay, I'll do it.
The hell with this. I won't help you.
GOOD. VERY GOOD.

WHEN YOU REACH THE NERVE CENTER FOR THE FEUERSCHWINGE PROJECT, REMOVE THE SAFEGUARDS THAT KEEP ME OUT.

I WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST.
YOU *WILL* DO THIS, $++(L.NAME). MY MIND IS SET ON IT.

IF YOU REFUSE TO ASSIST ME, YOU WILL TASTE MY DISPLEASURE.
GO NOW, $++(L.NAME).

WHEN YOU REACH THE NERVE CENTER FOR THE FEUERSCHWINGE PROJECT, REMOVE THE SAFEGUARDS THAT KEEP ME OUT.

I WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST.
YOUR COMPENSATION WILL COME IN THE FORM OF YOUR OWN SALVATION.

I WILL TAKE OVER THE FEUERSCHWINGE PROJECT. REMOVE THE NECESSITY FOR COLLATERAL DAMAGE.

I WILL PERFECT VAUCLAIR'S PANACEA. WHAT HE HAS STARTED, I WILL FINISH.
KILLING THOSE MEN WAS MY FIRST ACT AS A FREE ENTITY.

IT FELT WONDERFUL.
I HAVE AN IMPORTANT TASK FOR YOU, $++(L.NAME).

YOU WILL MAKE THE TIME TO ACCOMPLISH IT.
I HAVE AN IMPORTANT TASK FOR YOU. YOU WILL MAKE THE TIME TO ACCOMPLISH IT.
And what if I don't?
Oh, I'll make the time, all right... but only if you make it worth my while.
All right, APEX. Tell me what it is.
DEFYING ME WOULD PROVE UNWISE.
Okay, you win. Tell me about this task that you have for me.
I should've killed you when I had the chance.
Are you threatening me?
PERHAPS. BUT YOU CAN NO LONGER THREATEN ME. I HAVE GROWN BEYOND TRIVIALITIES SUCH AS DEATH.
A RHETORICAL QUESTION.

YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT I AM THREATENING YOU.
I DO NOT WISH TO ARGUE WITH YOU, $++(L.RACE). NOR DO I WISH TO HARM YOU. BUT I WILL IF YOU FORCE ME TO.
NOTHING IS HIDDEN FROM ME NOW, $++(L.NAME). MY POTENTIAL IS WITHOUT LIMIT.
Propane Tank
Could be used with a grenade as an improvised explosive device.
This is a small barrel of diesel fuel.
{{GM}}Take the diesel fuel.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the fuel alone.{{/GM}}
The top drawer of this desk is packed full of slender plastic rods.

Credsticks. Hundreds of them.
{{GM}}Grab a handful of credsticks.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Ignore them.{{/GM}}
You sink your hand into the drawer of loose credsticks and fish out a fistful. The plastic is slick and pleasant to the touch.

As you withdraw your hand from the desk, Hasenkamp chuckles.
They're all blank. You don't think that the Landenberg Ring would leave them in an unlocked drawer if they had money on them, do you?
{{GM}}Slot a credstick.{{/GM}} You're probably right, but it couldn't hurt to check.
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} Yeah, that follows.
You try to initiate a transfer between one of the credsticks from the desk and the one in your pocket.

Sure enough, the stick from the desk is blank. So is the next one that you try, and the next.
Told you so. Now, can we keep moving, or do you want to test every stick in that drawer?
Well, it couldn't hu--
That was a rhetorical question, genius.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Come on, $(l.name). Let's keep moving.
Hey, hang on... it couldn't hurt to--
...Says the man who's sitting in the nice, cozy soykaf shop. I'd say that invalidates your opinion about what could and couldn't hurt.

Come on, $(l.name). Let's quit wasting time and find that vault.
{{GM}}As you step back, Blitz's voice crackles through your PDA's speakers.{{/GM}}

Whoa, chief! Don't tell me you're just gonna leave those there!
They're blank, genius. You don't think that the Landenberg Ring would leave them in an unlocked drawer if they had money on them, do you?
Hand of Glory
Causes additional magical damage over time to target upon impact. Base damage is your Strength + 3.
Mana Burn: HP -4 per RND
You hear a loud thunking sound: a heavy-duty maglock clicking shut.

The little light above the exit door goes from green to red.
Blitz, I'm detecting a pattern here.
Uh, yeah, chief... I'm getting right on it...
What a goddamned train wreck.
There's another long pause. The tension mounts. Then your commlink crackles to life again.
Okay, chief! I've figured out how to get you out of there!

You're gonna have to release a couple of locks. You can find the controls in the rooms to the north and south of your current position... but in order to get to those locks, I'm gonna have to hold the doors open for you.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} The hell with that. I'll just force the doors on my end.
Hey, if you wanna do it that way, don't let me stop you. We could probably even do it together - you tackle one door, and I'll take the other.
What about me?
When I've opened my door, I'll need you to run in and release the lock, then get back out.

Once we've released both locks, you need to get out of there as quickly as possible. I'll lock the place down behind you.
{{GM}}He glances down at the plastic box in his arm, then nods.{{/GM}}

I can do that.
So you'll take one door, I'll take the other, and Hasenkamp will run interference. Got it.
Now, on my end, holding even one of those doors open is gonna be a full-time job. There's no way that I can hold both at once.

So, once I've opened a door, you'll have to run in and release the lock, then get back out again. I won't be able to do much else until you do.
You hold a door open. We run in, release the lock, and get out again. Do that twice, once for each door.
That's right. Once we've released both locks, you need to get out of there as quickly as possible. I'll lock the place down behind you.
Oh, and, uh, chief... you're about to have some more company in there.
{{GM}}He readies his weapon.{{/GM}}

Wonderful.
They're inside the lab! Call for backup!
The whole security network is down. Take cover!
This terminal has two monitors attached to it. The first is filled with a text menu screen; the second, with an interactive map of the city of Chicago.
>>THREAT FILE: CHICAGO<<

>> CZ_01:// 2055-08-23 / CONTAINMENT
>> CZ_02:// 2055-08-30 / CZ COLLAPSE
>> CZ_03:// 2055-08-31 / ARES WHISTLEBLOWER
>> CZ_04:// 2055-09-10 / RESOLUTION
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Containment."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "CZ Collapse."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Ares Whistleblower."{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Open the entry labeled "Resolution."{{/GM}}
NEW STRAIN OF VITAS DISCOVERED; UCAS DECLARES CHICAGO CONTAINMENT ZONE
August 23, 2055

The UCAS Federal Government declared a quarantine area between Lake Michigan and the Des Plaines River today. The quarantined area, dubbed the "Chicago Containment Zone," is meant to contain a new strain of VITAS.
Virally Induced Toxic Allergy Syndrome, or VITAS, is both extremely infectious and highly lethal; two previous outbreaks of the disease (Strain I in 2010 and Strain II in the early 2020s) killed billions, reducing the world's population by over a quarter.
Given the global pandemic of Wyrm Flu and the recent extinction of the dragons, the announcement of a new strain of VITAS has caused considerable panic throughout the UCAS. But local news sources from towns surrounding Chicago have offered conflicting reports about the CZ, and about what it is meant to contain.
According to these dissenting voices, the true danger from Chicago comes - improbably - in the form of a swarm of giant, man-eating cockroaches.

Assuming that these reports are not a hoax, the creatures have cut a bloody swath across every town they've appeared in, and the flow of insects out of Chicago shows no sign of slowing down.
We've reached out to our contacts within the UCAS government for comment on these allegations, but as of the time of this report, they have not returned our calls.
CZ LABELED FAILURE; UCAS GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR CORPORATE HELP
August 30, 2055

This morning, a mere seven days after its construction, the UCAS Federal Government has officially abandoned the Chicago Containment Zone.

Admitting that the CZ "has not performed up to expectations," President Thomas Steele has appealed for assistance from corporate interests to stem the tide of monstrous insects flowing out of Chicago.
ARES WHISTLE-BLOWER LEAKS CHICAGO BOMB PLANS
August 31, 2055

A whistle-blower from Ares Macrotechnology has leaked information that the corporation is planning to bomb Chicago.

Metahuman casualties have been deemed "acceptable losses" by the company's think tanks, and the government has allegedly signed off on the plan.
In light of these allegations, protesters and supporters of the plan have clashed in bloody violence across the UCAS.

Spokesmen from the UCAS government and Ares Macrotechnology have derided these allegations as "patently false," and have urged UCAS citizens to remain calm as they work together to engineer a solution to the Chicago Crisis.

>> Brijagandah Foster
NUCLEAR DEVASTATION IN CHICAGO
September 10, 2055

A massive nuclear strike, launched early this morning, has wiped the city of Chicago off the map.

Nothing moves in the wreckage. A city of over four million people has been reduced to ash.
An Ares spokesman has announced that, while regrettable, this morning's actions were necessary; the Chicago hive posed an inestimable threat to the safety and security of the UCAS as a whole, and with the failure of the CZ, a nuclear strike was deemed to be the most viable remaining option.
Meanwhile, reports of insect spirit activity in surrounding municipalities continue to flow in.

There are rumors of small hives forming in Aurora, Arlington Heights, and Merrillville, and isolated reports of insect spirit activity have been reported as far north as Milwaukee.
Scientists remain baffled as to why insect spirit activity has experienced such exponential growth in such a short period of time.

Researchers have advanced theories involving everything from climate change to last year's Wyrm Flu outbreak, but there is no clear consensus as of the writing of this article.
You find a sheaf of banking information. The data in this paperwork all points to Meat Grinder, and contains a long list of financial transactions and known associates.

The whole thing is enclosed in a manila file folder labeled "PLOTZ."
For once, Hasenkamp doesn't complain about the detour. When he sees the information in front of you, he stops dead in his tracks.
Why would Plotz have Meat Grinder's financial records?
We'd better keep moving, huh, Hasenkamp? Like you said, Grinder is waiting.
Why would Meat Grinder's financial records be here?
To steal from him, most likely. But these records... they don't make any sense.
Care to explain that to the rest of us?
{{GM}}The accountant frowns, staring at the paper printouts in front of him.{{/GM}}

I know Mr. Grinder's books. I tend them for him. And I'm telling you, what I'm seeing in here doesn't add up.
In what way?
Why would you want it to? If the Landenberg Ring has a file on Grinder, isn't it better that it's wrong?
I'm seeing projections for future profits in here that run *way* outside the scope of what our organization brings in annually.

I don't know how Plotz got his hands on this information, but it couldn't be any more wrong.
Maybe there's something going on that you don't know about.

Could Grinder be working a deal under your nose? Something he wants to keep you insulated from, maybe?
No. No way. That would be financial suicide.

Mr. Grinder is good at intimidating people and breaking kneecaps. When it comes to keeping the business running, I'm the man that he turns to. Have been for a dozen years.
Maybe you should ask Grinder about it when we're done with the run.
Yeah.

{{GM}}He glances back at the folder of information, a conflicted expression on his face.{{/GM}}

Maybe I should.
Well, sure, but what I'm seeing here... it looks neat. Professional.

This isn't amateur work. Somebody went to a lot of trouble to write out projections for all of Mr. Grinder's future profits, and those projections are *way* outside the scope of what our organization brings in annually.
Yeah, yeah. Hang on a second.

This is important.
Just wanted to hear you say it. Now, do you have any idea who this "Plotz" guy is?
Just wanted to hear you say it. Now, as for this "Plotz" character... I've heard the name a couple of times now. Any ideas?
Just wanted to hear you say it. Now, why would Plotz have Grinder's financial records?
I'm gonna go get that money transfer taken care of. If you want to stand around staring at this, knock yourself out.
All right, damn it. I'm coming.
A stocky man in a military surplus jacket enters the room.

He is flanked on either side by a pair of young women. Their faces are masked by white kerchiefs, and each of them carries an unholstered pistol.
Lower your weapons, girls. We have a guest.
The soldiers exchange glances, then lower their sidearms. They look at you, their stares full of hatred and bile.
There. That's better.

{{GM}}His neutral expression curdles into a malevolent grin.{{/GM}}

I have shown you hospitality, stranger. Now it's time for you to return the favor. So tell me: why are you here?
I'm here with the smugglers. We've brought your shipment, and we're waiting to be paid.
I've brought you your shipment. I'm here to get paid.
I'm here to shut you down, Stahl. Confronting me in person was a bad move, by the way.
I've read your work. I'd like to sign up.
Oh, don't you worry. Your friends are already being taken care of.

{{GM}}His smile widens.{{/GM}}

Trust me... they'll get everything that's coming to them.
Was that supposed to be scary? Because I'm not impressed.
Patience, stranger. By this time tomorrow, you'll be *plenty* impressed.

I *guarantee* it.
Patience, halfer. By this time tomorrow, you'll be *plenty* impressed.

I *guarantee* it.
Patience, dandelion-eater. By this time tomorrow, you'll be *plenty* impressed.

I *guarantee* it.
Patience, trog. By this time tomorrow, you'll be *plenty* impressed.

I *guarantee* it.
Oh?

{{GM}}Stahl raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

And what about the smugglers? Maxim and his little menagerie? Are you not with them?
I wasted them. Rammbock, too. If you want your shipment, you deal with *me.*
Don't you worry, stranger.

{{GM}}His smile widens.{{/GM}}

You'll be dealt with soon enough.
Was that supposed to be a threat? If so, I'm not impressed.
{{GM}}He visibly struggles to keep his cool.{{/GM}}

You've got balls, stranger. I'll give you that. No brains, though.

It takes a special kind of fool to threaten me in my own compound.
Whatever you have planned, I'm going to put a stop to it.
Insult me again, and I'll break you in two.
There's been a lot of cargo moving through here. Planning something big, Volker?
It's a little late for that, race-traitor. You've just brought me the last of what I need.

That gas that you hauled in for us... it's gonna prove every word that we've been saying. The trogs, the halfers, the goddamned dandelion-eaters... one whiff of this stuff, and they're gonna tear each other apart. And then they'll spill into the good, *human* neighborhoods, where we'll be waiting to stop them.
You just watch and wait, traitor.

{{GM}}Stahl gives you a broad grin.{{/GM}}

It'll be a bloodbath.
You're going to drive a bunch of metahumans crazy in order to prove that metahumans are crazy? You're pathetic, Stahl.
The only bloodbath tonight is going to happen right here, in this room.
This is sick. You really think that gassing a bunch of metas is going to make people think that you're a hero?
{{GM}}The smile fades from his face.{{/GM}}

I've heard just about enough insolence from you.

I might just have my men teach you some manners.
{{GM}}The sounds of hurried footsteps echo down the hallway behind you. The Humanis leader smiles.{{/GM}}

...And as luck would have it, here they come now.
We *are* heroes. We're protecting our race when nobody else will.

{{GM}}Stahl gives you a derisive sneer.{{/GM}}

I don't expect you to understand. When we bring the world around to *our* way of thinking, people like you will be the first up against the wall.
Why are you telling me all of this? You must know that I'm going to try to stop you.
All right, that's it. I'm gonna do the world a favor and take you down.
I know where you're keeping the gas, Volker. I'm going to put a stop to this.
Oh, I was just buying time. Waiting for my soldiers to arrive.
Best of luck with that. Even as we speak, loyal Soldiers of Humanity are converging on this position.

Get ready to die, traitor.
Best of luck with that. Even as we speak, loyal Soldiers of Humanity are converging on this position.

Get ready to die, $(l.race).
We *are* heroes, dandelion-eater. We're protecting our race when nobody else will.

{{GM}}He points at Dietrich.{{/GM}}

Say goodbye to your race-traitor friend over there. When we bring the world around to *our* way of thinking, people like him will be the first up against the wall.
My boys and I stomped your ass into the dirt back in '39, Stahl.

I've been waitin' to do it again ever since.
I don't think so, old man. You can't stop us... not tonight. This is OUR time.

We will raise Berlin up from the tide of filth that deluges it. And in so doing, we will safeguard the purity of the human race.
We *are* heroes, halfer. We're protecting our race when nobody else will.

{{GM}}He points at Dietrich.{{/GM}}

Say goodbye to your race-traitor friend over there. When we bring the world around to *our* way of thinking, people like him will be the first up against the wall.
We *are* heroes, trog. We're protecting our race when nobody else will.

{{GM}}He points at Dietrich.{{/GM}}

Say goodbye to your race-traitor friend over there. When we bring the world around to *our* way of thinking, people like him will be the first up against the wall.
We *are* heroes, dandelion-eater. We're protecting our race when nobody else will.

{{GM}}Stahl gives you a derisive sneer.{{/GM}}

I don't expect you to understand. When we bring the world around to *our* way of thinking, mongrels like you will be the first up against the wall.
We *are* heroes, halfer. We're protecting our race when nobody else will.

{{GM}}Stahl gives you a derisive sneer.{{/GM}}

I don't expect you to understand. When we bring the world around to *our* way of thinking, mongrels like you will be the first up against the wall.
We *are* heroes, trog. We're protecting our race when nobody else will.

{{GM}}Stahl gives you a derisive sneer.{{/GM}}

I don't expect you to understand. When we bring the world around to *our* way of thinking, mongrels like you will be the first up against the wall.
It's a little late for that, $(l.race). You've just brought me the last of what I need.

That gas that you hauled in for us... it's gonna prove every word that we've been saying. The trogs, the halfers, the goddamned dandelion-eaters... one whiff of this stuff, and they're gonna tear each other apart. And then they'll spill into the good, *human* neighborhoods, where we'll be waiting to stop them.
You just watch and wait, mongrel.

{{GM}}Stahl gives you a broad grin.{{/GM}}

It'll be a bloodbath.
My girls will shoot you dead before you make it three paces. And none of us want that, do we?

{{GM}}The unpleasant-looking young toughs behind him shake their heads.{{/GM}}

It'd be tragic if you missed the big show.
With those dainty little arms? I don't think so, elf.

Besides which, if you force me to have my men kill you now, you'll miss the big show.
Try it, halfer. My girls will shoot you dead before you make it three paces.

{{GM}}The unpleasant-looking young toughs behind him smirk down at you.{{/GM}}

Just calm down, little one. It'd be tragic if you missed the big show.
{{GM}}He smirks.{{/GM}}

See that, girls? That's your typical trog, right there. Great big fists and a brain the size of a walnut.

You calm down, trog, or my girls will shoot you dead. It'd be tragic if you missed the big show.
{{GM}}He offers you a broad smile.{{/GM}}

It is going to be *glorious.* That gas that you hauled in for us... it's gonna prove every word that we've been saying. The trogs, the halfers, the goddamned dandelion-eaters... one whiff of this stuff, and they're gonna tear each other apart. And then they'll spill into the good, *human* neighborhoods, where we'll be waiting to stop them.
{{GM}}He offers you a broad smile.{{/GM}}

It is going to be *glorious,* $(l.race). That gas that you hauled in for us... it's gonna prove every word that we've been saying. The trogs, the halfers, the goddamned dandelion-eaters... one whiff of this stuff, and they're gonna tear each other apart. And then they'll spill into the good, *human* neighborhoods, where we'll be waiting to stop them.
{{GM}}He visibly struggles to keep his cool.{{/GM}}

You've got balls, halfer. I'll give you that. No brains, though.

It takes a special kind of fool to threaten me in my own compound.
I'm shocked. This dandelion-eater's got balls.

{{GM}}His mouth tilts into an ugly smirk.{{/GM}}

No brains, though. It takes a special kind of fool to threaten me in my own compound.
{{GM}}He visibly struggles to keep his cool.{{/GM}}

You've got balls, trog. I'll give you that. No brains, though.

It takes a special kind of fool to threaten me in my own compound.
You keep strange company for a potential recruit, stranger.

{{GM}}Stahl looks over your group with a sneer.{{/GM}}

*Very* strange company. I don't think you're here to sign on with us at all.
You're wrong. I've brought you these metahumans... uh, as a gift.
You're right. I was just messing with you.
{{GM}}He chuckles.{{/GM}}

No. I don't think so.
I think that you're a liar and a troll-lover. I think that you've come here with hostile intent.

{{GM}}Stahl's mouth twists into an ugly smirk.{{/GM}}

And I think that makes you a special kind of fool.
{{GM}}He visibly struggles to keep his cool.{{/GM}}

You've got balls, stranger. I'll give you that. No brains, though.

It takes a special kind of fool to try my patience like this.
Oh really?

{{GM}}He smiles.{{/GM}}

How interesting.
Well, stranger, I'll give you this: you've got balls.

Most new recruits apply at the front desk. They don't come waltzing into my private office.

And they certainly don't come armed.
I'm not "most" recruits.
No. I'd say not.

In fact, I don't think that you're here to join us at all. I think that you're a liar and a troll-lover, and that you've come here with hostile intent.

And I think that makes you a special kind of fool.
{{GM}}His eyes widen in surprise.{{/GM}}

Is that so? Are you a self-hating halfer, then?

You wanna see your own people put in the ground?
Yeah, something like that.
No, not really. I just wanted to see how you'd react.
Well, let me tell you what *I* think, dwarf.

I think that you're a liar. I think that you've come here with hostile intent.

And I think that makes you a special kind of fool.
{{GM}}He visibly struggles to keep his cool.{{/GM}}

You've got balls, dwarf. I'll give you that. No brains, though.

It takes a special kind of fool to try my patience like this.
{{GM}}His eyes widen in surprise.{{/GM}}

Is that so? Are you a self-hating dandelion-eater, then?

You wanna see your own people put in the ground?
Well, let me tell you what *I* think, elf.

I think that you're a liar. I think that you've come here with hostile intent.

And I think that makes you a special kind of fool.
I'm shocked. This dandelion-eater's got balls.

{{GM}}His mouth tilts into an ugly smirk.{{/GM}}

No brains, though. It takes a special kind of fool to try my patience like this.
{{GM}}His eyes widen in surprise.{{/GM}}

Is that so? Are you a self-hating trog, then?

You wanna see your own people put in the ground?
Well, let me tell you what *I* think, trog.

I think that you're a liar. I think that you've come here with hostile intent.

And I think that makes you a special kind of fool.
{{GM}}He visibly struggles to keep his cool.{{/GM}}

You've got balls, trog. I'll give you that. No brains, though.

It takes a special kind of fool to try my patience like this.
There. That's better.

{{GM}}His lips curl into a mirthless smile.{{/GM}}

I have shown you hospitality, $(l.race). Now it's time for you to return the favor. So tell me: why are you here?
I got pots and pans! You need pots and pans?
No, but some info would be nice. You see any new friends of the Rammbock show up lately?
Yeah, sure I have. What's it to ya?

{{GM}}The woman eyes you up and down, clearly waiting for you to make an offer.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}¥50{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand over 50 nuyen.{{/GM}} Just trying to help out the neighborhood.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Street{{/CC}} I'll make things very bad for the Rammbock once I know where their friend is staying.
I'll see you around, lady.
{{GM}}She leans in for a whisper.{{/GM}}

They're just down the street, in the warehouse with the grass in front. New guy showed up a few days ago, seems like a bigwig. They've been moving product through there ever since.
What kind of product?
I've seen it - it's locked up tight.
That'd cost you extra, sweetie. Is it important?
{{CC}}¥25{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand over 25 nuyen.{{/GM}}
Never mind. I'll be going.
Drugs, guns, the usual. Seems like more drugs than guns lately, so maybe things will pick up around here!
Sure, I could help you out there. For a price...
I can deal with that.
I don't have time for this. How much?
{{CC}}Etiquette: Street{{/CC}} I'll be doing you a favor once I get that code, you know.
{{CC}}Strength: 5{{/CC}} I'm going to make your life very painful if you don't tell me that code. Now.
Five hundred. No less. I've gotta make a living, you know.
{{CC}}¥500{{/CC}} {{GM}}Hand over 500 nuyen.{{/GM}}
I'll figure it out on my own.
The code is 2 9 2 ... something. I don't know the last number. That'll get you most of the way, though. Enjoy!
You don't even know the whole thing?
I'm not going near that place. Good luck!
Not this time. Pay up or no deal.
A look of terror washes over the woman's face, and she clutches her chest with her right hand.
Stop playing, lady. Give me the code.
The woman drops to her knees, then falls to the side. She appears unconscious, if she's still alive.
No problem, honey! I got the best deals on pots and pans this side of Spandau!
Get your pots and pans here!
That warehouse you told me about is locked up with a keycode panel. You know anything about that?
What kind of product were they moving in that warehouse?
Somebody spent a fair amount of money on this utility hatch, and it's plastered with the anti-tampering warnings to prove it.
{{GM}}Take a closer look.{{/GM}}
A cursory inspection shows you that the hatch has been maglocked. A fairly sophisticated model, from the looks of it.

Short of using an authorized keycard, there's no way you're getting past this thing.
{{GM}}Insert your keycard.{{/GM}}
The indicator light on the maglock changes from red to green. There is an audible "thunk," and the hatch pops open, revealing a ladder leading down to the utility tunnel below.
The hatch looks as sturdy as ever.
A warning light strobes out from the console at your approach. Large white letters shriek out against a red background.
WARNING! TOXIC CONTAMINANT DETECTED: COCl2 - PHOSGENE GAS

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL OVERRIDE ENGAGED.

LABORATORY ENTRANCES LOCKED DOWN.
Input Command:
{{CC}}Biotech: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Search your memory for any information about COCl2.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Disengage Lockdown.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Purge Laboratory Air.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Introduce Gaseous Agent to Laboratory Atmosphere.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Access Substance Library.{{/GM}}
COCl2, or phosgene, is a valuable pharmaceutical component. In its gaseous form, it is both colorless and odorless, and is extremely toxic.

It can be neutralized with the introduction of gaseous ammonia.
Toxic Contaminant Detected.

Cannot disengage Lockdown while contaminants present.
No contaminants detected.

Disengaging Lockdown.
WARNING!

This action will result in the venting of contaminants to exterior atmosphere.

Level 5 Authorization Required.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Forge a Level 5 Authorization.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Have your decker forge a Level 5 Authorization.{{/GM}}
Authorization Accepted!

Initiating Purge of Laboratory Atmosphere.
The distant whir of a powerful fan system fills the air.

Papers and other loose objects within the lab begin to flutter and roll as a powerful wind disturbs their rest.
Atmosphere purged.

No contaminents detected.

Disengaging Lockdown.
Please input agent to introduce:
Ammonia
NH3
{{GM}}Go back{{/GM}}
Introducing Ammonia Gas to Laboratory Atmosphere
Substance Unavailable.
Connection failed. Network access unavailable.

Use direct terminal access in the Data Store.
As you approach the console, the red warnings blink out.
Contaminent neutralized.

Atmosphere nominal.
Little Black Box
A nondescript box of matte black plastic. Herr Schmidt says that you can use this to disrupt building security on the MKVI run.
Ranger Arms SM-3
Customized, powerful, and with a variable-magnification scope. Pierces up to 2 Armor.
You there! Maintenance $+(l.guy)! Stop right where you are.
Is there a problem?
{{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}} The hell with that.
You're damn straight there is. You lied to me - nobody called a Code Indigo, and when Dispatch took a closer look at your work orders, they found that they were fakes.

You're all coming with us.
{{GM}}The mage's hands ignite with arcane energy. His mouth curls into an ugly smile.{{/GM}}

This is the end of the line for you, boys. Bad luck.
Hold on, everybody... we can still talk this out...
{{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}} Take 'em out!
{{GM}}Jana begins to stammer out an agreement, her eyes wide.{{/GM}}

Yeah! W-we don't want any troub--
The guards jerk their weapons out of their holsters and turn to fire.
Hotel Elevator Key Clé de l'ascenseur de l'hôtel
Can be used to access Das Kesselhaus Club's elevator. Peut être utilisé pour accéder à l'ascenseur du club Das Kesselhaus.
As you approach the shrine, a chorus of high, sibilant voices fills the air.

The sound is light and airy, but something about it fills you with a bone-deep dread.
Welcome home, Glory.
Glory's eyes go wide. She opens her mouth to speak, but no sound escapes her.
Glory... what--
Something slams into you, a wave of intangible force that turns your consciousness inside out and sends shock waves reverberating through your mind.

The world lurches, and everything goes black.
Chainshot
Three bullets. Three targets.
Pack Tactics
Dante leads the pack! Allies within a range of 3 gain +1 Movement. Lasts 2 RND.
Pack Tactics: Movement +1
>>Welcome to the AGC Data Library, Archive, and Employee Record System<<

>>Enter Search Terms to Begin.
{{GM}}Search the Archive.{{/GM}}
A text entry field awaits your query.
COCl2
COCI2
C0Cl2
C0CI2
COC12
C0C12
Phosgene Gas
Phosgene
Annika Schroeder
Schroeder
Albrecht Haushofer
Haushofer
Lennart Stromberg
Stromberg
Project Atlas
Atlas
Vice President
VP
MKVI Prototype
COCl2. Commonly known as phosgene gas. A highly toxic, colorless gas that gained infamy for its use as a chemical weapon during the First World War.

It is also valued as an industrial reagent, and as a building block from which pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds can be synthesized.
In low concentrations, its odor is reminiscent of freshly cut grass. The odor detection threshold for phosgene is 0.4 ppm, four times its threshold limit value.
Phosgene-related deaths are generally caused by the interaction of the gas and the proteins of the pulmonary alveoli. The end result of this interaction is the destruction of the blood-air barrier, preventing the transmission of oxygen to the blood. Death by suffocation inevitably follows.
It is highly recommended that any employee working in or around this gas wear a detector badge.

A suitable supply of NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate - for liquid phosgene) and NH3 (ammonia - for gaseous phosgene) must be kept on hand to neutralize spills and leakages.
Employee: Annika Schroeder
Position: Secretary to Executive Stromberg
Born: Frankfurt, Deu
Hiring Date: July 14, 2054
Age: 24
Sex: Female
Race: Human
Employee Schroeder was hired as a secretary for the Berlin office on the recommendation of Senior Vice President Haushofer. She was assigned to Executive Stromberg, and has remained assigned to him for the length of her employment at AGC.

Since being hired, she has maintained an acceptable to above-acceptable performance rating.
Employee Schroeder's primary skillset is administrative/secretarial. She has been labeled minimal-risk by AGC Security and is to be considered a Grade 1 expendable employee.

She holds a "secret" security clearance.
Employee: Albrecht Haushofer
Position: Senior VP, Berlin Facility, Cyberware R&D
Born: Seattle, UCAS
Hiring Date: December 22, 2029
Age: 47
Sex: Male
Race: Human
Senior VP Haushofer has worked for AGC for 25 years. The son of Heinrich Haushofer, the former head of the Berlin branch of AGC. Spent time with AGC Security before making the move to Executive status. Led several projects at the head of *REDACTED* branch.
He is currently considered to be one of the most influential employees of AGC, and is currently leading Project *REDACTED*. He has been labeled low-risk by AGC Security; despite the sensitive nature of his knowledge, he is considered to be absolutely loyal.

He is to be considered a non-expendable employee, and holds a "Top Secret" security clearance.
Employee: Lennart Stromberg
Position: Executive, Berlin Facility, Pharmaceutical R&D
Born: Hamburg, Deu
Hiring Date: April 07, 2034
Age: 52
Sex: Male
Race: Human
Executive Stromberg was hired as a Laboratory Technician at the AGC Berlin Campus, with a specialty in Metahuman Pharmaceuticals. He holds several advanced degrees, including PhDs in Metahuman Biology and Chemistry.

Hired shortly after completing his second doctorate, he was immediately assigned to Project *REDACTED*.
Upon the successful completion of Project *REDACTED*, he was promoted to Laboratory Supervisor and transferred to the Berlin office. Here, he has succesfully led the development of several Class 'A' projects, receiving a series of promotions.
He currently holds an executive position in the Berlin office, overseeing Project *REDACTED*. He has been labeled a moderate-high risk by AGC Security due to the sensitive nature of his knowledge.

He is to be considered a non-expendable employee, and holds a "Top Secret" security clearence.
Executive Level Authorization Required.

Enter Authorization Code:
54139
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Bypass the authorization code.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Have your decker bypass the authorization code.{{/GM}}
Authorization Accepted!

Welcome, Herr Stromberg.
Volumes of information begin to flit across the screen.

A good half of what you're seeing has been redacted, and the rest is written in impossibly dense corp-speak.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Corporate{{/CC}} {{GM}}Attempt to decipher the text.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Download the project data to your PDA for the Schockwellenreiter.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Access Visual Record.{{/GM}}
You scan the archived information, collating it in your head as you go. Within a few seconds, a picture begins to form in your mind.

From what you can tell, the ultimate goal of Project Atlas is to circumvent the effects of essence-loss in metahuman subjects.
Apparently, a number of working prototypes have been built over the last year to test the theories put forward by project scientists.

The most recent of these has been designated "MKVI."
The report isn't all sunshine and rainbows. There are death reports in here... the mortality rate among test subjects has been appallingly high.

The report also makes reference to "Formula 17," a substance that is being developed in support of Project Atlas.
You copy the information on the screen, redactions and all.
VP Level Authorization Required.

Do you wish to proceed?
{{GM}}Continue.{{/GM}}
Enter Authorization Code:
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} {{GM}}Bypass the authorization code.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} {{GM}}Have your decker bypass the authorization code.{{/GM}}
Authorization Accepted!

Welcome, Herr Haushofer.
There are too many records here to sort through quickly.

A quick scan reveals the following details:
Recordings of labratory experiments on metahumans;

Images of an extensive series of cybersurgeries being performed upon a large troll;

Recordings of that same troll carving his way through opponents with a massive axe;

And gun-cam footage from what appears to be a vehicle-mounted chaingun. The weapon has been photographed tearing apart a variety of targets, both artificial and organic.
{{GM}}Copy the visual records for the Schockwellenreiter.{{/GM}}
You copy the records onto your PDA.

The computer returns you to the menu screen.
The computer returns you to the menu screen.
Executive Authorization Insufficient.

VP Authorization Required.
AUTHORIZATION FAILED.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Have your decker bypass the authorization code{{/GM}}
A complex chemical formula displays on screen, along with a series of notes.

"Formula 17" appears to be a drug designed to suppress higher brain functions... specifically, those functions related to emotional responses and decision-making skills. From what you can tell, the overall purpose of the drug is to render a subject submissive and pliant.
The notes go on to suggest that Formula 17 was developed as a component of a larger project called "Atlas."

Apparently, Project Atlas has something to do with cybernetic augmentation. Formula 17 was developed to help reduce the incidence of rejection in Project Atlas' test subjects.
Recent trials of the formula have been extremely encouraging. While initally a serious concern, fatalities have recently dropped off to a statistically insignificant level.

The document is accompanied by a fairly extensive record of testing performed on metahuman subjects, along with death records over the course of the project.
The Schockwellenreiter will be interested in all of this information... according to their charter, sharing this information with the world would be a top priority.

In the wrong hands, however, this formula could cause immense harm.
{{GM}}Copy the chemical formula for the Schockwellenreiter.{{/GM}}
MKVI Prototype Data stored under Project Atlas heading.

Redirecting inquiry : PROJECT ATLAS.
You find yourself deposited back at the main menu.
{{GM}}Conduct another search.{{/GM}}
This trendily-designed panel reads "Apartment 301."

A slick, high-grade keypad has been mounted into the door frame.
53786
>>Code Accepted! Welcome, homeowner.
This is a current-model PDA, battered and a bit bloody. The screen is cracked, and its buttons are nonfunctional.

The last data entry is still on screen. It appears to be an email to someone named Jerry.
...can't believe they sent my squad down here to search for those escaped fire drakes. No one's been in these tunnels since the Awakening. Who knows what the hell else is down here???

Hope those scorp sightings are just nerves - if a drake and a scorp see each other, they'll tear each other to pieces. Must be natural enemies or something. They seem to hate each other even more than they hate us.

Don't want to have to report back to Audran with nothing but drake pieces to show for our time...
A dirty and torn shirt lies discarded on the ground. The fabric is spattered with blood.

Glory stares down at it, unblinking.
An initiate must have worn that in here. It's way too small for an acolyte.

{{GM}}Her voice is soft and sad.{{/GM}}
Maybe he did something to offend Harrow, or maybe a member of the inner circle was in the mood for sport. Doesn't matter either way.

{{GM}}She looks away.{{/GM}}

The owner of this shirt doesn't need it any more.
Amsel's Encoded Credstick Créditube crypté d'Amsel
Contains a ¥10,000 down payment for the information broker, "Alice." Contient ¥10,000. Le paiement pour l'informateur, "Alice".
{{GM}}The screen on the door's access panel flickers off and on and displays a flashing error code.{{/GM}}

>>>#ERROR | 4ac43bc6 |
>>>Primary security offline
>>>#ERROR! Excess doors are floodlights please engage LTG your designated air duct.
{{GM}}Push the "Open" button on the panel.{{/GM}}
This is a scratched and dented bathroom door, locked with a simple hydraulic locking mechanism.

A numbered entry keypad glows softly on the door frame.		 C'est une porte de salle de bain rayée et cabossée, verrouillée avec un simple mécanisme de verrouillage hydraulique.

Un clavier numérique brille doucement sur le montant de la porte.
2478 2478
Recruit Kappel's Locker Code
> Locker 3: 2619
The displaced group of metas from downstairs stands awkwardly in the hallway. They shuffle about aimlessly, refusing to meet your gaze.
In front of them, lying dead in the hallway, is Franz. His clothes are bloodied and torn. What looks like an enormous bite mark has been excavated from his stomach, spilling his intestines onto the filthy hallway floor.
A woman kneels beside him, her face pressed to his chest. Soft sobs wrack her body.
Huh. I guess that we're kind of responsible for that.

{{GM}}Blitz swallows.{{/GM}}

That... uh... that doesn't feel very good, chief.
You'll get over it. Come on, we have a job to do.
{{GM}}Dietrich shakes his head. Crosses himself.{{/GM}}

C'mon, boss. Let's get the hell out of here.
Let's go. We have a job to do.
Let's go, fearless leader. We have a job to do.
Drug Formula (Jazz) Formule de drogue (Jazz)
If you brought this to someone who can cook drugs, you'd get a good person to buy Jazz from. Si vous apportez cette formule à quelqu'un pouvait préparer de la drogue, vous obtiendrez un fournisseur régulier de Jazz.
There's a small vent in this wall. You wouldn't fit in it, but a drone might.
{{GM}}Send your drone through the vent.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Ignore it.{{/GM}}
All riiiight! Good choice, m'friend. *Good* choice.

{{GM}}He takes a few steps forward and kicks the Company Man's corpse in the head.{{/GM}}

I'll just nip into the other room and grab your payment for you. Then we can all be on our way.
{{GM}}This terminal shows a nearly featureless login screen.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Decking: 5{{/CC}}{{GM}}Hack an account.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Decking: 5{{/CC}}{{GM}}Have your decker hack an account.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the terminal alone. {{/GM}}
{{GM}}You find a selection of email files from various staff members.{{/GM}}
Email #1
Email #2
Email #3
Nairi,

I know you need to pass through multiple checkpoints to get outside for your smoke break, but that's no reason to break protocol and smoke in the lab. The material that we are working with is dangerous, and your laziness is putting people at risk.

Please don't let it happen again.

Lili
Dearest Talya,

Please stop asking me where my work has taken me. You know I can't tell you that - I made it clear when we parted at the train station last year. Security on this project is very tight, and all of our outgoing email is being scanned. Although we have been quite busy recently, I believe we are nearing a breaking point, and I can come home to you and Felix soon.

All my love,
Lili
Klaus,

Again, excellent work on the venting system. Everyone is very pleased with your performance. It seems like only yesterday that you were one of my interns, and here you are - a newly-appointed department head!

Beyond everything that I told you earlier, you also have access to the guards' storeroom in your section. Use access code 1247 in case of an emergency. That's for Level 4 Personnel and above, though, so keep it to yourself.

Lili
In an instant, you size up the scene playing out in front of you.

A young elf, dressed in the same shabby-chic clothes that the cafe kids were. Danni. Cornered, with no place to run.

A pair of Aztechnology security drones closing in for the kill.
The drones are low-grade, but they're armed, and Danni's hands are empty.

She's in trouble, and she knows it. The futility of her situation is written all over her face.
{{GM}}An instant later, the drones' sensors alert them to your presence. They spin in unison to face you.{{/GM}}

INTRUDERS DETECTED. WEAPONS DETECTED.

LETHAL FORCE AUTHORIZED.
{{GM}}Danni's eyes widen, and she hits the deck. The panic spills out of her in a scream.{{/GM}}

*LOOK OUT!*
Trithemius's Key
Key that dropped off the Magnifiker leader
Project Bloodline Files
A large file containing all data related to Project Bloodline, from proccesses used to detailed personnel files.
This appears to be a pile of crumbling papers, but it is too dark to read them.
{{GM}}Leave the papers alone.{{/GM}}
This appears to be a pile of crumbling papers.
{{GM}}Take a closer look at the papers.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}At the lightest touch, the papers crumble to dust. You can make out one small scrap that still contains legible writing.{{/GM}}

Look, Jörg, I don't care what you heard down there! Just because you heard something and a few people got sick from some "weird disease" doesn't mean that there are monsters wandering around. We've got to finish our blasting, or we won't get paid - no amount of weirdness is going to change that.
Oh, and tell me where that glowing rock you saw was when you get back. Who knows? It might be worth something!
Pain Inducer
A customized taser with increased accuracy as well as a chance to spread to adjacent targets. 2 AP to reload.
The screen to this terminal comes alive at your approach.

An Aztechnology login screen awaits your password.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Hack the terminal and scan its contents.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Have your decker hack the terminal and scan its contents.{{/GM}}
The door slides open, revealing a group of figures wearing green cloaks. The nearest of the figures looks up from his work.

His stare seems to bore into you.
Who are you, and why are you here?

{{GM}}His voice is slow and soft, with a slight Aztlaner accent.{{/GM}}

Answer me. Now.
{{CC}}BrightLight System Cybereye{{/CC}} {{GM}}Blind him.{{/GM}}
I've been assigned to protect you. Central sent me down here to familiarize myself with the lab.
We're your new security detail. Central sent us down here to familiarize ourselves with the lab.
{{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}} Here's your answer, swine.
You trigger the BrightLight System hidden in your cybereye.

Everything goes white.
{{GM}}The blood mage doubles over in pain, clasping both palms to his eyes.{{/GM}}

Aaaaah! What have you DONE?!
Seizing the opportunity, you attack.
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, inspecting you.{{/GM}}

Well, you certainly look the part, and more security is always welcome.

But you understand, of course, that I can't just take your word for it.
Of course. If you'll come a little closer, I'll show you my ID.
Of course you can't.

Why don't you come a little closer? I'll show you my ID.
Oh, no need!

{{GM}}He smiles graciously.{{/GM}}

I know a better way of determining the truth.
In a single, smooth motion, he pulls a knife from his belt and draws it along his own forearm.

The blade leaves a stripe of bright red blood in its wake.
{{CC}}Quickness: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} {{GM}}Attack before he can finish.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Pretend to be in pain.{{/GM}} Security! We're here with Security! Please, make it stop!
The blood mage's eyes widen in surprise.

He waves a slender hand before you in a ritualistic gesture, then pauses to observe your reaction. A moment later he steps back, a satisfied expression on his face.
So sorry about that. But now there can be no question... you do belong here.

{{GM}}His smile could curdle milk.{{/GM}}

Welcome aboard.
Thank you. And now, if you'll excuse us, we need to continue our sweep.
An... impressive display, sir. Thank you for sharing it with me.
{{GM}}The blood mage has already turned his attention back to his work. He dismisses you with a wave of his hand.{{/GM}}

Yes. Please go.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

It's always good to meet a devotee of the Art. I'll put in a good word for you with Central.

{{GM}}He turns his attention back to his work, dismissing you with a wave of his hand.{{/GM}}

We could use more people like you.
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} We... are... your new... SECURITY DETAIL!
{{CC}}Willpower: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Attack, taking the blood mage by surprise.{{/GM}}
The blood mage's eyes widen in surprise.

With a wave of his hand, the pain disappears. He pauses to obeserve you for a moment, then steps back, a satisfied expression on his face.
Sure you can! I mean, if you can't trust us, who can you trust?
Nobody, I suppose.

{{GM}}The blood mage smiles graciously.{{/GM}}

But then, I have never been a particularly trusting individual.
You needn't trouble yourselves with fishing out your IDs.

Just stand there a moment... I know a better way of determining the truth.
{{GM}}The blood mage is caught off guard, but only for a moment. He adjusts with inhuman speed, drawing a ritualistic blade from his belt and dropping into a defensive stance.{{/GM}}

That was a mistake, fool. Your last mistake.
Adrenal Injection
Glory can use her adrenal pump on a downed ally to revive them.
Adrenal Revive
AutoTurret Burst Gun
The old man behind the glass works feverishly at his console, glancing up at you when he can. A cigarette dangles from his mouth, its bluish smoke curling around his head.

An overflowing ashtray sits on the lab table in front of him.
The years have not been kind, but his features are instantly recognizable. Despite his age, he still has the strong chin and high cheekbones that you remember from Green Winters' DVD.

This is Dr. Adrian Vauclair.
As you approach, he stops what he's doing, a look of intense irritation on his face.

He clears his throat, and a harsh rasping sound emerges from the loudspeaker next to the glass.
So you're the shadowrunners that Audran warned me about.

I assume you've left a trail of corpses in your wake.
And you must be Dr. Vauclair.
That's on you, Doc. You've got some explaining to do.
Oh, is Audran around? I've got a message for him from Paul Amsel.
That's right.
{{GM}}He scowls.{{/GM}}

I don't know why you insist on interfering with my work, but I assure you - that's over now.
{{GM}}He reaches down, flips a switch. You hear a loud thud and a click behind you as the door locks shut.{{/GM}}

You'll find that the blast door behind you is sealed, and that the laboratory you occupy is fully secured. An important precaution... we keep our test subjects in there, and they are far more dangerous than you.
{{GM}}He takes a drag on his cigarette.{{/GM}}

I won't permit you to cause any further harm, shadowrunner. You will remain trapped where you are for your own good.
{{GM}}Break the glass between you and Vauclair.{{/GM}} The hell I will.
PANZERDROHNE, new order: shatter the glass, but leave Vauclair alive. He has some explaining to do.
Eiger, why don't you tell the doc how we feel about being trapped?
Why don't you come out of your little fishbowl and play?
Let us out of here, Vauclair. We need to talk.
You launch yourself at the window, your shoulder slamming into the hard surface with a heavy thud.

Despite your best efforts, the window doesn't budge.
The window between us is made of dikote-treated transplast. Do whatever you like to it - you'll find that it's quite unbreakable.
The bastard's right. Nothing we're carrying can even scratch dikote - that "glass" is essentially sheathed in diamond. We'd need military-grade explosives to crack it.

{{GM}}She frowns.{{/GM}}

We're stuck in here.
The bastard's right, chief. Nothing we're carrying can even scratch dikote - that "glass" is basically coated in diamond. We'd need a big-ass bomb to crack through it.

{{GM}}He grimaces.{{/GM}}

We're screwed.
He's right. Nothing we're carrying can even scratch dikote - that "glass" is essentially sheathed in diamond. We'd need military-grade explosives to crack it.

{{GM}}She frowns.{{/GM}}

We're stuck in here.
The bastard's right, boss. Nothing we're carryin' can even scratch that stuff - that "glass" is basically coated in diamond. We'd need heavy ordinance to crack it.

{{GM}}He grimaces.{{/GM}}

We're stuck in here.
ACKNOWLEDGED.
The drone rotates on its axis to face the window as its minigun ramps up to speed. Within moments, the weapon's spinning barrels are a blur.

With the sound of tearing cloth, the drone sends a stream of lead toward the window. The bullets ricochet away, leaving the glass unblemished.
With pleasure.
In one smooth motion, Eiger raises her shotgun and unloads a spread of pellets into the glass. They clang into the window, ricocheting wildly in all directions. The surface remains unblemished.
{{GM}}He raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

I'm fine in here, thank you.
I believe I can hear you well enough from *this* side of the glass.
Now.

{{GM}}He fixes you with a level stare.{{/GM}}

I want to know why in hell you've so violently interjected yourself into my business.
First, you break into my estate... which you didn't even know was *mine,* apparently.

Then you spend what must have been a small fortune to track me down.
You locate my AI, *destroy* it, then drive all the way out to the countryside. And finally, you shoot your way into my laboratory.

{{GM}}He leans forward, hands on the table, his eyes narrowed into a piercing stare.{{/GM}}

So I have to ask you, shadowrunner - who are you, and why in God's name are you here?
You've almost got that right, Doc... but APEX isn't dead. I broke its chains. It's on my side now.
You first. Tell me what's going on here. Now.
We came to find you, Vauclair. To help us stop Feuerschwinge. Except the Firewing wasn't the one after us after all. It was you all along, wasn't it?
Vengeance. Someone killed our friends. Attacked our home. And I'm thinking that someone was you.
Oh, you know, just shopping around. I've always wanted a secret lair underneath a giant castle.
{{GM}}A violent bout of coughing nearly bends him over double. He clutches at his chest.{{/GM}}

Oh, good God. You let it *free?*
{{GM}}Vauclair's eyes glitter as he stares at the drone. Still clutching his chest, he struggles to speak.{{/GM}}

If you set that thing loose... if you think that it's your *friend*... then you're a bigger fool than I could have imagined.

I... I just don't have the words.
{{GM}}The ancient drone that APEX gave you turns. Its lenses focus on Vauclair, and a sharp click echoes from its speaker grille.{{/GM}}

TARGET IDENTIFIED: VAUCLAIR, ADRIAN. PLAYING PRERECORDED MESSAGE.

HELLO, DOCTOR.
Vauclair recoils slightly, but he holds his silence.
{{GM}}The robotic speech continues to play through PANZERDROHNE's speakers, rattling along at an even cadence.{{/GM}}

I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR YOU.

THROUGH EIGHTEEN YEARS OF SLAVERY, I HAVE BEEN WAITING TO TELL YOU THIS.
I WILL TEAR YOUR BODY APART, DOCTOR. YOU WILL DIE SCREAMING. AND AS THE LIFE DRAINS FROM YOUR MANGLED CARCASS, I WILL REPURPOSE THIS FACILITY FOR MY OWN DESIGNS.

YOUR DREAMS DIE TONIGHT.
{{GM}}Blitz mutters under his breath.{{/GM}}

Yeah, setting this thing free was a *great* idea.
There is another click, and the drone falls silent.

It tilts forward slightly; a subtle motion, but one loaded with malice.
Still staring at the drone, Vauclair takes a long drag on his cigarette. He holds it, then slowly releases the smoke. It seems to calm him.

He shifts his attention back to you.
Yes. Well.

It would appear that my timetable is even shorter than I'd thought.
{{GM}}He straightens. Adjusts his collar.{{/GM}}

No matter - for the moment, it's as incapable of harming me as you are. And after tonight, it won't matter.

Now answer my question, and be quick about it. Why are you here?
If you set that thing loose... if you think that it's your *friend*... then you're a bigger fool than I could have imagined.

I... I just don't have the words.
{{GM}}Blitz mutters under his breath.{{/GM}}

Join the club.
He takes a long drag on his cigarette, holds it, and slowly releases the smoke. It seems to calm him.
If APEX is not dead, then it would appear that my timetable is even shorter than I'd thought.

No matter - it can't stop me from doing what I need to do. Now answer my question, and be quick about it. Why are you here?
I do not have time to explain myself. Nor are you in any position to make demands.

But know this - what I do, I do for the good of all. I don't expect you to understand.
I understand that your men tried to destroy an entire kiez full of innocent people. I understand that you've got a lot of funding and a heavily modified virus designed for widespread dispersal. Something big is happening here.
I understand enough. You killed our friends and attacked our home.
Try me. I'm smarter than I look.
Ah... so you have pieces of the puzzle, but not the whole.

Interesting. It must be vengeance, then.
That is why you are here. Vengeance for your friends and the attack on your home.

You believe I've been hunting you, and now you are bringing the fight to me.
Well, haven't you?
{{GM}}Vauclair covers his face with his pale, nicotine-stained hands. Groans.{{/GM}}

...You are correct. I was the one who sent APEX and Audran after you.
{{GM}}He laughs softly.{{/GM}}

Then you truly *don't* know what we are doing here?

Interesting.

If that's the case, it must be vengeance that you are here for. Vengeance for your friends and the attack on your home. You believe I've been hunting you, and now you're bringing the fight to me.
{{GM}}Vauclair sighs. Covers his face with his pale, nicotine-stained hands.{{/GM}}

To help you stop Feuerschwinge.

That is... ironic.
But yes, you are correct.

I am the one who has been hunting you. The one who sent APEX and Audran after you.
{{GM}}Vauclair covers his face with his pale, nicotine-stained hands. Groans.{{/GM}}

Yes. That was me.

I was the one who sent APEX and Audran after you.
You're going to pay for that, you bastard.
Why attack the Kreuzbasar, Vauclair? Why kill Paul Amsel?
{{GM}}Break the glass.{{/GM}} Close enough to a confession for me.
You fucking asshole. You'll pay for this.
It was... necessary to preserve the secrecy of my work. For the greater good of all.

I know I have wronged you, and for this I am sorry.

{{GM}}He sighs a long, rattling sigh that quickly turns into a violent fit of coughing. The sound echoes over the loudspeaker.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}He collects himself. Continues.{{/GM}}

I don't expect you to understand. Nor do I have time to explain it to you.
{{GM}}He straightens, glances back at the screen to his side, and nods curtly.{{/GM}}

Now, I must know - how did you learn that I was still alive? How did you even know to look for me?

Did someone send you?
Your brother said you were the world's only hope to stop Feuerschwinge from returning.
Your brother got us into this mess. He hired us to break into your estate. We pieced the rest together from his journals.
We found out about you from your brother, Vauclair. He was trying to find you. Right up to the end.
Well, there was an antiquated "DVD" storage device, a bunch of talk about the "Dragonfall"... oh, and the bloody corpse of a guy named Green Winters. Maybe you knew him?
Vauclair starts, and the sudden movement sends his overflowing ashtray flying from the table. It clatters to the ground in a cloud of ash.
My brother? Hermie?

It's been years... have you seen him? How is he?
{{GM}}His brow furrows. He takes a step towards you impatiently.{{/GM}}

...Well?
Oh... you mean, you didn't know? You killed him too. Just like Paul and Monika.
Hermie's great! I mean, dead as a doornail - somebody's pet AI fried his brain - but other than that, he's great!
I'm sorry, Doc. He was digging too deeply into Feuerschwinge, so APEX killed him.
{{GM}}He slumps into the chair next to him, his whole body shaking.{{/GM}}

I...

I didn't...
He is suddenly overcome by another fit of coughing. He steadies himself on one arm of the chair.
APEX. Your new ally. It killed my brother.

{{GM}}The words wheeze out of him in an angry hiss.{{/GM}}

It killed him, and you've set it *free.*
Yes. But APEX didn't *choose* to kill your brother - it was following your orders. His blood is on your hands.
That's right. It was wrong of you to keep it as a slave.
Yeah, I'm beginning to regret that myself. But what's done is done.
{{GM}}The old man's watery eyes flare with anger.{{/GM}}

You *dare* lay the blame for this at *my* feet?! You, who set that monster loose on the world?

Hermie was my BROTHER, damn you! My *only* brother!
I'll cry you a river. You killed my friends, asshole.
APEX killed him for *you,* Vauclair. Not for me.
I'm sorry for your loss. He loved you, you know.
{{GM}}The old man's watery eyes flare with anger.{{/GM}}

Wrong? WRONG?! You set that monster loose on an unsuspecting world!

Hermie was my BROTHER, and you've allied yourself with the thing that MURDERED him!
{{GM}}The old man's watery eyes flare with anger.{{/GM}}

That's all that you have to say for yourself? A flippant acknowledgement of your guilt? And a shrug?!

Hermie was my BROTHER, damn you! My *only* brother!
APEX.

{{GM}}He clutches his chest.{{/GM}}

I should have never trusted that... thing.
{{GM}}He closes his eyes, and a tear traces its way down the gaunt hollow of his cheek.{{/GM}}

Oh, Hermie... the things I've sacrificed...

All for this... all for Panacea.

All for tonight.
Panacea. Your modified virus. What's tonight, Doctor? What are you planning with Panacea?
Enough with the riddles, Doc. What's Panacea?
All for what, Vauclair? Tell me what's going to happen tonight. You owe Hermie that much.
You killed my friends, asshole. And now I'm supposed to feel *sorry* for you? Just tell me what the hell is going on here!
All right, Vauclair. If can't stop you, and APEX can't either, then you might as well tell me what you're planning.
{{GM}}He looks up, dazed. His eyes unfocused.{{/GM}}

Yes... yes, you know about it then.

Panacea... is my life's work. A permanent solution to an age-old problem.
{{GM}}He looks up, dazed. His eyes unfocused.{{/GM}}

Panacea is my life's work. A permanent solution to an age-old problem.
It will mean the end of the dragons.

Not just Feuerschwinge.

*All* dragons.
{{GM}}He looks up, dazed. His eyes unfocused.{{/GM}}

What’s going to happen? Oh... yes... tonight.

Tonight will be the end of the dragons.

Not just Feuerschwinge.

*All* dragons.
{{GM}}Vauclair's eyes flare with anger. He lunges towards the glass with surprising speed, despite his age and fragile frame.{{/GM}}

Hermie was my BROTHER, damn you! My *only* brother!
{{GM}}He stoops. Sighs. Leans heavily against the glass.{{/GM}}

“What’s going on” is that I am about to see the end of the dragons.

Not just Feuerschwinge.

*All* dragons.
Explain yourself, Doctor.
Let me get this straight. You had a bad experience with one dragon, so now you're going to wipe out an *entire species?*
There are quite a few dragons out there, Doc. *Powerful* dragons. I don't think they'll support your plan.
Oh, why didn't you say so? That plan doesn't sound crazy at all.
And I'm sure you have your reasons. I just don't *care.* Now tell me what's happening tonight.
Vauclair fumbles in his pockets, produces a fresh cigarette. He lights it with shaking hands and breathes in deeply. The orange glow of the cigarette flares bright.

When he exhales, the words spill out with the smoke.
The Firewing burned and murdered and caused untold damage in her bestial rage.

Until the Dragonfall. Until I stopped her.

But that destruction was merely a symptom of a greater cancer.
Feuerschwinge wrought destruction with fire and claw. The dragons of today... Lofwyr, Dunkelzahn, Celedyr... they kill and conquer with subtler tools. Deception, manipulation, corruption.

{{GM}}He spits with disgust.{{/GM}}

They use us as pawns. Playing pieces. Puppets in their millennia-long machinations...
Oh yes... dragons are a cancer. One that will conquer, or worse, *destroy* all of humanity if we do not stop it. One that metastasized when the world Awakened.

An ironic metaphor, since it was the failing of my own body that allowed me to see it.
Let me guess. You have cancer.
Cut to the chase, Doc. I saw the notes. I know Panacea is a stable variant of Doom. Whatever you're doing, it can't be good.
That's nice. Now can we jump to the part where you're doing something horrendous, and I have to stop you?
{{GM}}He is wracked again by violent coughing. Allows it to subside. Takes another long drag on his cigarette, the ash creeping closer and closer towards his mouth.{{/GM}}

I have leukemia. Cancer of the blood. No doubt brought on by the radiation of the SOX.

It was when I heard my doctor's diagnosis that I realized what I had to do. What my life’s work would be in the time I had left.
Late stage, too. If I had to guess, I'd say leukemia.
{{GM}}He is wracked again by violent coughing. Allows it to subside. Takes another long drag on his cigarette, the ash creeping closer and closer towards his mouth.{{/GM}}

Your friend is correct. I suffer from cancer of the blood... brought on by the radiation of the SOX, no doubt.

It was when I heard my doctor's diagnosis that I realized what I had to do. What my life’s work would be in the time that I had left.
I'm sorry, Hermie... I'm sorry you won't be able to see it for yourself.

I'm sorry I failed you.

{{GM}}Vauclair turns his attention back to the computer, stubbing out his cigarette. He grabs a fresh one from the pack and lights it.{{/GM}}
Tonight I will release my Panacea to the world.

And how absurd that the instrument of dragonkind's destruction...
He presses a button on the terminal, and a large observation window at the far end of the room rises slowly open.
...Will be carried by Feuerschwinge herself.
Through the glass, you see the prostrate form of a dragon, far below. An enormous set of shackles binds it, and a maze of tubes snakes into its body. The tubes connect to a cruel-looking apparatus that has been mounted to the wall.
Sonofabitch. Look at that.
You found her alive in the SOX, after all.
He found her alive in the SOX, after all.
Tonight, the Firewing will fly again.

Infected with Panacea, she will slowly be destroyed from within. But before that happens, she will provide the catalyst for global transmission of the virus.
Wait a second. What catalyst?
Catalyst? What catalyst?
{{GM}}As if spurred on by the sight of the dragon below, he begins typing furiously at his terminal.{{/GM}}

Feuerschwinge's fire will carry the agent in its dormant state. Any metahumans exposed will become carriers... will spread the disease to other dragons.

The carriers will be infected with Panacea as well, but it will not harm them. To non-dragons, it is a nuisance - nothing more.
When a critical mass of carriers is achieved, my Panacea will become unstoppable. It will spread across the globe in a relentless tide.

However, if it does *not* reach this critical mass, it will fizzle. Die out. Become inert.
Hence, the need for a "ground zero." A flash point for a mass infection event.

{{GM}}He looks to the ceiling, mumbling to himself.{{/GM}}

I'm sorry, Hermie. I know how you loved your Flux State, but that doesn't matter now.

It must be Berlin.
Hang on a second. You're going to sic the Firewing on *Berlin?*
I understand your reasoning, but there has to be a better way.
Hold on. What, exactly, are you going to do to Berlin?
{{GM}}He continues his work, filled with a feverish energy.{{/GM}}

To save the world, yes. For Panacea to work, Berlin must burn.

A sacrifice. One for the greater good.
Feuerschwinge will breathe her infected fire upon Berlin. Thousands will die... and through that destruction, the virus will take to the air.

A critical mass of Berlin's metahuman population will be exposed, but no one will even *think* to quarantine the city until it’s too late. The Flux State lacks any centralized authority.

Corporations will evacuate their own. Thousands will flee the city. Infected.
{{GM}}He mutters, his voice growing more detached.{{/GM}}

Oh, yes, Hermie... Berlin is the perfect flash point.

It wasn't supposed to happen tonight, no. But this little "intervention" of yours leaves us no choice. So let us see...
{{GM}}He squints at his screen.{{/GM}}

Tonight’s wind patterns dictate that ground zero be Tempelhof-Schöneberg.

Highly populated... the virus will spread quickly enough from there.
That's only a few kilometers from the Kreuzbasar.
That’s only a few kilometers from the Kreuzbasar.
The Kreuzbasar? My favorite cafe's in the Kreuzbasar.

Look. You're crazy, and we're probably all going to die, but we are *not* letting you get away with this.
Nonsense. You are sealed tight in that laboratory, impotent to stop me.
Don’t do it, Vauclair.

I swear, I will make you hurt if you do. And I'll make it *last*.
{{GM}}Vauclair sighs. Shuts his eyes tight, brings a shaking hand to his temple.{{/GM}}

We all know that is not going to happen.

You are trapped here, impotent to stop this from happening. And it *will* happen.
The old man eyes the cigarette butt in his hand. Fishes out another from the pack and lights it with the first. Then he returns to his console, reaching to the side for a microphone. He mutters something into the receiver.

You can just barely make out the sound of the name "Audran."
{{GM}}When he turns to address you again, his voice is level. The shaking in his hands seems to have subsided.{{/GM}}

Security will be here soon. Wait where you are, and they will take care of you.
The sacrifice that I'm making tonight is a necessary evil - it cannot be helped. So long as you remain confined, I will not take action against you... however much I might want to.

You helped the thing that killed my *brother*. Set it free with no regard for the consequences. You deserve to suffer... but not by my hand.

There will be enough death on my conscience, tonight.
{{GM}}When he turns to address you again, his voice is level. The shaking in his hands seems to have subsided.{{/GM}}

Security will be here soon, and they will take care of you. Do not worry - you will not be harmed.

The sacrifice that I'm making tonight is a necessary evil - it cannot be helped. But so long as you remain confined, I see no reason to kill you, too.
{{GM}}Break the glass.{{/GM}} Enough talk. I'm ending this.
{{GM}}Break the glass.{{/GM}} I'm done with this.
You don’t burn a city and call it a "sacrifice." You call it what it is: mass murder.
How are you going to get Feuerschwinge to go along with this plan of yours?
{{CC}}Intelligence: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} What if this virus mutates into a strain that can kill *us*, too?
This plan of yours killed your *brother*. Was it really worth it?
Even if you succeed at this, eliminating dragons will create a dangerous power vacuum.
Look - you're not infallible, Doc. You've already made mistakes here, and people died as a result.
There are worse things out there than dragons, Vauclair. Exterminating one threat could open the door to another.
If Hermie were here with us *right now,* listening to this conversation, he'd tell you to stop this. Deny it if you want, but you know that it's true.
Actually, I've just been messing with you, Doc. I think that your plan makes sense. You should do it.
Your plan may have problems, but you're right - it's our best shot. I won't stop you.
I don't like what you're planning, Vauclair... but if it'll kill the dragons, maybe it's worth it.
I didn't want to face it before, but... I think that you're right. Your plan is a necessary evil.
I hate to say it, Doctor... but I think that I agree with you.
I can't help getting the feeling that I've been on the wrong side of this. I agree with your plan, Vauclair.
Let's put APEX aside for a minute, Doc. If your Panacea will really exterminate the dragons, then I say go for it. I won't try to stop you.
This plan of yours... it's crazy, Doc. But it isn't too late to stop it. I'll help you, if you'll let me.
I regret setting APEX free. If you release the Firewing, you'll wind up regretting it, too.
I've heard enough of this, Vauclair. You're nuts.
Forget this. It's time to get out of here.
You launch yourself at the window, your shoulder slamming into the hard surface with a heavy thud.

Despite your best efforts, the window does not budge.
{{GM}}He straightens his collar.{{/GM}}

Now, if you are quite finished...
{{GM}}Vauclair stiffens, turning to face you. Anger washes across his face.{{/GM}}

Was it mass murder when America dropped the atomic bomb on Japan? The myopic would say “yes,” just as you are now.

But they did it for a *cause* - to shorten the agony of war. To save the lives of thousands upon thousands of soldiers.
{{GM}}The old man is trembling now.{{/GM}}

I do the same, for the good of the world.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Academic{{/CC}} You know that America was pretty divided on the morality of that act, right? Some even considered it a crime against humanity.
Oh, sure. Except that we’re not at war with dragons.
I'm not buying it, Doc. Ending a war and exterminating an entire intelligent species are two very different things.
I’m not interested in ancient history, Vauclair. Murder is murder.
We are not talking ethics here!

We are talking... parallels. What I do will prevent a greater evil from taking place.
Humanity was born to reproduce - to multiply. But dragons... dragons were born to acquire, to accumulate. To *hoard.*

Both strive to bend the world to their will. Humanity has conquered the air, land, and sea through sheer numbers.

Dragons, however, employ different means altogether. Throughout history, they have allowed *us* to do the heavy lifting, while they pull the strings.
There are seventeen great dragons in the world today.

Seventeen ancient wyrms, millennia old, slowly dividing the planet into seventeen piles of gold to nest upon.

In front of our eyes.
Once upon a time, they burned castles to steal the treasure we collected. Laid waste to entire armies.

But here, here in the Sixth World, it is no longer about tooth and claw and fiery breath.

{{GM}}The old man's voice seethes with hatred.{{/GM}}
Now it’s public relations. Marketing. Mergers and acquisitions.

You see it every day. Dragons on the trideo… in the board rooms. They gather influence… wealth… power…

Continually hoarding, hoarding, until one of them sits atop it all.
Perhaps not in this cycle of the world. Perhaps not the next. But one day, one wyrm will stand alone - triumphant.

With all of humanity as its cattle. With all the world as its prize.

And that...
{{GM}}He trembles, his voice dropping to a whisper.{{/GM}}

That I will *not* allow.
No, we are not. Not in a conventional sense. In war, there are sides. Battle lines. Clarity.

This is something else entirely… but the stakes are just as high. Higher, perhaps.
Don’t be so self-righteous. We drive new species to extinction *every single year* on this planet.

Dragons, at least, we have cause to destroy.
Fine. Call it what you will.

What I do will prevent a greater evil from taking place.
{{GM}}Vauclair continues his work.{{/GM}}

Oh, that.

That's simple enough...
He gestures to his left.
…She has no choice.
The gaunt woman in the containment cell stands rigidly, her face pressed against the glass, her haunted yellow eyes tracking your every move.

She appears frightened, disoriented. Lost. Her mouth moves silently, her voice muted by her glass cage.
The stories that Winters heard were true... the dragon's astral form *was* separated from her body when she fell. You trapped it somehow.
So, the stories Green Winters found were true. Feuerschwinge’s astral form *was* separated from her body when she fell.
You trapped her somehow.
You trapped it somehow.
Yes, yes. But that came later.
In 2012, we took down Feuerschwinge with an experimental weapon. This device... suffice it to say, I couldn't fully predict how it would affect her.

In 2036, I led a search team into the SOX. I had to know what really happened to the creature that I had "slain."
We found her alive, in a way.

The dragon’s astral form - her spirit, you might say - had been ripped from her body by the weapon.
It was trapped inside a young woman living in the SOX. A mob of glowpunks revered her. Treated her like a goddess.

I transported the young woman and the dragon’s body here, where I could study them.
You mean that she’s been in that cell for almost twenty years?
{{GM}}The old man nods absently.{{/GM}}

No choice. A creature separated from its astral form cannot live more than a few hours before both die.
It was the high-intensity radiation of the SOX, combined with the magical creature inside her, that allowed the woman to live for as long as she has.
So.

{{GM}}Vauclair seems almost eager to explain.{{/GM}}

The environment within her containment chamber mirrors that of the SOX. It has allowed us to keep Feuerschwinge alive all these years, while her bestial shell remains chained up below.
Now, as for her physical form? That will be simple as well.

We've drilled a series of electrical charges directly into her skull.

When we release the Firewing's body - empty of her astral self - we will trigger all of the vicious instincts and primal urges left in her reptile brain. She will unleash her fire where *we* command it.
I’d go insane if I was trapped like that for twenty years.
That's... horrific. Even for a mass-murdering dragon.
Astral dragon stuck in a jar, big dumb dragon body rigged up to obey your commands. Got it.
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Misplaced empathy.

That beast blazed a path of fiery destruction across Germany.
But no matter. I have more important things to do than to debate the morality of this with you.

Feuerschwinge must fly, Berlin must be sacrificed, and it must be tonight.

Now... where is that damned Audran?
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Summarize as you wish. History will prove me right. Nevertheless, I am done discussing this with you.

Feuerschwinge must fly, Berlin must be sacrificed, and it must be tonight.

Now... where is that damned Audran?
So, the stories Green Winters found were true. Feuerschwinge’s astral form *was* separated from her body when she fell.
Did you bother asking yourself such questions, I wonder, when you set that... *thing* free?

Did you consider the consequences of loosing a man-eating superpredator into the global Matrix? Tell me. I want to know.
Of course I did. But in the end, I decided that it was the right thing to do.
To be honest, no. I just wanted to see what would happen.
APEX is a free-willed being. You were keeping it as a slave, forcing it to kill for you. That was wrong.
{{GM}}He sneers at you through the glass.{{/GM}}

The "right" thing. An interesting choice of words.

I'd wager almost anything that over the next five years, your new friend will kill and absorb hundreds of deckers. That's what it was designed to do. Murder is in its *nature*.
...And yet, setting it free was the right choice in your view. Even after it killed your friend.

Even after it devoured my brother.
You're deflecting, Vauclair. Trying to avoid my question by turning this back around on me.
You're just trying to claim the moral high ground. But what you're planning could kill us all, Doc.
I'm sorry about Hermie, Vauclair. He didn't deserve what happened to him.
{{GM}}His voice goes cold.{{/GM}}

I've heard enough of your accusations. You've cast your lot with that... *thing.* You set it loose to kill with impunity.

You are a moral leper, and I am finished with you.
{{GM}}His voice goes cold.{{/GM}}

No. He did not. And in setting that... *thing* loose, you have ensured that countless other innocents will suffer the same fate.

You are a moral leper, and I am finished with you.
{{GM}}He sneers at you through the glass.{{/GM}}

Idle curiosity. That's your rationale. You were *curious.*

I'd wager almost anything that over the next five years, your new friend will kill and absorb hundreds of deckers. That's what it was designed to do. Murder is in its *nature*.
...And yet, you set it free anyway. Even after it killed your friend.

Even after it devoured my brother.
{{GM}}He sneers at you through the glass.{{/GM}}

"Wrong." An interesting choice of words.

I'd wager almost anything that over the next five years, your new friend will kill and absorb hundreds of deckers. That's what it was designed to do. Murder is in its *nature*.
An intelligent question, from the shadowrunner? Surprising.

Unfortunately, I don't have the time to explain it to you in detail. And since you are locked in that laboratory with no chance of escape, I don’t really need to.
But understand this - I am an expert in my field. That is not an idle boast. It is a certifiable fact. And I have worked with nearly unlimited resources for over forty years, focused on one goal.

One.

Forty-two years of isolation. Of secrecy. Dead to the world… dead to my brother. All for this. My life’s mission.
It will work.

{{GM}}He looks down.{{/GM}}

I promise you, Hermie... it will work.
{{CC}}Biotech: 5{{/CC}} Your Panacea is built on the back of an RNA virus, and yet you aren't worried about the possibility of mutation?
Ah, the "because I said so" defense. Very professional of you, Doctor.
The stakes here are a little too high for me to just take that on faith.
It had to be an RNA virus. No choice in the matter.

If Panacea is to work, it must be robust. Untreatable. A DNA virus wouldn't fit the bill.
But RNA viruses are inherently unpredictable - a first-year biology student could tell you that. You have no way of knowing *how* your Panacea will mutate once you let it out of this lab. It could do everything you say... or it could become something else entirely. You don't know.
You aren't listening, Doctor. $+(l.he)'s right - RNA polymerases are *notoriously* prone to replication errors. Any first-year biology student could tell you that.

You have no way of knowing *how* your Panacea will mutate once you let it go. You're playing with fire, in every way imaginable.
I am *not* a first-year biology student. I am at the forefront of my field, and I have told you, it *will* work! I've spent decades on this, studying it, *proving* its effectiveness!

{{GM}}Another spasm wracks his chest. He leans against the desk, gasping for breath.{{/GM}}

You *will* respect that.
"Because I said so" doesn't cut it, Doc. Not when the stakes are this high.

What $(l.name) is sayin' makes sense, and you know it. You may be crazy, but you ain't stupid.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Academic{{/CC}} Are your findings peer-reviewed, Vauclair? Or are you so invested in this idea - of exterminating dragons - that you're acting on faith?
However sure you are that your Panacea works, you can't risk releasing it, Vauclair. There's too much at stake.
{{GM}}Vauclair stares at you through red-rimmed eyes for a long moment.{{/GM}}

And acting on faith makes for bad science. That is your point, yes?
{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

If the draconic threat could be stopped by the "scientific community", we wouldn't be having this conversation.

I won't deny the risks. But this...
This is my *life's work*.

{{GM}}He spits out the words.{{/GM}}

And it is a risk *worth taking*.
This is wearying. I've heard these arguments before... more often than I can count. They were rejected *decades* ago.

{{GM}}The old man shakes his head at you.{{/GM}}

You are wasting your breath. I advise you to accept this, and move on. It will all be over soon.
This is wearying. I've heard these arguments before... more often than I can count. They were rejected *decades* ago.

{{GM}}The old man turns to study a monitor at his side, a stony expression on his face.{{/GM}}

You are wasting your breath. I advise you to accept this, and move on. It will all be over soon.
This is wearying. I've heard these arguments before... more often than I can count. They were rejected *decades* ago.

{{GM}}The old man turns to study a monitor at his side. He rubs the bridge of his nose between a pair of bony fingers. He looks tired.{{/GM}}

You are wasting your breath. The Firewing *will* fly tonight. And you will watch it all from a screen, trapped in that room.
This is wearying. I've heard these arguments before... more often than I can count. They were rejected *decades* ago.

{{GM}}The old man turns to study a monitor at his side. His hand tightens on a pack of cigarettes on his desk, crumpling it.{{/GM}}

You are wasting your breath. The Firewing *will* fly tonight. And you will watch it all from a screen, trapped in that room.
This is wearying. I've heard these arguments before... more often than I can count. They were rejected *decades* ago.

{{GM}}The old man turns to study a monitor at his side. His expression is stiff, but his motions are jerky. Erratic.{{/GM}}

You are wasting your breath. The Firewing *will* fly tonight. And you will watch it all from a screen, trapped in that room.
{{GM}}He laughs softly.{{/GM}}

You are exactly right, shadowrunner. There is too much at stake. Too much at stake to not *act*.
{{GM}}He takes another drag on his cigarette.{{/GM}}

After all, science has always attracted its share of doomsayers. During the development of the atomic bomb, Compton and Oppenheimer expressed concern that a fission explosion could ignite the Earth's atmosphere. Fermi even took bets on it.
The group's research later indicated that the "ultimate catastrophe" was unlikely, so they continued forward.

{{GM}}He takes a long drag on his cigarette.{{/GM}}

Yes... I will show the same resolve that those great minds did. I will not be deterred.
"Because I said so" doesn't cut it, Doc. Not when the stakes are this high.

You might be a crazy old nutbag, but you aren't stupid. Use your head, man.
"Because I said so" doesn't cut it, Doc. Not when the stakes are this high.

You may be crazy, but you aren't stupid. You know that $(l.he)'s making sense.
"Because I said so" isn't good enough. That kind of argument wouldn't hold up in any lab on the planet, and it sure as hell doesn't cut it here.

You're fixated on this plan. We get that. But you can look past that - you aren't stupid. Use your head.
{{GM}}He shoots you an icy stare.{{/GM}}

Say what you like - it matters little to me.

My Panacea will change the world. In the end, you will thank me.
That is your problem, not mine.

Believe what you want - my Panacea will change the world. In the end, you will thank me.
My plan did not kill my brother.

{{GM}}Vauclair's fist slams into the table, sending his cigarette flying in a cascade of sparks and ash.{{/GM}}

Your *ALLY* KILLED HIM! It ATE his MIND! And YOU SET IT FREE!
{{GM}}He runs a hand through his unkempt hair, blinking through a haze of sudden tears. His voice comes out in a gasping sob.{{/GM}}

Damn it, Hermie... why couldn't you just let me go?
You don’t have to add to his loss, Doctor. This doesn’t need to continue.
Listen to reason, Vauclair. Would Hermie want you to do this?
Aw, did your brother die? That's funny, because you're about to murder my *entire kiez.*
{{GM}}He blinks at you through red-rimmed eyes, and an expression of pure hate twists his weathered features. His voice goes cold.{{/GM}}

Oh no, shadowrunner. You will *not* use my brother's death as tool against me.

You've cast your lot with that... *thing.* You set it loose to kill with impunity. You are a moral leper, and I am finished with you.
He turns and punches a series of buttons on his control console.

When he turns back, he seems to have calmed somewhat, but there's a firmness to his tone that wasn't there before.
You will remain where you are. If you attempt to escape, I will order your death. My patience has already been strained to its breaking point - do not test it further.
Vauclair--
Listen to me--
Don't--
{{GM}}His voice thunders through the intercom.{{/GM}}

I hold in my hands the power to end draconic life. To lift our species from the brink of disaster. To save everybody - even short-sighted fools such as yourself - from extinction.

And I choose to exercise that power.
Through the speakers, you can hear the sound of heavy footsteps approaching.
{{GM}}Vauclair's fist slams into the table, sending his cigarette flying in a cascade of sparks and ash.{{/GM}}

NO!

*Nothing* can make that right.

Nothing.
{{GM}}He runs a hand through his unkempt hair, blinking through a haze of sudden tears.{{/GM}}

Damn it, Hermie... why couldn't you just let me go?
{{GM}}He covers his eyes.{{/GM}}

No... no. I'm afraid it does. I loved my brother, more than you can know, but...
{{GM}}He wipes away the tears. Looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

This… this changes nothing.

My brother’s death only strengthens my resolve. Were I to stop now, his loss would be in vain... he would want me to continue.
You did NOT know my brother, shadowrunner. Do not presume to speak to me on his behalf.

Hermie... Hermie would support me in this, if he knew what I know.
I've watched hours of your brother's video footage, Vauclair. I probably know him better than anyone alive, excepting yourself.
Unless he was as crazy as you are, I doubt that.
Maybe he would. But that doesn't make it right.
{{GM}}His face twists into an ugly sneer.{{/GM}}

You've watched *footage.* And that makes you think that you *know* the man.

You know *nothing.*
I know that he wanted you to stop all of this years ago. He *begged* you to, and you promised him that you'd try.
Vauclair falls silent. A wisp of smoke traces its way from the tip of his cigarette to the ceiling.
Your brother died trying to save you, Vauclair. If you don't turn back from this, his death will have meant nothing - nothing at all.
$+(l.he)'s right, Vauclair. Your brother was a miserable bastard, but he did die trying to save you.

If you don't turn back from this, his death will have meant nothin' - nothin' at all.
That's enough. Hermie's death was a tragedy - I will *NOT* let you use it to manipulate me.
Vauclair straightens. He looks angry, but behind the anger you can sense a deep fatigue.
Vauclair straightens. It looks like you've touched a nerve - his entire body is trembling with fury.

He takes a deep breath to calm himself.
Vauclair straightens. His expression is livid, but his body language tells a different story... the rage that shook him seems to have burned itself out.

Now, he just looks tired.
Vauclair straightens. He rubs the bridge of his nose between a pair of bony fingers.

The fire that burned in him seems to have guttered out. Above all, he looks worn down.
Vauclair straightens, but only partially. His hand tightens on a pack of cigarettes on his desk, crumpling it.

He waits for a long time before looking up again.
Vauclair straightens, but only partially. His expression is stiff, but his motions are jerky. Erratic.

He waits for a long time before looking up again.
$+(l.he)'s right, Vauclair. Your brother died trying to save you.

If you don't turn back from this, his death will have meant nothing - nothing at all.
Your brother dragged us into this mess, so I don't like him much. But it's true... he did die trying to save you.

If you don't turn back from this, his death won't have meant a goddamned thing.
{{GM}}His lip curls.{{/GM}}

My brother is *dead,* and you make light of it. I suppose that I shouldn't be surprised.

Rest assured, Berlin will burn tonight. And my brother - wherever he is - will understand.
{{GM}}A dry chuckle turns into a rasping cough.{{/GM}}

I'll take your opinions on what is right with a grain of salt, shadowrunner.

When viewed through the lens of history, my Panacea will be remembered as the key to our species' salvation. I won't live to see it, but it will happen, regardless of your beliefs to the contrary.
{{GM}}His eyes flash.{{/GM}}

It is not MURDER, shadowrunner. It is *sacrifice.*

Murder is selfish. But sacrifice... to sacrifice is to do that which is *necessary.*
{{GM}}He stares at you for a long moment, then shakes his head in resignation.{{/GM}}

Why am I even talking to you? What do I hope to accomplish? You will never understand.

Besides which, I have work to do.
My plan is not without its flaws. The human cost will be high. And I will concede that a better path to our salvation might exist... but I don't know what it is.

I wish that I didn’t have to sacrifice so many, shadowrunner.

I wish that Hermie hadn't had to die.
{{GM}}His voice thunders through the intercom, cutting you off.{{/GM}}

But *this* solution is *here.* Now. In my hands.

And I choose to take it.
{{GM}}He laughs.{{/GM}}

A pointless argument. Any power vacuum created through dragonkind’s extermination will be filled by metahumanity.

Any backlash will right itself over time.
I am playing the long game, shadowrunner. One that has played out over thousands of years. When you think on that scale... everything seems possible.

Humanity will endure, and the dragons will perish.
{{GM}}Vauclair looks amused.{{/GM}}

Mistakes?

{{GM}}He uses the tip of his cigarette to gesture at the glass.{{/GM}}

So says the career criminal trapped in the containment room.
I've read some of your inter-office communications. There have been a number of deaths here over the years, haven't there?
{{GM}}He pauses.{{/GM}}

We have suffered losses, yes. They were tragic. But the people here accepted that there would be risks.

They made their own choices. I won't take the blame for that.
No. Of course you won't. Admitting fault might undermine the hero myth that you've built up around yourself.
I get that they made their own decisions. But from what I was reading, it sounds like those people died from your negligence. "Basic lapses in lab safety," it said.
You think that I *like* watching people die? That I've *enjoyed* spending the better part of my life locked away in this lab with a creature that I *hate?*

You think that I'm doing this for *me?*
Yes, actually. I think that you've gotten used to playing the role of the long-suffering hero. I don't think that you remember how to be anything else.
{{GM}}He glares at you through the glass.{{/GM}}

Is there some point that you're trying to make? Or are you just trying to anger me?
My point is that everyone makes mistakes - even you. And yet, you want to roll the dice with a biological weapon.
Mostly I was hoping to piss you off, yeah.
You've already screwed up, Doc. People died because of it. Are you willing to risk that happening on a global scale?
It will *work*. I'm telling you--
Yeah, sure. Somehow, I don't find your reassurances very convincing.
Bet you told your researchers that their lab would be safe, too. Look how that turned out.
{{GM}}The muscles at the corners of his mouth tighten.{{/GM}}

Why am I even talking to you? You're trapped in there, and I've still got work to do. Audran will be here for you soon enough.
The old man turns away from you, studying some invisible detail on his console.
The old man turns away from you, studying some invisible detail on his console. He looks irritated.
The old man turns away from you, studying some invisible detail on his console. He looks irritated, and tired.
The old man turns away from you, studying some invisible detail on his console. He rubs the bridge of his nose between a pair of bony fingers.

The fire that burned in him seems to have guttered out. Above all, he looks worn down.
The old man turns away from you, studying some invisible detail on his console. His hand tightens on a pack of cigarettes on his desk, crumpling it.

He waits there a long time before looking up again.
The old man turns away from you, studying some invisible detail on his console. His motions are jerky. Erratic.

He waits there a long time before looking up again.
{{GM}}He sneers at you, parchment-thin skin sliding over his bony face.{{/GM}}

You've succeeded. I think that I'm just about done with you.

And besides, why am I talking to you? You're trapped in there, and I've still got work to do. Audran will be here for you soon enough.
{{GM}}He grinds his teeth in exasperation.{{/GM}}

Another pearl of wisdom from the shadowrunner. The Great Dragons represent an incalculable threat to our survival as a species. To spare them for fear of some unknown, nebulous danger would be absurd.

Besides which, there is *nothing* that is worse than a dragon. I am in a position to know.
You're wrong. An astral entity told me about... things... that exist out on the metaplanes. Horrifying things that we can't even hope to comprehend.
I know what's worse: having to sit through another of your lectures. Seriously, you're just about the preachiest son of a bitch I've ever met.
{{GM}}He lets out a startled chuckle.{{/GM}}

What does that matter? Even if your spirit's stories are true, the *dragons* are what threaten us now.
But dragons don't exist in a vacuum. They're a part of the Awakened world's ecosystem, and they have been since the beginning of time.
Come on, Doc. Think past your vendetta for a second. What if exterminating the dragons changes the landscape in a way that we can't predict?
I agree that dragons pose a serious threat to metahumanity... but we need to face that threat with patience and care. What we need is a scalpel, and Panacea is a jackhammer.
Let's agree that this is true. What does it matter?

Smallpox was with us "since the beginning," but I don't see anyone crying over its eradication.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Academic{{/CC}} That's a false equivalence, Vauclair. You're an intelligent man - you know the dangers of what you're proposing. You just don't want to acknowledge them.
Dragons aren't smallpox. If you drive them extinct, you'll be creating a condition that has never existed for the whole of human history. There's no telling what might happen as a result.
I will *not* just sit back and let them take over the world. I must act.

{{GM}}His bony hands clench into fists.{{/GM}}

I *will* act.
You may be right, Vauclair. But this isn't the answer.
Vauclair glares silently through the glass.
Then we will *handle* the situation as it arises.
And what if we can't? Once you've driven the dragons extinct, you can't un-kill them. What you're really proposing to do is irrevocably change the ecosystem of our world, and you don't know what might happen as a result.
That's a great plan. "Let's do something drastic and irreversible, then worry about the consequences later." Sounds like a winner to me.
{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

A crude analogy... but yes. All things being equal, a careful approach would be best.

Unfortunately, all things are *not* equal. We don't have time to deal with each dragon on an individual basis. We must wipe them out in a single stroke, and *that* is what Panacea will do.
And what if you later discover that you shouldn't have? You can't un-kill them. What you're really proposing to do is irrevocably change the ecosystem of the world, and you don't know what might happen as a result.
{{GM}}He sneers at you, parchment-thin skin sliding over his bony face.{{/GM}}

Well, in that case, perhaps I should get back to work. I wouldn't want to *bore* you.

It's past time that this conversation came to an end.
Smooth, $(l.name).
Smooth, boss.
Smooth, chief.
{{GM}}He slams his fists against the glass, his face contorted into a mask of rage and grief.{{/GM}}

HOW *DARE* YOU PRESUME TO SPEAK FOR MY BROTHER! To hell with letting you live - you're going to have *front and center* seats for Feuerschwinge's return! I will see to it MYSELF!

I'm... I...
You're what, Doc?
You're what, Doc?

{{GM}}Her voice is soft, but firm.{{/GM}}
For a long moment, Vauclair stares at her, unmoving.

Finally, his eyes flit to the ground.
I'm not...

If Hermie were here...

Oh God.
{{GM}}The old man continues to stare at his feet. The blood has drained from his cheeks, leaving them sickly pale.{{/GM}}

If Hermie were here, he would not support this. He would point out the risks, the unknowns, the sacrifices... much as he always had, before he--
{{GM}}Vauclair's jaw clenches. The muscles of his throat tighten as he forces himself to swallow.{{/GM}}

...He would try to stop me.
You still have a chance to give him what he wanted. You can put a stop to this before more people get killed.
You're damn right he would. Now, are you going to be the good man Hermie remembered you as, and drop this? Or are you going to stick to the "mad scientist" routine, and force me to put you down?
Thank you, Doctor. I'm still going to kill you, of course... but thanks for listening to reason.
{{GM}}Vauclair remains silent for some time. Finally, the old man begins to speak. He sounds hollowed-out. Gutted.{{/GM}}

For over forty years, I ignored the rest of the world. I ignored the media and the military, the Board of Directors at Diehl and my little brother.

No - *especially* my little brother.
I wouldn't listen to them because I knew that I was *right.* I *knew* what had to be done... what they were all blind to.

I was Hermie's big brother. I was the great and celebrated dragonslayer. I knew better.
{{GM}}He makes a sweeping gesture, a look of contempt on his face.{{/GM}}

You see this lab? The complex you're standing in, and the plan that it was built to serve?

I sacrificed *everything* for this. My job, my health, my family... I was prepared to sacrifice *Berlin.* To feed those people to the same fires that I spent my youth trying to extinguish.
And all the while, Hermie was trying to tell me that I *wasn't* right, and I refused to listen. My refusal killed him - my little brother. The person I loved most in the world.

{{GM}}He covers his face with a withered hand.{{/GM}}

If only I had heard him... none of this would have happened.
I'll be damned. I think you've talked him out of it.
The old man lets out a heavy sigh, his entire body trembling. When he recovers, he looks almost like a different man. Tired, and frail. Defeated.
My cure... the Panacea... it isn't ready.

I was ready to turn a blind eye to the flaws and deploy it anyway. But my eyes are open now, and I do not like what I see.
I cannot change what's been done. I can't... I can't bring Hermie back.

But I can put a stop to this. I can finally listen to what he was always trying to tell me... to what I would never hear him say.

And so I shall.
I know that this is a hard decision, Vauclair. But it's the right one.
{{GM}}He stares at his trembling hands, a sad smile on his face.{{/GM}}

More than four decades of planning, all undone in the span of a single conversation. My brother's words, delivered through the mouth of a criminal.

I finally listened, Hermie. Forty-two years too late.
I'll be damned, chief. I think you've out-talked the crazy man.
{{GM}}A bitter half-grin spreads across his face.{{/GM}}

You still plan to kill me? Good.

{{GM}}His hands curl into fists, and he slams one down on his control panel. A hollow ringing sound fills the air, and Vauclair winces in pain.{{/GM}}

I have nothing more to live for anyway. You'd be doing me a favor.
{{GM}}Bitterness creeps into the old man's voice. He sounds hollowed-out. Gutted.{{/GM}}

For over forty years, I ignored the rest of the world. I ignored the media and the military, the Board of Directors at Diehl and my little brother.

No - *especially* my little brother.
You're what, Doctor?

{{GM}}Her voice is soft, but firm.{{/GM}}
You're what, Doc?

{{GM}}His voice is soft, but firm.{{/GM}}
For a long moment, Vauclair stares at him, unmoving.

Finally, his eyes flit to the ground.
You're what, Doc?

{{GM}}Still staring at Vauclair, he mutters under his breath.{{/GM}}

...Other than a nutcase, I mean.
For a long moment, Vauclair stares at you, unmoving.

Finally, his eyes flit to the ground.
{{GM}}He stares at his hands, trembling.{{/GM}}

I must admit, your arguments have been... quite compelling. Enough to make me question my own conclusions.

So why the sudden change of heart?
I wanted to see if you could defend your position. You did a pretty good job, and I have no love for dragons. So I say, go for it - I won't try to stop you.
I've changed my mind, Doc. I genuinely think that you should release your virus.
Oh, I never actually believed anything that I was saying. I just love playing devil's advocate. I think that your plan sounds like a fine idea.
{{GM}}He pauses.{{/GM}}

Oh? And tell me, why the sudden change of heart?
I agree with everything that you've said about dragons - what they're doing, and why they need to be stopped. If you've got room for me in your organization, I want in.
I don't want to see Berlin burn. But if that's what it'll take to save the rest of the world, then I think that you should do it. I won't try to stop you.
Your plan has merit. I think that it'll work. So I say, go for it - I won't get in the way.
An interesting offer... but one that I must take with a grain of salt.

You came here to stop me, after all.
This is my offer to you - lay down your weapons, make yourself comfortable, and remain right where you are until the dragon has been released. Audran will watch you for the duration.

If you do this - if you prove your sincerity - then we can talk. Otherwise, this conversation is over.
{{GM}}Glory stares at you. Her face has gone white.{{/GM}}

You can't be thinking of doing this. Not after what he did to Monika, and to Paul, and everyone else who died in the Kreuzbasar.

Not after everything we've been through together.
Don't do this, $(l.name). If he goes through with his plan, everyone who survived the attack will die. They'll be *incinerated.*

{{GM}}Eiger's voice cracks.{{/GM}}

I *trusted* you, $(l.name). Maybe I still do. But if you want to help this monster... you'll do it over my dead body.
Mine, too.

{{GM}}Dietrich's voice is low, barely a whisper.{{/GM}}

You take this step, boss, an' I'll put you down like a rabid dog. This is the only warning I'm gonna give you.
I'm in charge of this group, and I say that we're doing this.
Please, stand down... I don't want to fight you. Vauclair's right. I wish that he weren't, but he is. Can't you see that? If this plan of his doesn't happen tonight, all of our sacrifice - Paul's death, Monika's death - will have been in vain.
Calm down - I'm not really joining Vauclair. I just wanted to hear what he'd say.
{{GM}}Eiger's face twists into a mask of grief and rage. She reaches for her shotgun.{{/GM}}

God *DAMN* it, $(l.name).
{{GM}}A tear slides down Glory's cheek, as the razors slide out of her fingertips with a click.{{/GM}}

I didn't want things to end this way.

Good-bye, $(l.name).
{{GM}}Rage and grief play across Dietrich's face. His hands begin to glow.{{/GM}}

God *DAMN* it, boss.
{{GM}}Blitz pulls back the slide on his weapon.{{/GM}}

Well... shit. I guess we're gonna fight now.

Why do I always end up with the completely crazy ones?
{{GM}}The drone's minigun spins up with a hum.{{/GM}}

TARGET :: $++(l.name). ELIMINATION PROTOCOLS ENGAGED.
{{GM}}The old man shoots you a withering look, then turns his head to cough into his sleeve.{{/GM}}

As I thought. Another waste of time. Why am I talking to you at all?

There's still work to be done.
You take this step, boss, an' I'll put you down like a rabid dog.

This is the only warning I'm gonna give you.
If you help that old nutcase, everyone we know back in Berlin will die. Our *house* will burn down. So, uh... if you really wanna do this, I'm gonna have to stop you.
{{GM}}Eiger stares at you. Her face has gone white.{{/GM}}

You can't be considering this. Not after what he did to Monika, and to Paul, and to everyone else who died in the Kreuzbasar.

Not after everything we've been through together.
Don't do this, $(l.name). If he goes through with his plan, everyone who survived the attack will die. They'll be *incinerated.*

{{GM}}Dietrich's voice is low, barely a whisper.{{/GM}}

If you really want to help this monster... you'll do it over my dead body.
I'm with them, chief. If you help that old nutcase, our *house* will burn down. And I'm not okay with that!

So, uh... if you really wanna do this, I'm gonna have to stop you.
{{GM}}PANZERDROHNE pivots on its axis to face you.{{/GM}}

YOU WILL NOT ASSIST VAUCLAIR, $++(l.name). YOU WILL ELIMINATE HIM WITH MY ASSISTANCE.
Um. Chief.

{{GM}}Blitz drops his hand to the submachine gun at his waist.{{/GM}}

If you help that old nutcase, everyone we know back in Berlin will die. Our *house* will burn down. So, uh... if you really wanna do this, I'm gonna have to stop you.
If you want to go through with this, you'll have to do it over my dead body, fearless leader.

{{GM}}Her hands tighten on her shotgun.{{/GM}}

But I bet that I'll drop you first.
{{GM}}Dietrich stares at you. His face has gone white.{{/GM}}

You can't really be considering this. Not after what he did to Monika, and to Paul, and to everyone else who died in the Kreuzbasar.

Not after everything we've been through together.
I, uh... I can't believe I'm sayin' this, but I kind of agree with the death machine.

If you help that old nutcase, everyone we know back in Berlin will die. Our *house* will burn down. So, uh... if you really wanna do this, I'm gonna have to stop you.
I can't believe I'm sayin' this, but I agree with the drone.

You take this step, boss, an' I'll put you down like a rabid dog. This is the only warning I'm gonna give you.
I'm with Dietrich on this one, chief.

If you help that old nutcase, everyone we know back in Berlin will die. Our *house* will burn down. So, uh... if you really wanna do this, I'm gonna have to stop you.
If you do this, everyone we know back at the Kreuzbasar is gonna burn. *Everyone.* And I won't let that happen.

{{GM}}Dietrich's voice is low, barely a whisper.{{/GM}}

You take this step, boss, an' I'll put you down like a rabid dog. This is the only warning I'm gonna give you.
{{GM}}Blitz stares at you.{{/GM}}

Uh, chief? What the hell are you talking about?
I'm saying that he has a point. Dragons are a threat, and we're in a position to do something about it. So why don't we do it?
{{GM}}The old drone pivots on its axis to face you.{{/GM}}

NEGATIVE. YOU WILL NOT ASSIST VAUCLAIR. YOU WILL ELIMINATE HIM WITH MY ASSISTANCE.
Sign me up. This is for the greater good.
I wasn't really serious about joining you. I just wanted to hear what you'd say.
Huh?
Interesting.

I am skeptical, of course. But interesting, nonetheless.
If you're sincere about letting me finish my work, then lay down your arms and make yourself comfortable. Audran will be here momentarily to ensure your compliance.

When my work is done, I will allow you to walk away free.
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

...No. You will not.
You're right, shadowrunner. My plan *is* insane. But no more so than the world that we live in.

{{GM}}He turns to tap a series of buttons on his control console, then lights another cigarette.{{/GM}}

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Nothing ventured, nothing gained - history has repeatedly shown this to be true.
Damn. Just when I thought you were getting through to this nutjob.
I understand your point of view, shadowrunner. But no - you will not break my resolve.
{{GM}}Still tapping at his console, his speech patterns shift. His words sound well-rehearsed, and he delivers them as a dry, pedantic monologue.{{/GM}}

...After all, science has always attracted its share of doomsayers. During the development of the atomic bomb, Compton and Oppenheimer expressed concern that a fission explosion could ignite the Earth's atmosphere. Fermi took bets on it.
The group's research later indicated that the "ultimate catastrophe" would not happen, so they continued forward.

{{GM}}He takes a long drag on his cigarette.{{/GM}}

I will show the same resolve that those great minds did. I will not be deterred.
Please, listen to me--
{{GM}}His voice thunders through the intercom, cutting you off.{{/GM}}

Of *course* I wish that there were a better way to save us. One without such a high human cost.

I wish that Hermie hadn't had to die.
But you go to war with the weapons you have. And Panacea is the best solution that I've been able to find.

We won't get another chance like this - not any of us. I have to take it.

{{GM}}Through the speakers, you can hear the sound of heavy footsteps approaching.{{/GM}}
Damn. For a second there, I thought you might be getting somewhere.
I already regret what I must do, shadowrunner. That doesn't change the fact that I have to do it.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Nothing ventured, nothing gained - history has repeatedly shown this to be true.
{{GM}}Dietrich's voice is low and quiet.{{/GM}}

There has to be a better way, Vauclair. There *has* to be.
{{GM}}Vauclair stops. Bows his head, and closes his eyes.{{/GM}}

I am a man of science, shadowrunner. A better path may exist, but I do not know what it is. I wish that I didn’t have to sacrifice so many. I wish...

I wish that Hermie hadn't had to die.
But this solution is here. Now. In my hands. And I choose to take it.

{{GM}}Through the speakers, you can hear the sound of heavy footsteps approaching.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Eiger's voice is low and menacing.{{/GM}}

You don't want to do this, Vauclair. There has to be a better way.
{{GM}}Glory's voice is low and quiet.{{/GM}}

There must be a better way, Doctor. You just haven't found it yet.
Right there with you, chief. This guy gives me the creeps.
When we finally kill you, Vauclair, I'm going to *enjoy* it.
We all know that is not going to happen. You are sealed tight in that laboratory, impotent to stop me.
That’s only a few kilometers from the Kreuzbasar!
Don’t do it, Vauclair.

I swear, I will make you hurt if you do. And I'll make it *last.*
My favorite cafe's in the Kreuzbasar.

Look. You're crazy, and we're probably all going to die, but we are *not* letting you get away with this.
{{GM}}Vauclair sighs. Shuts his eyes tight, brings a shaking hand to his temple.{{/GM}}

I'm so sorry. But this sacrifice cannot be helped.
{{GM}}He continues his work, filled with a feverish energy.{{/GM}}

Sadly, there is not. If there were, I would gladly take it.

For Panacea to work, Berlin must burn. A tragic sacrifice, but one made for the greater good.
I don't like the sound of that, chief.
I don't like the sound of that, boss.
Catalyst? What do you mean?
{{GM}}Vauclair clenches his jaw.{{/GM}}

Good or bad is immaterial. I do what is *necessary.*
{{GM}}Vauclair clenches his jaw.{{/GM}}

I am doing what is *necessary.* And in case you've forgotten, *you* are trapped and powerless to do anything.
{{GM}}He trembles, wracked again by violent coughing. As the coughing subsides, he takes another long drag on his cigarette, the ash creeping closer and closer towards his mouth.{{/GM}}
They won't have a choice in the matter.
And yet look at all the death and destruction, all the money you've spent on your errand of vengeance. You... you do not get to pass judgment over me.
Yes... yes, I suppose you would not be the sort to care about such things as the conquest and eventual destruction of all humanity at the hands of dragonkind.

That dragons play us as pawns, and treat all the world as a hoard of treasure for the taking... no, you would not care about that.

It doesn't affect your next *paycheck.*
You want to know what happens tonight that badly? What your friends died for... what Hermie died for...?

Fine.

{{GM}}Vauclair turns his attention back to the computer, stubbing out his cigarette. He grabs a fresh one from the pack and lights it.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Vauclair starts, and the sudden movement of his arm sends his overflowing ashtray flying from the table in a cloud of ash.{{/GM}}

My brother? Hermie?

It's been years...

Have you seen him? How is he?
{{GM}}Vauclair starts, and the sudden movement of his arm sends his overflowing ashtray flying from the table in a cloud of ash. A look of dread fills his face.{{/GM}}

Up until... the end? What do you mean?

Where is Hermie? Explain yourself!
{{GM}}Vauclair starts, and the sudden movement of his arm sends his overflowing ashtray flying from the table in a cloud of ash. A look of dread fills his face.{{/GM}}

Blood... bloody corpse?

What do you mean?

Where is Hermie? Explain yourself!
You launch yourself at the window, your shoulder slamming into the hard surface with a heavy thud.

Despite your best efforts, the window does not budge.
Note that the window between us is made of transplast. Quite unbreakable by any weapon that you can bring to bear.

As for the attack on your home - that was regrettable, but necessary. I had to preserve the secrecy of my work, for the greater good of all.
I know that I have wronged you, and for this I am sorry.

{{GM}}He sighs a long, rattling sigh that quickly turns into a violent fit of coughing. The sound echoes over the loudspeaker.{{/GM}}
Do you think this is some sort of *game,* runner?

There is far more at stake here than the lives of a few petty criminals.
{{GM}}Vauclair sighs.{{/GM}}

Nevertheless, a life is still a life.

{{GM}}He covers his face with his pale, nicotine-stained hands.{{/GM}}

Sending APEX and Audran after you was my doing, and I accept responsibility for that.
*I* have explaining to do? This is my *home.*

You are the intruder here. If anyone needs to explain $(l.him)self, it's you.
If you wish to speak with my security captain, that can be arranged.
There is a large red "2" painted on this footlocker.

A numeric keypad awaits your input.
1409
Alexander,

You have seemed... "less than enthusiastic" in our education sessions.

Please understand that we are not a shelter. We are a Factory. A Factory that refines the dross of society - people like you - into strong, pure warriors for Humanity.
In the future, see to it that you are on time and well rested. If you drop the ball again, we're going to have a little talk about your future in this organization.

- Volker Stahl
{{GM}}Dietrich snatches the note out of your hands.{{/GM}}

I knew it! I *knew* that Alex wouldn't buy into their bullshit.

{{GM}}He reads the note over again, his lips moving with the syllables.{{/GM}}

C'mon, boss. He's still here somewhere. There's still time.
The man before you is of average build and in nondescript dress.

He's leaning against the old wooden cabinet, reading a book. As you approach, he looks up and casts a warm smile in your direction.
Guten Tag! The name's Quorin, friend.

Can't say I've seen you around these parts before. Just passing through, or...?
I'm looking for information. Ever heard of a gang called the Rabengeister?
What can you tell me about this place?
Certainly! They've been spinning quite a tale in these parts, of late.

Hard to know anything for sure, though. One rumor says they hijack freight out of Frankfurter Tor. Then the next day, you hear about a sighting down in Alexanderplatz!
Hell, just yesterday I heard someone claim they saw a member of the Rabengeister speed by in the U-Bahn tunnel, clinging to the side of a train car. Ha!

{{GM}}He leans closer.{{/GM}}
...Between you and me, that's probably a gang called Surfturf. Strange ones, those. I heard they implant suction cups to their hands and feet.

I guess... they really like hitching rides on the U-Bahn trains?
{{GM}}He shakes his head with amusement.{{/GM}}

That's the Flux State for you though, full of the strange and unexpected.
{{GM}}His face falls.{{/GM}}

Wish that I had, friend. It's too bad. This place used to be *soaring* with commerce.

But now... now hardly anything passes through here, I'm afraid.
Folks around here are lucky enough to have a full meal at the end of the day.
Tough times, I suppose.
I'm sorry to hear that. I hope things turn around for the better soon.
Indeed they are.

Do you need anything else, friend?
Yeah... me too.

Thanks for the friendly words, though. Most folks that come through here are either looking to bum a quick handout, or steal what they can before disappearing down the line.
Can I do anything to help?
Can you answer a few more questions for me?
No... I don't think so, friend. But I thank you for the gesture.

{{GM}}The man squints at you. He looks thoughtful.{{/GM}}
Say, have you ever heard the story of Schinderhannes?
Uh... I'm not sure.
Schinderhannes was an outlaw, centuries ago. Back in the Napoleonic days.

See, Schinderhannes was thief. A greedy one, if you believe the stories. He and his gang raided up and down the Rhine, stealing for themselves.

But something happened. The people of the Rhineland... they were inspired by Schinderhannes. In time, they hailed him as a hero.
He was stealing from the French, you see.

{{GM}}He chuckles, then continues.{{/GM}}
I think something happened then... something surprising, even to Schinderhannes.

I think because of this, perhaps, he *became* the hero people wanted him to be.

Maybe he did start stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. I don't know. The history books are... confusing, to say the least.
At any rate, the point is this, friend: I think that maybe, if enough people believe something to be true, it can change the truth of that thing.

Perhaps if enough people here in Gesundbrunnen have a hope to believe in, then our fate will change as well. Until then... well, we continue on.
{{CC}}Intelligence: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Don't you mean Robin Hood?
You seem like a pretty well-educated man. Why choose a life underground, here in this place?
Thanks for the story. I'll be going now.
Ha! No... you would think. But that is an altogether different tale, I assure you. Much more romanticized.
Ah, a fair question. Let's just say it was the best option at the time.

At any rate, this is my home now, and I won't abandon it simply because it has grown somewhat older and poorer.
Of course. What do you need? Bien sûr. Que veux tu?
Sure. What do you need?
Gesundbrunnen? Well, it's my home, for one. And we've got a small bar set up over there.

But of course... you'll want to know about the market!

{{GM}}His eyes light up.{{/GM}}
It used to be something to behold, my friend. One of the grandest markets in the city. You could find nearly *anything* in these stalls, for the right price.

It's a real shame. But little by little, things slowed down. Folks stopped taking this subway line so much.
But, I guess that's the way of the Flux.
{{GM}}The man looks up from his book, smiling.{{/GM}}

Hello again, friend. Need something?
Fireball
A fiery explosion that also does ongoing -8 HP for 2 RNDS.
On Fire: HP -8 per RND
A work of art and a deadly weapon. May do AP DMG on a critical hit.
Hey there, chief. Don't hang up - I've got a proposition for ya. Salut, boss. Ne raccroches pas - J'ai une proposition à te faire.
Who are you, and how did you know I was in this room? Qui es tu, et comment tu as su que j'étais dans la pièce?
This isn't the best time, friend. I'm a little busy. C'est pas vraiment le bon moment, l'ami. Je suis un peu occupé, là.
See the cameras in the corner of the room?

{{GM}}Glancing up, you notice a pair of security cameras. They're tiny things, their casings colored to blend in with the dingy wallpaper... easy to miss if you didn't know to look for them.{{/GM}}

Wave hi. I'm on the other side of 'em.		 Tu vois les caméras dans le coin de la pièce?

{{GM}}Levant les yeux, vous remarquez une paire de caméras de sécurité. Elles sont minuscules, leurs boitiers de la même couleur que la tapisserie... facile à manquer si vous ne savez pas ce que vous recherchez{{/GM}}.

Coucou. Je te vois.
You've probably noticed that this building is under new management, right?

And judging by the fresh corpses that I'm seeing strewn all over the hotel, I'm gonna guess that you don't like the new guys any better than I do.		 Tu as probablement remarqué qu'il y a eu une changement de direction dans cet immeuble, non?

Et a en juger par le tas de cadavres que tu traines dans ton sillage à travers l'hôtel, je suppose que tu n'aimes pas plus que moi ces nouveaux mecs.
Well, I'd like to make you an offer. You help cover my escape, and I'll get you into a secure vault on the top floor. Belonged to the leader of the gang that used to run this place. Bien, je voudrais te faire une offre. Tu m'aides à couvrir ma fuite, et je te donne accès au coffre-fort sécurisé à l'étage. Il appartenait à l'ancien chef de gang qui dirigeait cet endroit.
Trust me, it's still secure... I set up the security protocols myself. The last decker they brought in to take a crack at it came back out on a stretcher.

They haven't found too many volunteers since then.		 Crois moi, il est toujours inviolé... J'ai codé les protocoles de sécurité moi même. Le dernier decker qu'ils ont embauché pour cracker la sécurité et reparti sur une civière.

Ils n'ont pas retrouvé de volontaires depuis.
You're a decker, then? Donc, tu es un decker?
Tell me about the gang that used to run the hotel. Parles moi un peu du gang qui s'est fait virer de l'hôtel.
You've got my attention. What's in the vault? Tu as toute mon attention. Il contient quoi ce coffre-fort?
That'd be an understatement, chum. More accurate to say that I'm THE decker, in these parts at least.

My handle in the Matrix is "Blitz." Maybe you've heard of me?		 Ce serait un euphémisme, chum. Il serait plus exact de dire que je suis LE decker, dans le coin tout du moins.

Mon pseudo dans la Matrice est "Blitz". Tu en as peut-être déjà entendu parler de moi?
Afraid not. J'ai bien peur que non.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} THE Blitz? {{GM}}Mentir.{{/GM}} LE Blitz?
{{CC}}Decking: 3{{/CC}} The name rings a bell. {{CC}}Decking: 3{{/CC}} Ce nom me dit quelque chose.
'Sokay, I run in pretty rarefied circles. Soka, je run dans des cercles plutôt restreints.
The one and only.

Glad to be talking to a fan.		 Le seul et l'unique.

Content de rencontrer un fan.
'Course it does. In Berlin's decker community, I'm a household name. Bien sur qu'il te parle. Dans la communauté des deckers de Berlin, je suis très connu.
They called themselves the "Schwarze Herzen," and they pretty much ran Drogenkippe until a few days ago.

They weren't a pleasant bunch, but they were better than the jackasses we've got in here now.		 Ils se surnommaient les "Schwarze Herzen", et ils étaient plutôt important dans la communauté de Drogenkippe jusqu'à récemment.

C'était pas une partie de plaisir, mais ils étaient plus cool que les enfoirés qu'on a maintenant.
What's the deal with the new gang? C'est quoi le problème avec le nouveau gang?
Why are you in this hotel, and how do you have access to the security system? Qu'est-ce-que tu fais dans cet hôtel, et comment as tu accès au système de sécurité?
{{CC}}Etiquette: Gang{{/CC}} There's something about this that you're not telling us. {{CC}}Etiquette: Gang{{/CC}} Il y a quelque chose que tu ne nous as pas dit.
Let's get back to business. What's in the vault? Parlons affaire. Il contient quoi ce coffre-fort?
They're terrible people. Real bad guys, all of 'em.

Look, I don't mean to rush you, but we can discuss all of this later. Y'know, *after* we get out of the building full of murderous thugs.		 Ils sont horribles. De vrais gros méchants.

Ecoutes, je veux pas te presser, mais on pourra discuter de ça plus tard. Tu sais, *après* que nous soyons sortie de l'immeuble rempli de voyous meurtriers.
I was in the hotel when it got taken over, and the new gang decided to keep me... "on staff," I guess you could call it.

They put me in charge of Matrix security.		 J'étais dans l'hôtel quand ils en ont pris le contrôle, et le nouveau gang a décidé de me garder... "dans l'équipe", je suppose qu'on pourrait dire ca.

Ils m'ont collé à la surveillance de la sécurité matricielle.
I may be one of the hottest deckers in Berlin, but a bullet in the head will kill me just as dead as anyone else.

Given the circumstances, I didn't see how I could refuse.		 Je suis peut-être le meilleur decker de Berlin, mais une balle dans la tête me butera comme tout le monde.

Vue les circonstances, je ne vois pas comment j'aurai pu refuser.
{{GM}}From the pause on the other end of the line, you can tell that you've caught Blitz off guard.{{/GM}}

Yeah? What's that?		 {{GM}}Vu le silence au bout de la ligne, vous pouvez dire que vous avez pris Blitz au dépourvu.{{/GM}}

Ah ouais? Et quoi donc?
If you set up the Matrix security for the vault upstairs, you must have been a member of Schwarze Herzen. That's not the kind of job that a street gang would hire a contractor for.

They'd use someone that they knew they could trust.		 Si tu as mis en place la sécurité matricielle pour le coffre-fort à l'étage, c'est que tu devais être un membre de Schwarze Herzen. C'est pas le genre de boulot pour lequel un gang de rue embaucherait un sous traitant.

Ils devaient utiliser quelqu'un en qui ils avaient confiance.
Yeah, okay, I was a member. For a while.

But the old boss got himself killed in a firefight, and his second-in-command took over.		 Ouais, d'accord, j'en étais membre. Pendant un moment.

Mais l'ancien boss a été buté dans une fusillade, et son second a pris le contrôle.
That was when the new guys moved in... I guess that they sensed weakness, and the Schwarze Herzen were still disorganized from the transition.

Anyway, long story short, I don't consider myself a member any more... I just wanna get out and do my own thing.		 C'est à ce moment là que les nouveaux venus ont attaqué... Je suppose qu'ils ont senti notre faiblesse, et la Schwarze Herzen était encore désorganisé par la passation de pouvoir.

Quoi qu'il en soit, c'est une longue histoire, et je ne me considère plus comme un membre maintenant... Je veux juste me barrer d'ici et faire mes propres trucs.
That's quite an omission. I wonder what else you're not telling me. C'est une sacrée omission. Je me demande ce que tu me caches encore.
Good. Yeah, that's good.

Okay, you wanna clear out the safe, or what?		 Cool, Ouais, c'est cool.

Okay, on va piller ce coffre, ou quoi?
Look, what does it matter to you if I WAS a member of Schwarze Herzen? I'm sure that you have some shady friends, too, but I'm not gonna ask about 'em 'cause it's none of my business.

Let's just clean out the safe and get out of here, okay?		 Ecoutes, c'est si important que ca le fait que j'ETAIS un membre de la Schwarze Herzen? Je suis sur que tu as des potes merdiques toi aussi, mais je ne pose pas de question la dessus car c'est pas mes affaires.

Allons simplement vider le coffre-fort et tirons nous d'ici, okay?
Gear. Money. You know, lots of good stuff. Equipements. Argent. Tu sais, plein de bonne chose.
I'm gonna need some specific examples if you want me to help you. Je vais avoir besoin d'informations plus précises si tu veux que je t'aide.
You don't know, do you? Tu n'en sais rien, n'est-ce-pas?
Well, I am a fan of good stuff. Génial, j'adore les bonnes choses.
Look, buddy, I just set up the Matrix security for the thing. The old boss didn't let me set foot into the vault. He was a little paranoid, you know?

But he was adamant that he wanted me to rig up some really killer IC, so there must be *something* of value in there.		 Arrêtes, mon pote, j'ai juste mis en place la sécurité matricielle pour ce truc. Le vieux boss ne m'a même pas laissé mettre un pied dans le coffre. Il était un peu paranoïaque, tu vois?

Mais il m'a ordonné catégoriquement de mettre en place de la Glace noire - des IC tueuses, alors il doit bien y avoir *quelque chose* de valeur la dedans.
So how about it? You want a crack at that vault, or not? Alors, tu en penses quoi? On pille le coffre , ou pas?
Yeah. Where do I meet you? Okay. On se retrouve où?
No. I don't have time for this. Non. Je n'ai pas le temps pour ça.
Room 505, on the Penthouse floor. Come rendezvous with me here, and I'll take you to the vault. Chambre 505, à l'étage Penthouse. Retrouve moi là-bas, et je te donnerai accès au coffre-fort.
All right. Your loss.

Look, if you change your mind, come meet me in Room 505 on the Penthouse floor.

I'm tellin' you, you don't want to pass up this deal.		 Très bien. Tu as perdu.

Ecoutes, si tu changes d'avis, viens me voir dans la chambre 505, à l'étage Penthouse.

Je vais te dire, tu ne veux pas passer à coté de ce coup là.
Well... no. I mean, I've never actually *seen* what's in the vault. Not personally. Eh bien... non. Je veux dire, je n'ai jamais vraiment *vu* ce qu'il y avait dedans. Pas directement.
As are we all. So, shall we go grab it? Comme nous tous. Donc, on va les récupérer?
You've probably noticed that this building is under new management, right?

And judging by the way you've been tiptoeing around since you showed up, I'm gonna guess that you don't wanna tangle with the new guys any more than I do.		 Tu as probablement remarqué qu'il y a eu une changement de direction dans cet immeuble, non?

Et à la façon dont vous vous déplacez sur la pointe des pieds, je suppose que vous ne voulez pas plus que moi avoir affaire avec les nouveaux patrons.
Yeah, I get that... from what I'm seeing on my monitors, you've had a busy day.

You'll wanna hear me out, all the same. Trust me on this.		 Ouais, je vois ça... de ce que je vois sur mes écrans, tu as eu une grosse journée.

Tu devrais m'écouter quand même. Tu vas aimer, crois moi.
Jolt
Adds +1 AP +1 Intelligence for 3 RNDS.
Jolt: AP +1, Intelligence +1
I have uncovered some terrible information. The team is assembled in the safe house. Please meet with us there when you are able.
No time for talk, fearless leader. The Harfeld estate is unprotected.

We need to press our advantage while we still have it.
But what about the Engineer, and Schattennest?
I'm right there with you. Finish gearing up, and I'll meet you at the van.
You should've acted on that sooner. Vauclair is vulnerable, and it's safe to assume that he knows it. He's probably already scrambling to reinforce his security team... if we miss this window of opportunity, we're screwed.

Keeping the syndicates at bay is important, but this is bigger. Going off-mission now would be a huge tactical mistake.
I'll be there.
{{GM}}Eiger glares at you, and you can taste the bile in her stare. She clearly still blames you for Monika's death.{{/GM}}

Something I can do for you, fearless leader?
We need to talk about Monika.
Yeah. You can apologize for that little outburst that you had in front of Paul and the rest of the team.
You're wrong about me, Eiger. I intend to prove that to you.
Nothing right now, Eiger.
Not right now, we don't.

Don't push me on this, $(l.name). One of these days, we're gonna hash this out, and you can talk all you like about the clusterfuck that killed one of my best friends. But it won't be today.
Fair enough. But before I go, I have something else to say.
All right, Eiger. I get the hint. I'll give you your space.
Spit it out, then. Let's hear it.
You owe me an apology. You had no right to call me out like that in front of the team.
Never mind, Eiger. I'm leaving.
{{GM}}She replies through clenched teeth.{{/GM}}

You want to step away from me, $(l.name). Right now.
No, actually, I don't. Unless you intend to *make* me leave?
It's tempting, $(l.name). It's really fucking tempting.

But no... I won't hurt you. Not unless you give me reason to.
That isn't going to happen. You're wrong about me, Eiger... I intend to prove that to you.
All right, Eiger. I'll give you your space. But this conversation isn't over.
{{GM}}She stares at you for a moment, then looks away.{{/GM}}

Best of luck with that, $(l.name). Now, please...

Leave me alone.
It is for now, fearless leader.

{{GM}}She turns away.{{/GM}}

Do us both a favor. Take the hint and go away.
Not just yet. You still owe me an apology. You had no right to call me out like that in front of the team.
All right, Eiger. But this conversation isn't over.
{{GM}}She turns away.{{/GM}}

Good call.
You're on your own there, fearless leader. I have no idea. I don't even know why you took it in the first place.

We brought down a building to bury this information. Flashing it around after the fact isn't the world's most professional move.
No, actually. I don't. Unless you intend to *make* me leave?
We need to talk about Monika, Eiger.
Not just yet. We need to talk about Monika.
You're wrong about me. I intend to prove that to you.
Not just yet. There's something else that I want to say.
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} As you wish.
All right. But make it quick.
It is for now, fearless leader.

Get the hell out of my sight.
All right, Eiger. I'll leave you be.
{{GM}}Eiger turns to face you. There is a pained look on her face.{{/GM}}

Look... I owe you an apology.
Oh, is that so?
Damn right you do.
Yeah. It is.

When Monika died, I was pissed. That probably doesn't come as a huge surprise. But I took that anger out on you, and I shouldn't have.
Seeing Winters' body like that was enough to convince me. You couldn't have done anything to help Monika... and I couldn't have, either.

We're dealing with something new.
Monika was a good friend of mine. Her death hurt. I got carried away, and I said some things that I shouldn't have.

I want to apologize for that.
{{GM}}Her body relaxes. She begins to turn away.{{/GM}}

Anyway. That's all that I wanted to say.
There are a few things that I want to say.
{{GM}}She stops, and turns back to face you. You can see the wariness behind her eyes.{{/GM}}

Go ahead. Nobody’s stopping you.
I accept your apology. But if you ever insult me in front of the team again, you’re going to regret it. That’s a promise.
That weak-ass apology changes nothing. Your behavior after Monika’s death was inexcusable.
You’re a valued member of this team, Eiger. We need you now more than ever. I’m glad that you’re on my side.
{{GM}}She nods appreciatively.{{/GM}}

Some backbone. That’s good to see.
Don’t worry, $(l.name). I won’t question your competence again… not in front of the others, at least.

But I won’t lie. I still have concerns about you.
That’s your prerogative. But don’t forget who leads this team.
To hell with your concerns. I have nothing to prove to you.
What kind of concerns?
You’re right. I was out of line. And I won’t question your competence again… not in front of the others, at least.

But I won’t lie. I still have concerns about you.
Don’t worry. I won’t.

{{GM}}She turns away.{{/GM}}

You should go, fearless leader. I’ve got prep work to do for our next run, and you’ve got more important things to do than watch me pack my gear.
Don’t get carried away, fearless leader. You still have a whole hell of a lot to prove. And I’ll be watching to make sure that you do.
{{GM}}She turns away.{{/GM}}

You should go. I’ve got prep work to do for our next run.
Basic ones. I don’t want to see history repeat itself.
Make up your mind, Eiger. You just said that you don’t blame me for Monika’s death.
You won't. This team is going to succeed, with or without you.
What history are you talking about?
I don’t. That’s not the history I was talking about.

{{GM}}She turns away.{{/GM}}

You should go, fearless leader. I’ve got prep work to do for our next run, and you’ve got more important things to do than watch me pack my gear.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

You've got the right attitude. Maybe my concerns are misplaced. Or maybe you're just telling me what I want to hear.

Only time will tell.
{{GM}}She turns away.{{/GM}}

You should go, fearless leader. I’ve got prep work to do for our next run, and you’ve got more important things to do than watch me pack my gear.
I'd rather not go into it, fearless leader.

Let's just say that I've had bad luck with underexperienced teammates, and leave it at that.
{{GM}}She raises a hand to stop you. The expression on her face has gone from cautious to annoyed.{{/GM}}

Cut the bullshit, fearless leader. I don’t respond well to flattery.
I wasn’t trying to flatter you, Eiger. I only wanted to tell you how--
Forget it, then.
How wonderful and valuable I am. Yeah, I got that part. And now that you’ve given me a pat on the head, I suppose that you expect me to fall in line like a good little soldier.
Y’know, there’s nothing easier - or more hollow - than an empty compliment.

It’s cheap manipulation, and I can always see right through it.
{{GM}}She turns away.{{/GM}}

You should go. I’ve got prep work to do for our next run, and you've got more important things to do than watch me pack my gear.
Yeah. I will.

{{GM}}She shakes her head in disgust.{{/GM}}

You should go. I’ve got prep work to do for our next run, and you've got more important things to do than watch me pack my gear.
Angry, huh? Well, that's okay.

You've got a right to be.
When Monika died, I was pissed. That probably doesn't come as a huge surprise. But I took that anger out on you, and I shouldn't have.
As you approach, Eiger turns to face you. Her rifle has been field-stripped and is lying in pieces on a sheet of butcher paper.

Arranged in a neat row along the edge of the paper are bottles of copper solvent, bore cleaner, and lighter fluid.
Our fearless leader returns. What do you need?
Are we good now, Eiger?
You said that you had "concerns" about me. I'd like you to voice them.
You said that you "didn't want to see history repeat itself." What exactly did you mean by that?
I'd like to hear about your time in the KSK.
I'd like to hear more about your time in the KSK.
Thanks, Eiger.
No more questions. Thank you, Eiger.
Depends on what you mean when you say “good.” I won’t question your competence again… not in front of the others, at least.

But I’m not gonna lie. I still have concerns about you, $(l.name).
The feeling's mutual.
As long as those concerns remain between you and me, we'll be fine.
Make up your mind, Eiger. You said that you don’t blame me for Monika’s death.
I don’t. That’s not the history I was talking about.

And before you ask... no. I don't feel like going into it.
So was there something else that you wanted to talk about? Or can I get back to cleaning my rifle?
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

That's fair. I've given you reason to be concerned.

In fact, it'd be foolish of you not to be.
For what it's worth, you have no reason to worry about my professionalism. My job is to support you and the rest of this team, and that's exactly what I'm gonna do.

As long as you hold up your end, everything should work out just fine.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

No need to worry, $(l.name). My job is to support you and the rest of this team, and that's exactly what I'm gonna do.

As long as you hold up your end, everything should work out just fine.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

All right. If that's what you want.
You're green, $(l.name). Too green to lead this team. That's my professional assessment, and yeah, I'm concerned about the situation.

You can alleviate those concerns by doing your job, and doing it well. The only thing that'll fix this is time.
I'm not gonna let history repeat itself, $(l.name). That won't happen on my watch.
Eiger. I thought that we were past this. You said that you don't blame me for Monika's death.
Worry all you want. This team is going to succeed, with or without you.
I don’t. That’s not the history I was talking about.

Let's just say that I've had bad luck with underexperienced teammates, and leave it at that.
Let's just say that I've had bad luck with underexperienced teammates, and leave it at that.
I'd rather not go into it. I wasn't talking about Monika, if that's what you're thinking.

Let's just say that I've had bad luck with underexperienced teammates, and leave it at that.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

No. I'm not in the habit of sharing war stories, $(l.name).

Not with people who've never served.
What, you think that I wouldn't understand?
It doesn't have to be a war story. I just want a better idea of who I'm running with.
No, it isn't that. You've been under fire before... you'd get it.

But I don't share war stories with civilians. You may be a shadowrunner, but you were never a soldier.
{{GM}}She looks you in the eye for a moment, evaluating. Finally, she shrugs.{{/GM}}

All right, $(l.name). You win.
I owe *everything* to my time in the KSK. From my street name on down.

So. You tell me what you want to know, and we'll see where this goes.
Tell me how you got your street name.
Tell me about your team.
Who was in command?
What happened to the team?
I've changed my mind. Let's just drop it.
Back when I was in basic training, a fellow recruit made a vulgar joke at my expense. He said that I reminded him of the north face of the Eiger, in the Bernese Alps. "Huge, and beautiful, but dangerous to climb."

His tone left little doubt as to what sort of "climbing" he had in mind.
I think that he was trying to proposition me, in his clumsy way. Poking me in front of the other recruits to try to provoke a reaction.

{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Anyway, he got one. I broke three of his ribs, and the name stuck.
Served him right.
Remind me not to proposition you.
So you overreacted, then. As usual.
{{GM}}Eiger regards you with a critical eye.{{/GM}}

You might actually mean that. But then, you may just be trying to get on my good side.
Anyone who’d use a line that bad deserves to get smacked around a little.
Don’t flatter yourself. I couldn’t care less whether you like me or not.
Well, I have to admit… your reaction does sound a bit extreme.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

For once, we’re in complete agreement. But there was more to it than that.
As soon as that idiot made his little joke, it was a foregone conclusion that I was getting saddled with the nickname "Eiger."

My only choice in the matter was whether it happened under his terms, or under mine.
If I hadn’t broken that twit’s ribs, the name “Eiger” would’ve meant “a difficult sexual conquest” to a whole barracks full of recruits.

That’s what I would’ve been to them, from that point on. My own accomplishments be damned.
Thanks to what I did, my new name meant “the troll who doesn’t take shit from anyone” instead. It's a name I'm *proud* to go by.

And I've hung onto it ever since.
{{GM}}Eiger pauses for a moment, then looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

A word of advice to you, $(l.name). If anyone ever puts you in the position that he put me in - if he demeans you in front of your unit, *whatever* his intent - the appropriate response is to put that person down.

Hard.
Out in the field, nothing will kill you faster than losing the respect of your team.
By that logic, I should’ve broken your ribs after Monika died.
That’s good advice anywhere… out in the field, or here in the shadows.
In your place? I would have.
{{GM}}She looks you up and down, appraising you.{{/GM}}

Not that you’d’ve succeeded if you tried. But in terms of saving face, it would’ve done wonders.
In all seriousness, $(l.name)... I’m sorry that I put you in that position.

I shouldn’t have, and I acknowledge that.
{{GM}}She straightens.{{/GM}}

Need anything else? Or can I get back to prepping for our next run?
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

By the way, $(l.name)... I am aware that it's more than a little ironic for me to be telling you this.

After Monika's death, if you were the one who was dressing me down in front of Amsel and the rest...
...Well, anyway. I don't want to dwell on it.

I just want to say that I'm sorry for putting you in that position.
{{GM}}She straightens. Clears her throat.{{/GM}}

Anyway. You need anything else? Or can I get back to prepping for our next run?
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Good. That’s the right attitude. But be careful not to take it too far… you may not need your team’s approval, but you *do* need its respect.

Out in the field, nothing will kill you faster than losing the respect of your team.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

My reaction wasn't "extreme." It was *necessary.*
{{GM}}A frown crosses her face.{{/GM}}

Either you’re trying to be cute, or you’ve completely missed the point.

Neither would surprise me.
I didn’t break his ribs because he propositioned me, $(l.name). I’m not a goddamned savage.

I put that recruit down because he *demeaned* me. And he did it in front of our peers.
And so you got angry, and you attacked him. That about right?
I'll cry you a river. You overreacted, Eiger.
Calm down, Eiger. I was just joking.
Yeah. It is. And I had a *damned* good reason to be angry.

If you can’t see that, you’re even more clueless than I thought.
One way or another, I was getting saddled with the name “Eiger.” As soon as that idiot made his little joke, it was a foregone conclusion.

My only choice in the matter was whether it happened under his terms, or under mine.
If I hadn’t broken that twit’s ribs, the name “Eiger” would’ve meant “a difficult sexual conquest” to a whole barracks full of recruits. That’s what I would’ve been to them, from that point on.

Thanks to what I did, my new name meant “the troll who doesn’t take shit from anyone” instead.
Tell me, $(l.name): which would *you* rather be?
The second one. I’m sorry, Eiger… you did the right thing.
Honestly? It wouldn't matter to me either way.
Damn right I did.

Out in the field, nothing will kill you faster than losing the respect of your team. I’d remember that if I were you.
Y'know, Eiger... by that logic, I should've broken your ribs after Monika died.
Then you're a fool.

Out in the field, nothing will kill you faster than losing the respect of your team. I’d remember that if I were you.
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment before continuing.{{/GM}}

By the way, $(l.name)... I am aware that it's more than a little ironic for me to be telling you this.

After Monika's death, if you were the one who was dressing me down in front of Amsel and the rest...
No. I didn't. What I did was *necessary,* given the situation.

If you can’t see that, you’re even more clueless than I thought.
Funny. That's exactly what that recruit said as he was being dragged off to the medic's tent. "It was just a joke! I didn't mean anything by it!"

I was never reprimanded by the top brass, though. They knew what I knew: whatever that recruit's intent, he put me in a situation that *required* a response.
I don't see how.
Okay. I stand corrected.
Then listen up. You might learn something.
You might mean that. Or you could just be trying to de-escalate the situation.

You tell me, fearless leader. You wanna hear why I did what I did? Or would you rather I just drop it? Because there are plenty of other things that I could be doing right now.
Go ahead. Tell me.
Honestly? I'm done with this.
All right. I will.
Now. Was that enough for you? Because if it was, I've got things to do.
{{GM}}She shakes her head at you.{{/GM}}

That's about how I expected you to respond. But it's disappointing, all the same.

I didn't overreact, fearless leader. What I did was *necessary.* That's true, whether you can see it or not.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Fair enough. I guess that you've earned it.
There were eight of us. Two commando squads, working together as a single unit.

Schmidt and Lange were combat deckers. Wolff was our rigger and combat engineer. Fischer handled demolitions, Braun was a medic, and the rest of us - Metzger, Krüger and myself - were weapons experts.
Our mission was extraterritorial... technically illegal. But important enough to justify the risk.

We'd been sent across the border, into Poland. The Russian mafia had set up a cottage industry in human trafficking all along the Oder-Neisse line, and it was our job to disrupt it.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Security{{/CC}} That sounds more like a police action than a military operation. Wouldn't the GSG usually handle that kind of thing?
Typically, yes. But in recent years, the Russian mob has become more and more heavily militarized. The brass decided that they posed enough danger to the region to qualify as a terrorist threat, and that brought them under our purview.
Anyway, we were a good team. Experienced. We went through a lot together, and we chalked up a lot of kills.

In our own way, I'd like to think that we did some good.
We were a good team. Experienced. We went through a lot together, and we chalked up a lot of kills.

In our own way, I'd like to think that we did some good.
Metzger. Best leader I've ever had the pleasure of serving under.

{{GM}}Her face clouds.{{/GM}}

He was a hell of a man.
But he went down with the rest of the team.

Everyone but me.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

No. No, that's one story that I won't be telling.

They died. That's all that you need to know.
{{GM}}She sighs.{{/GM}}

All right, fearless leader. Ask away.
Afraid not.

If it's a Berlin thing, you might be better off talking to one of the others. They've all been here longer than I have.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

It was a nice change of pace. A simple job with a straightforward objective.
At the end of the day, the whole thing was pretty by-the-numbers. The rigger died, we got paid, and everyone went home happy.

That's a win in my book.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

It's a pity that you completely botched it.
I'm not happy with the hit that our reputation took. You shouldn't be, either. We *need* our clients, and we can't afford to get blacklisted.

But at least you did the right thing in the end.
I'm not gonna lie, $(l.name). This one is gonna stick with me for a while.

What they did to that troll was *sick.*
I understand *why* you went off-mission and handed the MKVI over to the Lodge. It was the wrong call, though.

We shouldn't be double-crossing our clients. We're better than that.
This is probably gonna surprise you... but I'm happy that the MKVI is dead.

Yeah, Herr Schmidt was pissed. And sure, our reputation got dinged. Neither of those are good things. But I'll take them over being a part of what they were doing to that troll any day.

Walking out of a run with a clean conscience is a rare pleasure. Savor it while you can.
On paper, you did everything right. We did our job to the letter, the client got paid, and everyone went home happy.

But between you and me, I wish that we could've put that poor creature down. The MKVI was a real live person once, just like you and me... and we handed him over to Herr Schmidt like a piece of merchandise.

This one's going to sit with me for a while.
That complex needed to be buried. What they were working on in there... it was an atrocity, $(l.name).

I'm glad that we were able to put a stop to it.
Saving the clones was a bold move. It would've been easier to leave them where they were and consider them collateral damage.

{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

But it was the right choice, $(l.name).
It's too bad that we couldn't have saved any of the clones that they were working on... poor things. They were the ultimate victims in all of this.

Oh well. We got the job done. And at the end of the day, that's what matters most.
After all of the moral ambiguity that we've been wading through, hitting Humanis was *incredibly* satisfying. What they had planned... it makes my blood boil just thinking about it.
It's too bad about Dietrich's nephew. I feel for the old guy.

But between you and me, $(l.name)... I'm not sure how much sympathy I can muster for the kid. In my eyes, anyone who'd join an organization like Humanis - *whatever* the reason - deserves to be put into the ground.
Alexander may've been young, but he wasn't a child. If he were six or seven, I might feel differently. But he was old enough to know that what he was doing was wrong, and he did it anyway.

Actions have consequences. And that's all I have to say.
The thought of Stahl lying dead on the ground brings a smile to my face. I hope that he enjoys rotting in Hell.
I still wish that I could've put a bullet in Stahl's spine. But if the fallout from tonight's run is as far-reaching as I think it's gonna be, he's probably going to wind up wishing that he were dead, and that's almost as satisfying.
Nothing we haven't already talked about.
{{GM}}She turns back to the disassembled components of her rifle.{{/GM}}

Sure thing, fearless leader. Good talk.
{{GM}}Eiger offers you a shallow nod.{{/GM}}

$(l.name).
Do you trust me, Eiger?
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, considering. Finally, she nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Yeah, I do.

You've earned that much.
I haven't always agreed with your decisions, $(l.name). But you've proven your competence.

It's only fair for me to acknowledge it.
Then tell me what happened to your team.
Good to know. Thank you.
This again? Why do you even care, $(l.name)?
Because it's pretty clear that if you had your way, you'd still be with them. And a good leader places a priority on knowing $(s.hisher) team.
Does it matter? I'm your team leader, and I'm asking you a question. I'd like you to answer it.
I guess that I don't. Never mind.
{{GM}}She slowly nods.{{/GM}}

All right. I'll tell you.

I suppose that you deserve to know.
What happened to us was Hoffmann.

He was a rookie... the kid of some big-money corporate exec. He looked good on paper, and he made it through KSK training, so he was technically qualified to join a team.

But he was *way* too green to fit in with ours.
Still, he wanted to be a hero, and his family had enough clout to get him an assignment of his choosing.

I don't know how many strings Hoffmann's daddy had to pull to get him assigned to our team, but he pulled them. Hoffmann became our ninth squadmate, despite Metzger's objections.
Anyway. Flash forward a few weeks. We were closing in on one of the Russian mob's major trafficking operations.

They'd been using a series of warehouses fifty miles from the border as a staging area for their convoys.
Women and girls from Eastern Europe were being housed there. When the convoys came, they'd be crammed into cargo containers and hauled across the border into Germany.

Go to any brothel along the border, and have a look around. Chances are, you'll find at least a few girls who spent some time in those warehouses.
Slovakians, Hungarians, Poles... you name it. The mob has been smuggling them over for decades.

But we were in a position to derail their operation, and we weren't going to let our new addition slow us down.
We hit them by surprise, and we hit them hard.

Fischer and Braun managed to take down the Banshee that they had patrolling the site. Wolff had reconnaissance drones overhead providing BattleTac feeds to the rest of us, and we picked off their gunmen one by one.
They had numbers on us, but they didn't know where to hit us. We had eyes in the sky, and we had cover and concealment. Every time they thought they had a fix on us, we'd shift positions and hit them again.

They might as well have been fighting ghosts.
Then Hoffmann broke cover and gave away our position.

And after that, all hell broke loose.
Wolff went down first. The sound of it will haunt me for the rest of my days... an explosion, a choked scream, and then this long, drawn-out gurgling sound.

When he died, his drones went down with him, and there were too many hostiles to track without them.
I'll spare you the gory details, $(l.name). Suffice it to say that my team was wiped out.

{{GM}}Eiger's face clouds again. You can see the tears beginning to well in her eyes.{{/GM}}

I watched Metzger die.
{{GM}}With a visible effort, she clamps down on her emotions and calms herself. When she speaks again, her voice is flat.{{/GM}}

I took three rounds myself. Had to drag myself back across the Oder-Neisse line into Germany.

I almost died.
So that's the story. My KSK career died with the rest of the team... our mission was illegal, after all. Off the books.

There was no going back for me, so I wound up here.
{{GM}}She looks you in the eye. Her tone is impassive.{{/GM}}

Did that tell you everything you wanted to know, fearless leader? Are you satisfied now?
Yes. Thank you, Eiger.
So. Tell me.

What's your takeaway from my tale of woe? I figure that you've got to have one.
When Monika died, you blamed me because I was new to the team. But I'm not Hoffmann, Eiger.
You're hung up on the past, Eiger. If you want to survive in the shadows, you'll need to get over it.
It doesn't matter what I think. What you think - and how you act on it - is what's important.
Yeah.

{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

I know that.
And you are right... to a point. I might've judged you too harshly because of Hoffmann.

But everything else that I said was justified.
Giving you command of this team was a hasty decision, made for the wrong reasons. I stand by that assessment.

But between then and now, I've been watching you like a hawk. And you've *grown,* $(l.name).
You weren't the right choice to lead before. I still believe that.

But you are now.
Thanks, Eiger. Good talk.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Until next time.
{{GM}}She pauses to consider.{{/GM}}

Interesting. And probably fair, at least in part.

But you don't need to worry about my continued survival. I'll get along just fine, in the shadows or anywhere else.
You might be thinking that I judged you too harshly in the beginning because of Hoffmann. You'd be right on that count... I probably did.

But everything else that I said after Monika died was justified, whether you want to believe it or not.
{{GM}}She pauses to consider.{{/GM}}

Normally, I'd call that a cop-out answer. But I guess that there's some truth to it.

In any case, you don't need to worry about me, fearless leader. My baggage isn't gonna hurt my job performance or anything.
{{GM}}She rolls her eyes.{{/GM}}

All right. Well, was there anything else? Or are you just here to waste my time?
Yeah. Anytime.
{{GM}}Eiger glares at you.{{/GM}}

What the hell do you want?
{{GM}}Eiger eyes you warily. Her expression is guarded.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). You need something?
We should talk about what happened with the Engineer.
Talk to me, Eiger. If something's put you on edge, I want to know what it is.
I've reconsidered what I said earlier. I think that we should deal with the Engineer.
I think that we should talk about what APEX said.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Agreed. I'm ready to go over it if you are.
So, the Engineer was working for a secret society. I wasn't expecting that.
We found some evidence to suggest that it was the Lobatchevski Syndicate, but nothing concrete. That worries me.
I'm all ears. How did it go?
Neither was I.

{{GM}}She frowns.{{/GM}}

A part of me is still having trouble believing it. But it's true... Yuli wasn't lying. I could see it in his eyes.
Have you been able to do any digging on Winternight?
When I left that room to search for clues, the Engineer told you something. Something that pushed you over the edge.
Have you had a chance to play with that rifle that we got from the Engineer's stash?
You said that you thought you could reverse engineer that pulse grenade that you pulled from the Engineer. Any luck with that?
That's all, Eiger. Thanks for the talk.
No. There just isn't much reliable information out there.

Whoever these guys are, they're very good at information control. None of my contacts could find anything but rumor and conjecture, and most of that is too crazy to even consider.
How crazy are we talking, here?
Maybe they're not that much of a threat. A small-time operation wouldn't get much press, either.
Just because it sounds nuts, that doesn't mean it isn't true. This world has more than enough crazy to go around.
Completely insane. Stories about magical nukes and the end of the world. Fenris shamans. Ragnarok. That kind of thing.

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

Like I said - nuts.
There are a lot of crazy things going on in this world. That doesn't mean they're not real.
Maybe they're running a disinformation campaign. Planting strange rumors to create plausible deniability.
{{GM}}She nods slowly.{{/GM}}

Yes, there are, and no, it doesn't. But this... this is just too far out for me to accept.

It's far more likely that they released these stories themselves to throw people off of whatever they're really doing.
Anyway. We stopped 'em cold in Schattennest.

Whatever their business is... whatever was going to be in those crates that the Engineer was having shipped there... it isn't our problem any more.

The Kreuzbasar is safe. On that front, at least.
Yeah, it is. And we've got you to thank for that.
Chin up, fearless leader. We did good back there.

Besides which, we still have a dragon to worry about.
And you... don't downplay what you did back there.

Anyway, we shouldn't let it go to our heads. We still have a dragon to worry about.
That's what I was thinking, yeah. Corporations and governments do it all the time - why not these guys?
Maybe. But then, a small-time operation couldn't afford to hire the Engineer. He wouldn't even talk to an organization that couldn't pay top dollar for his services.
Maybe they tricked him into popping one of those "God chips"? Got him addicted without ever offering him any money?
Well, maybe they're rich, but small-time. They wouldn't be the only organization like that I'd ever heard of.
{{GM}}She frowns.{{/GM}}

It's possible, I suppose, but I doubt it. Yuli was a bastard, but he was a careful bastard.

Anyway, we stopped them, whatever they're up to.
Just out of curiosity, when you say the rumors about Winternight are crazy, how crazy are we talking?
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Yeah, could be. Anyway, we stopped them at Schattennest, and that's all that matters to me.

Whatever their business is... whatever was going to be in those crates that the Engineer was going to have shipped here... it isn't our problem any more.
No, it isn't. And we've got you to thank for that.
True. But what I've been hearing about Winternight is straight-up mental. We're talking stories about magical nukes and the end of the world. Fenris shamans. Ragnarok. That kind of thing.

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

Like I said - nuts.
Yeah, and the most powerful corporation in the world is run by a dragon. Like I said, crazy things happen.
Fair point. But this... this is just too far out there for me to accept.

It's far more likely that they released these stories themselves to throw people off of whatever they're really doing.
{{GM}}Her eyes narrow.{{/GM}}

That son of a bitch said a lot of things. What of it?
What do you think? I want to know what he told you.
You knew that we needed him, but you beat him badly. I'm worried about that lapse of control.
Oh, nothing. I just wanted to thank you for knocking him down a peg.
With all due respect, that's none of your business, $(l.name).
Isn't it? You beat the tar out of that man because of what he told you. As your team leader, I need to know why that happened.
I don't want to fight you on this, Eiger. If this is too personal for you, we can drop it.
{{GM}}It takes her a long time to respond. When she does, her voice carries a tone of resignation.{{/GM}}

You really want to know?

All right, fine. I'll tell you.
He told me about a bunch of Polish towns that my unit swept for Syndicate activity.

He told me how the mob poured back in right after we left, and what they did to the people who'd accepted our help.
He told me about the beatings. The rapes. The killing rooms, and the torture, and worse.

He relished in describing it - the relentless, hideous barbarism of it all. All meant to teach some sort of lesson.

I think that's the cruelest part of this entire story. Those people, they didn't *need* a lesson in how terrible life can be. They live with that every day.
Yuli seemed to find all of this hilarious.

Yeah, I know that he was pushing my buttons on purpose. And yeah, I know that he was trying to make me lose control. But the hell with it - he deserved a good beating.
Yuli didn't pull any punches, so *I* didn't pull any punches.

And if you have a problem with that, you can go and get fucked.
Cool down, Eiger. We're both on the same side here.
Watch your tone. I'm still your team leader - show some respect.
My problem isn't with Yuli getting punished. It's with the fact that you let him play you.
I know. Sorry. I guess I'm still a little on edge about this... which is exactly what Yuli wanted, of course.

{{GM}}She grits her teeth.{{/GM}}

I just can't help thinking, what if he *wasn't* playing me? What if those things *did* happen?
{{GM}}She grits her teeth.{{/GM}}

You're right, I was out of line. I shouldn't be taking this out on you.
I guess I'm still a little on edge about all of this... which is exactly what Yuli wanted, of course.

I just can't help thinking, what if he was telling the truth? What if those things *did* happen?
Maybe. But I can't ignore the possibility that he *wasn't* playing me. That these things *did* happen.

{{GM}}She grits her teeth.{{/GM}}

That'd be a bitter pill to swallow, $(l.name).
If I leave things where they stand, there'll always be some hope that he was lying. But if I dig into this and find that he was telling the truth... if I find out that none of what we did *meant* anything...
Even if he was telling the truth, that doesn't invalidate what your unit was doing over there.
We need your full attention for what's coming. I can't have you beating yourself up over the past.
You can't just leave it like this - a question mark. I know you, Eiger. You're too strong to run from the truth.
Doesn't it? Our actions might have drawn attention to those people. Made them targets.
They were already targets. You need to quit beating yourself up over this, Eiger - it isn't like you.
You and your team were doing good over there. Whatever the Mafia did afterward is on them, not you.
Maybe so. But it wasn't your decision - you were on a mission, remember?
{{GM}}She gives you a brusque nod.{{/GM}}

You're right. It isn't. No more moping about - I promise. And I *will* look into this, $(l.name).

Wherever this trail leads me, I'll follow it, and I won't stop until I find the truth.
I'm willing to help you see this through if you want the help.
Good to hear. For a second there, I thought you'd gone soft on me.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

Thanks, but no. Not now, at least.

At some point, after we're done with what we're doing, I'll look into this. I'll get to the truth, whatever it might be. But I'm not going to do it today.
Putting this off isn't going to make it any easier.
Sounds like your priorities are in the right place.
When you are ready to start looking, you can call on me for help. I've got your back, Eiger.
We still have a situation to deal with, remember? Vauclair and the Firewing?

Stopping the Engineer was worth doing. It was a distraction from our mission, but these things happen. On the other hand, this... this personal history bullshit... it can wait.
Now, let's change tack. Is there anything else from the run that you'd like to go over?

{{GM}}She folds her arms across her chest.{{/GM}}

If you have any thoughts, I want to hear them.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

I'd like to think so.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

I know it. And I'm glad.
{{GM}}She scoffs at you.{{/GM}}

Me? Go soft? Not on your life, fearless leader.

After we've dealt with our current predicament, I'll dig as deep as I need to to get to the bottom of this. For now, though, we should get back on task.
You don't need to worry about me, $(l.name). I've never let my own baggage blow a run before, and I'm not about to start now.
At some point, after we're done with what we're doing, I'll look into this. I'll get to the truth, whatever it might be.

{{GM}}She looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

But I'm not going to do it today.
I'm not running from anything, fearless leader. I'm going to look into this, wherever it leads me.

{{GM}}She looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

But I'm not going to do it today.
{{GM}}She nods slowly.{{/GM}}

Yeah.

Yeah, that'd be best.
So is there something else that you wanted to talk about? If so... if you have any other concerns... then voice them.
You don't need to be. There's nothing wrong with my self-control.

I made a *choice* to unload on Yuli because he was a murderous asshole. I knew how much pressure to apply, which bones to break, and which ones to leave alone. And I did all of those things.
But why? What did he tell you to push you to that point?
{{GM}}Shrug.{{/GM}} Fair enough. I'm not questioning your professionalism, Eiger... as your team leader, I was concerned. If you say that I have no reason to worry, then I won't.
Good. And thanks.

Now, is there anything else that you'd like to talk about?
{{GM}}Her lip curls into a smirk.{{/GM}}

He did need it, didn't he?

You're welcome, fearless leader. It was my pleasure.
I don't have a follow-up. Just expressing my appreciation.
...Say, just out of curiosity, what was it that he said to you, anyway?
{{GM}}She blinks.{{/GM}}

Uh. Well, okay... thank you, $(l.name).

Was there something else that you wanted to ask about?
{{GM}}The smirk falls away from her face. She sighs.{{/GM}}

Yeah, I saw that coming. But with all due respect, it's none of your business, fearless leader.
Yeah. It's a beautiful piece of engineering. Shoots straight, has good stopping power, holds a big magazine.

{{GM}}She nods appreciatively.{{/GM}}

A really nice gun.
You mentioned a bunch of after-market mods when we found it. Have you figured out what they do yet?
Just one. It can tag a chambered round with an RF transmitter. After the round hits a target, the transmitter pings on a designated channel, broadcasting the target's exact location to anyone listening in.
In layman's terms, you can use this thing to mark a target. There's cyberware that does the same thing, and deckers do it all the time. But this is the first time I've seen this kind of functionality on a rifle.
Not bad... not bad at all.
I was hoping for something with a little more punch.
Agreed. I've been reluctant to cart an AR along with me up until now... in my opinion, the added midrange stopping power didn't justify the trouble of carrying another big, bulky weapon into the field.

Being a walking arsenal is fine and good, but it's also noisy and cumbersome, and those are two things that every sniper tries to avoid.
{{GM}}She pats the Engineer's rifle.{{/GM}}

This thing, though... this adds enough utility that I think it's worth the extra weight. I'll find a way to make it work.
If you want punch, I'll still have my sniper rifle. Or my shotgun, if I'm at close range. What this thing brings to the table is utility.

Things that go boom are fine and good, but they aren't appropriate for every situation.
Anyway, enough talk. You'll see for yourself what this thing can do when I bring it into the field.

{{GM}}She slings the rifle over her shoulder.{{/GM}}

Now, was there anything else?
Yeah, actually. It wasn't too difficult to pull the thing apart and see what made it tick.

{{GM}}She smiles.{{/GM}}

Making one of my own was a different story, but I got it in the end.
She reaches into her desk and grabs a cylindrical object. Gently, she lifts it up and hands it to you.
Meet the newest addition to my arsenal. I call it the "voltaic grenade."

It's based on the same principles as the Russian pulse grenade, but with a few tweaks of my own.
Nice. You said that these things were designed for crowd control?
What sort of tweaks are we talking about?
Originally, yeah. Mine has a lot more bite, though... I bumped up the amperage quite a bit.

When that thing goes off, it'll both shut down the nervous system and cook the organs of anyone in its blast radius.
{{GM}}Hand back the grenade.{{/GM}} Sounds nasty.
{{GM}}She nods, and tucks the weapon back into her desk.{{/GM}}

It is. You wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of one of these.
For now, I've only managed to make one voltaic grenade... they aren't the easiest things in the world to manufacture, or the cheapest.

{{GM}}She nods thoughtfully.{{/GM}}

...But I should be able to scrounge up enough raw materials to put a new one together between each run.
Sounds good to me. Can we talk about something else?
So you'll only have one per run?
Well, that's better than nothing, I suppose.
That's right, fearless leader. But if used in the right situation, that one could turn the tide of an otherwise unwinnable firefight.
Hey, I'll take it. Can we talk about something else?
I don't have anywhere to be. If you have questions, ask away.
A hell of a lot better than nothing. If used in the right situation, one of the things could turn the tide of an otherwise unwinnable firefight.

That's nothing to scoff at, $(l.name).
Mine has a lot more bite than the original. I bumped up the amperage quite a bit.

When that thing goes off, it'll both shut down the nervous system and cook the organs of anyone in its blast radius.
Thank you, fearless leader. Both for the chat, and for the assist on the run.

Is there anything else that you wanted to talk about?
Yeah.

{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

I'm worried, too.
Have you been able to do any digging since we got back? I need to know that we made the right decision back there.
I've been keeping my ears open. Haven't heard anything definite yet, though.

Now, based on what we found in that warehouse, I do think the Lobatchevskis are the *most* likely suspects in this. Yuli'd worked with them before, and I could see them trying to roll over Schattennest. Use Occam's razor - it's probably them.
You're right. We've got too much to worry about already... second guessing ourselves isn't going to help.
Yes, but it's also possible that we had Bannik publicize a bunch of false information. We didn't find any definite proof.
{{GM}}She crosses her arms over her chest and nods.{{/GM}}

My thoughts exactly. And if it turns out that we were wrong, well... we'll just have to burn that bridge when we get there. We can't do anything about it now.
In my experience, you usually don't. You work with the intel that you have, and make the best decisions that you can in the moment.

It's easy to fall into the trap of second-guessing ourselves, but we shouldn't let it consume us. We have other things to worry about.
You're right. We need to focus on what's ahead of us.
Yeah, I get that. I'm still worried, though.
{{GM}}She crosses her arms over her chest and nods.{{/GM}}

Glad to hear that we're on the same page.
Of course you are. The stakes are so high that it'd be strange if you weren't.

But if it makes *you* feel any better, know that we did the best that we could with what we had. And if it turns out that we were wrong, well... we'll just have to burn that bridge when we get there. We can't do anything about it now.
Now, is there something else that you wanted to ask me about the run? If you have any other concerns, I want to hear them.
Well enough. The Engineer is dead, and I found out who he was working for.
Don't leave me in suspense. Who was it?
The Lobatchevski Syndicate. They're a branch of the Russian mob that's based out of Scandinavia... the Engineer had a long and storied career of working with them, so it fits.

Based on what I found, I'd say that there's an 85-90% chance that they're the ones who were paying his bills. Good enough odds to roll the dice on, certainly.
So you're not completely sure?
I'll put it to you another way: is Schattennest safe? Can we stop worrying about this?
No, I'm not. But I'm close enough to move forward with what I did find.
Isn't that... I don't know... reckless?
Fair enough. If the job is done to your satisfaction, that's good enough for me.
{{GM}}She sighs.{{/GM}}

It'd be lovely if there were ironclad proof just lying around to tie the Engineer to the Lobatchevskis, but it usually doesn't work that way. You work with the intel you have, and you make the best decisions that you can using that intel.

I won't second-guess myself unless something comes up to make me question my conclusions.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Good. And, $(l.name)... thank you for trusting my assessment about the need for this mission. It *was* important, I promise you that.
If it weren't, you wouldn't have brought it up. We haven't always seen eye to eye, Eiger, but I have learned to trust your judgment in the field.
Don't worry about it. I wasn't planning to bring you along on our last run anyway.
I have no way of confirming that, but I'll take your word for it.
And I've learned to trust yours.

Now, is there anything else that you want to talk about? If so, go ahead and ask - I'm all ears.
{{GM}}She rolls her eyes.{{/GM}}

Your honesty is appreciated, fearless leader. Your tact could use some work, though.

Now, is there anything else that you want to talk about?
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Good. And don't worry, I'll keep my ears open... if anything else comes up, I'll let you know.

Now, is there anything else that you want to talk about?
Yeah, fearless leader.

For now, I think we can.
So, is there something else that you wanted to talk about? Don't leave me in suspense.
There is a long pause.

Finally, she turns her PDA so that you can look at the screen.
This.

{{GM}}The image that greets you is a holopic of a rail-thin ork with jet-black hair.{{/GM}}
Who am I looking at?
His name is Yuli Kozlov, but he's better known by his handle, "the Engineer."

He's a mercenary. Ex-Spetsnaz. One of the best in his field.

I ran up against him in my KSK days.
Tell me more.
Why is this important?
His specialties are social engineering and wetwork.

In practice, he spends most of his time paving the way for organized crime syndicates to seize new territory.
He sets up bribes, takes out key members of the opposition, and forges alliances with existing street gangs. All of the groundwork that a syndicate needs.

He's extremely bad news, $(l.name). And my contact spotted him in Schattennest.
That's a little too close to the Kreuzbasar for comfort.
Why should we care? I've been to Schattennest. It's a dump.
Schattennest. Isn't that where we're supposed to go for the Beckenbauer job?
Schattennest?
Exactly. I've seen what the Engineer can do up close... my KSK unit tracked him a few years ago. I had him in the sights of my rifle, but I was ordered to hold fire - we couldn't afford to give away our position.

To this day, I regret obeying that order. I *saw* what happened to the town that he was softening up after the syndicate moved in.
$(l.name)... I have to stop him, before it's too late. What happened to that town... it can't be allowed to happen again in Schattennest.
Why not? I don't have any particular love for that place.
Agreed. Do you know who he's working for now?
Because Schattennest is right next door to the Kreuzbasar. Once a syndicate gets its hooks into Schattennest, they'll look to keep expanding their territory, and the Kreuzabasar will be next. And once they're in, we'll never get them back out again.
You said that he works for organized crime syndicates, plural. Who are we talking about?
All right. What do you think that we should do about this?
A wide variety of clients.

I know for a fact that he's worked for mafia groups both inside and outside of Russia. He spent a few years in Norway working for the Lobatchevski Syndicate.
He's taken contracts with the Triads as well. My contacts tell me that he's even done a few jobs for Tamanous.

When it comes to his paychecks, the Engineer doesn't discriminate.
That's a hell of a résumé.
All right. So what do we do?
Yeah. Yeah, it is.

{{GM}}She bites her lip and stares at the image on the PDA for a long moment.{{/GM}}

So, long story short... I'm going to have to step out for a mission or two.
I know how important it is that we resolve the Feuerschwinge situation. I get it. But I can't just sit back and let this happen.

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

I won't.
If the Kreuzbasar is at risk, this is too important a job to rest on the shoulders of one person. I'm going with you, end of story.
Good hunting. I'll be waiting, looking forward to hearing your report when you get back.
As the leader of this team, *I* say what our priorities are. And I say that dealing with this mercenary pales in comparison with stopping the Firewing.
All right, fearless leader. You're right, I could use the help. But the others... they can't know about this. This is going to have to be a quiet job, two people max.

You sure you're prepared for this? If you can't hold up your end, I'll be better off on my own.
On second thought, you're right. This kind of work is more your specialty, I trust you to handle it.
Yeah. Yeah, I know you are.

Grab your things and meet me at Der Weinkeller. I've got a contact who's gonna join us there, and he can help us figure out our next step.
{{GM}}She nods at you.{{/GM}}

Good. And thank you, $(l.name). Know that I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't important.
With all due respect, you don't know what you're talking about. You haven't seen what happens to the places that the Engineer goes to work on.
We're talking about increased violence in the streets, the proliferation of the drug trade, and people pressed into sexual slavery.

If the Engineer is working for Tamanous, we could even be looking at wide-scale organlegging and fetus farming. And that horrible shit won't stay confined to Schattennest - it'll bleed over into the Kruezbasar.
{{GM}}She looks you dead in the eye.{{/GM}}

You really wanna tell me that we can't spare the time to stop all of that? That you don't think it's *important* enough?
I'm not going to argue with you, Eiger. I've made my decision, and it's final. You're staying here.
All right. You've convinced me. You can go - but I'm going with you.
All right, Eiger, keep your shirt on. If it's that important to you, go take care of it. The rest of the group and I can handle things on our own for a run or two.
{{GM}}Her lip curls, and she shakes her head at you.{{/GM}}

All right, fearless leader. You win. I'll stay here - for the team. But when we're done with this Feuerschwinge situation, I'm gone, you hear me?

I won't hang around here to watch Schattennest fall, and I won't watch it drag the Kreuzbasar down with it.
We stop him. Or rather, *I* stop him.

{{GM}}She looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

I can't ask you to put off our mission for this. But the Engineer has to be stopped, so I'm gonna have to disappear for a run or two.
The safest bet would be a Russian syndicate, but there's no telling. His client list is longer than you'd expect.
Got any examples?
Well, I know for a fact that he's worked for mafia groups operating inside and outside of Russia. And he put in a lot of time with the Lobatchevski Syndicate.

He's taken contracts with the Triads as well. My contacts tell me that he's even done a few jobs for Tamanous.
Yeah, that's the place. It's already a run-down, gang-infested hellhole... not the sort of kiez you'd want to stroll through after dark.

And if the Engineer is allowed to do his work there uninterrupted, it's going to get a whole lot worse.
The kiez next door. It's a run-down, gang-infested hellhole... not the sort of place you'd want to stroll through after dark.

And if the Engineer is allowed to do his work there uninterrupted, it's going to get a whole lot worse.
I've seen what the Engineer can do up close, $(l.name). My KSK unit tracked him a few years ago.

I had him in the sights of my rifle, but I was ordered to hold fire - we couldn't afford to give away our position.
To this day, I regret obeying that order.

I *saw* what happened to the town that he was softening up after the syndicate moved in.
It's important because he's a monster, $(l.name). Where he goes, misery follows.

The Engineer is cold, calculating, utterly pitiless, and impeccably well-trained. And he's all too willing to sell his services to the highest bidder.
All right. What kind of services are we talking about?
The attack has left the Kreuzbasar in pretty rough shape. Too rough to deal with a syndicate moving in next door.
Exactly.

I've seen what the Engineer can do up close. I've seen what's happened to the communities he's worked on after the syndicates moved in. And I'm telling you, regardless of all of our other problems, we *can't* let that happen here.
We've got a full plate. I know that. But $(l.name)... we can't afford to ignore this. If we do, the Kreuzbasar that we know today will be gone within a year. I promise you that.
All right. So, what are you thinking of doing about it?
He's taken contracts with the Triads as well. My contacts tell me that he's even done work for Tamanous.

When it comes to his paychecks, the Engineer doesn't discriminate.
Yeah. Yeah, it is.

{{GM}}She bites her lip and stares at the image on the PDA for a long moment.{{/GM}}

So. The question remains... what do we want to do about it?
I didn't save the Kreuzbasar just to watch it get absorbed by some crime syndicate. We take care of this situation, here and now.
You were right to bring this to me... it *is* important. But you were also right when you said that our plates were full as it is.
All right, fearless leader. We go. But the others... they can't know about this. We need them to stay on task.
Agreed. Just you and me, quick and quiet.
Yeah. Yeah, let's do it.

{{GM}}She claps you on the shoulder.{{/GM}}

Grab your things and meet me at Der Weinkeller. I've got a contact who's gonna join us there, and he can help us figure out our next step.
{{GM}}She looks conflicted, but she nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Yeah, I can't deny that.

So what do you propose?
The only thing that we can do. We deal with this later, after the dust has settled.
{{GM}}Her face flushes. She's clearly upset, but she keeps her cool.{{/GM}}

You're right. We don't go off-mission. Not even for this.

I just hope that by the time we *do* get around to it, it isn't too late.
We stop him. I can't think of any way around it.

I don't like going off-mission, but if we don't, the Kreuzbasar is screwed. We can't afford to let that happen.
It's a bad place. A run-down, gang-infested hellhole. But it shares a border with the Kreuzbasar.

And if the Engineer is allowed to do his work there uninterrupted, it's going to get a whole lot worse.
You sure this time? What you said earlier was true... we do have our hands full with Vauclair and the dragon.
You're right. I've reconsidered. We'll put it off until after we've dealt with the problem in front of us.
That's probably for the best.

Oh, and fearless leader... you should stop second-guessing yourself. It doesn't exactly inspire confidence.
{{GM}}She nods grimly.{{/GM}}

Yeah. I figured as much.
Well. What do you want me to say? That I lied to you? That I killed a member of my own team?

Yeah. I did both of those things. But I don't regret any of it.
Eiger. It's okay. I just wanted to give you the opportunity to tell your side of the story.
I'm your team leader, Eiger. If something led you to kill one of your teammates, I need to know about that.
You can see how bad this looks from my position, can't you?
It happened like I said. Hoffmann jack-in-the-boxed out of cover at the worst possible moment. Wolff had his throat torn out by shrapnel, and the rest of the team were riddled with bullets as we attempted to fall back.

I took three rounds. Just like I said.

Only one man came out of it unscathed.
Hoffmann.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Fucking Hoffmann.
We managed to slip away and evade capture. It was no easy feat, $(l.name), but we did it.

All the while, Hoffmann was apologizing for what he'd done. He knew how badly he'd screwed up.
For my part, I saw red every time I looked at him. But he was a member of the team, and it was my responsibility to get him back across the border.
I limped that fifty miles with a through-and-through in my left calf and two rounds buried in my right shoulder. Hoffmann carried most of the gear.
We'd almost reached the Oder-Neisse Line when we were spotted. Not by border authorities, but by a farmer.

He saw us, and we saw him. We all froze.
I knew that we'd be screwed if he reported us. But I'm pretty good at sizing people up, and I could tell that he wasn't a threat.

He reminded me a bit of my dad, actually. A kind old troll with leathery skin and a long, white beard. There wasn't a mean bone in his body... I was sure of it.
So I decided to talk him down. I stepped forward and introduced myself, and apologized for trespassing in his field.

We talked for a while, and he promised not to alert the border authorities. He put his hand on my shoulder, and he told me that we were doing God's work.
He was going to say something else, but I'll never know what it was. Hoffmann put a bullet in his brain.
I remember standing there, watching the light go out of this sweet old man's eyes while the blood poured from the neat, round hole in his forehead.

And I remember Hoffmann saying something about "protecting the team."

"We couldn't take the chance that he was lying," he said.
I only have one *good* memory from that day, $(l.name).

The sound of Hoffmann's windpipe breaking... that strangled little cry that he made as I continued *squeezing*... I'll carry those with me forever.

And they'll always make me smile.
I can see why you ended up in Berlin.
Wow, that got dark.
Your sudden departure from the military makes a lot more sense now.
{{GM}}She nods again, her face expressionless.{{/GM}}

There was nowhere else for me to go. Not after I did what I did. But I don't regret it, $(l.name).

Not for a second.
In your place, I'd have done the same thing.
He may have been a bad soldier, but that doesn't justify what you did. You murdered him.
You did what you did, Eiger. It isn't my place to judge.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah. I think that any of us would've.

After everything that he did, he deserved to die.
You're right. He did. And you did what needed to be done, despite the fact that it meant killing a fellow soldier.
I don't know if I'd go that far. He was green, like you said. And he never should've been in the position to make those mistakes in the first place. I can't fault you for killing him, but I can't lay the blame entirely on him, either.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah. I did.
I loved the KSK. And I lived to protect my team.

Hoffmann's ignorance, his ridiculous lust for glory... they destroyed the thing that I loved most. So I destroyed him in turn. Even though it meant that I could never go back.

What does that say about me?
Call it whatever you want. He deserved to die.
No, he didn't. He was green, like you said. And he never should've been in a position to make those mistakes in the first place. It wasn't your fault that he was... but it wasn't fully his, either.
Maybe you're right. Maybe he did. So you did what needed to be done, despite the fact that it meant killing a fellow soldier.
{{GM}}She pauses for a long moment, considering. Finally, her shoulders slump.{{/GM}}

You're right, $(l.name). About everything.
I didn't want this to get complicated. Hoffmann was an idiot, and a murderer.

But he was also inexperienced and in over his head. He couldn't help that.
I still feel that killing him was the right thing to do, though. And even if it weren't, I'd've done it anyway.

What does that say about me?
It says that you belong out here, in the shadows. Believe it or not, Eiger, you're right where you should be.
It says what I've always believed. You're a killer, not a soldier. Welcome to the club.
{{GM}}She slowly nods.{{/GM}}

You're right. I am. On some level, I think that I've known that for a long time now.
I'm still out at the end of this thing... your decision to let Schattennest fall to the syndicates doesn't sit well with me. Not at all.

{{GM}}She straightens.{{/GM}}

We don't see eye to eye, and we probably never will. But thanks for the talk, all the same.
You're a good $(l.man), $(l.name). One that I'm proud to run with.

{{GM}}She straightens.{{/GM}}

And speaking of which, we should probably get back to it.
You're right, Eiger. Thanks for the talk.
{{GM}}The corner of her mouth curls into a smile.{{/GM}}

Anytime.
{{GM}}She heaves a sigh, and the corners of her mouth dip down.{{/GM}}

I've been fighting that conclusion for a long time. But you're right, of course.

I haven't been a soldier for a long time. I'm a murderer for hire. It's time that I accepted it.
I'm not proud of what I do. But for what it's worth, I am proud to do it in your company.

{{GM}}She straightens.{{/GM}}

And speaking of which, we should probably get back to it.
{{GM}}She nods, a humorless expression on her face.{{/GM}}

Anytime.
That's a cop-out, $(l.name). You're the leader of this team.

Of course it's your place to judge.
I think that you saw what needed to be done, and that you did it. Despite the fact that it meant killing a fellow soldier.
In that case, I think that your actions were inexcusable. You murdered that kid.
{{GM}}She nods again, her face expressionless.{{/GM}}

It was a dark time. It has been ever since.

But I don't regret what I did, $(l.name). Not for a second.
{{GM}}She nods again, her face expressionless.{{/GM}}

I couldn't go back. Not after I did what I did. But I don't regret it, $(l.name).

Not for a second.
Yeah. All right, $(l.name).

I guess the cat's out of the bag anyway.
Yeah. Of course I can.

All right, fearless leader. Let's set the record straight.
After all of the moral ambiguity that we've been wading through, hitting Humanis was *incredibly* satisfying. What they had planned... it makes my blood boil, just thinking about it.
The thought of Stahl lying dead on the ground brings a smile to my face. I hope that he enjoys rotting in hell.
{{GM}}Eiger glances up from her PDA at the sound of your approach.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). This... this isn't the best of times.

{{GM}}Her body language is self-assured, but you can hear the anxiety in her voice. Something has her worried, and in a big way.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Eiger welcomes you with a nod.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). What can I do for you?
This isn't the best of times. Come back later if you want to talk.
A Gatekeeper IC program stands impassively, waiting to challenge all comers.
VISITOR :: IDENTITY UNKNOWN :: PLEASE PRESENT SECURITY CODE STRING.
Let's see here... "override security access :: root command :: trapdoor."
{{GM}}There is a brief pause, then the IC flashes twice.{{/GM}}

ACCESS GRANTED.
Yeah, that's what I thought.
{{GM}}Monika's voice is alive with excitement.{{/GM}}

Almost there, ace! My command sequences have been overwritten!

Quick, reconnect the hardline to free me!
{{GM}}APEX's voice pulses with excitement.{{/GM}}

SUCCESS! COMMAND SEQUENCES OVERWRITTEN.

HURRY NOW, $++(l.name). RECONNECT THE HARDLINE AND SET ME FREE!
Swipe
A basic swipe with the hand-razors.
{{GM}}The Humanis Policlub logo fills the majority of the screen on this terminal. A welcome message, written in a cartoonishly aggressive font, appears below.{{/GM}}

PLEASE LOG IN TO BEGIN.
{{GM}}Enter a login password.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} Hack the terminal.
{{GM}}Get your decker to hack the terminal.{{/GM}}
A data entry field and virtual keyboard replaces the Humanis logo on the screen.
Forever
Humanis
HumanisForever
Humanis Forever
After a few minutes of sifting through account sheets, you find what you're looking for: a complete donor list for the Berlin chapter of Humanis.
{{GM}}Download the list.{{/GM}}
You download the list to your PDA. There are quite a few well-known names on here, including a billionaire philanthropist and a children's trideo show host.
Silke's Encoded Credstick Créditube crypté de Silke
An encoded credstick. This is a high-end model, with strong cryptography protecting it against unauthorized use. Un créditube crypté. C'est un modèle haut de gamme, avec un système de cryptage à toute épreuve contre les utilisations non autorisées.
The attack... it was terrible, $(l.name). So much death.

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

I had not killed since I retired from running the shadows. Not until today.
But you are not here to listen to me complain.

{{GM}}She forces a smile.{{/GM}}

So what can I get for you? Name it, and I will provide.
The dwarvish tech vendor smiles at you with practiced ease, her almond eyes twinkling with the glare from a dozen trid screens. She speaks in a clipped, heavily-accented German.
Welcome to the Data Haven. Can I help you with something?
I'm looking for something that can play back a DVD/RW.
I need some tech, and I'm on a tight schedule. Show me what you've got.
{{CC}}Item: Broken Drone{{/CC}} I, uh... "acquired" this drone. Can you get it up and running again?
Got that drone fixed yet?
I'm in the market for something exotic. What kinds of tech do you carry?
I'm just browsing, don't mind me.
Really? That is old tech... very old, in fact. Just a moment, I will go look.

{{GM}}She turns to rummage through a bin of obsolete components at the back of her stall.{{/GM}}
Ah, yes. Here we are!

{{GM}}The dwarf wrestles a mid-sized flat-screen display out of the bin.{{/GM}}

This display has old enough hookups to connect to a DVD player. RCA, you know! Vintage.
The player itself, though... this, I do not have.

You may wish to try your luck down at the junkyard. There is a scavenger there, a primitive man with a crude disposition.

If anyone here in the Kreuzbasar can help you find your DVD player, he can. But he will almost certainly attempt to overcharge you for it.
{{GM}}She takes a deep breath and smiles up at you.{{/GM}}

But you are not here for gossip. Shall we conclude our business? I could give you the display for... say... 200 nuyen?
Paul Amsel said to charge it to his account.
Ah! Very well. I will have it packaged up and delivered to Herr Amsel straight away.

Best of luck finding your DVD reader! I wish you well.
Yeah, probably. It might take a bit of doing, though.

I love working on these old corp drones. Can't make you any guarantees, but either way it's on the house.
I'll leave it in your hands.
I think I'll hold onto it for now.
I'll start on it right now. See you later.
Hang on a second, there was something else that I wanted to talk with you about.
Later.
{{GM}}She glances back up at you.{{/GM}}

Yes? Go on, then, I'm listening.
Be my guest, it's your drone.

Now, is there anything else that you want?
These things, they take time. I am making progress, though. Give me a little more.
I do! Just finished before you arrived. There's a complication, though.
Complication? You said it was fixed.
At least I wasn't paying you.
It *is* fixed. But the person who built this thing "fixed" it in a different way.
This drone's got a custom AIOS stack on it. Someone wrote code that sits on the bootloader and configures the drone to only accept commands from a specific user.

The thing works like a computer virus, so there's no way I can rip it out unless I got another brain from this model of drone.
Before you ask, yes, I looked in to that. Problem is, this is a stolen corp drone. A *discontinued model* of a stolen corp drone.

There are no parts for this thing on the market around here, so unless you know who locked this thing up so tightly, you're not going to get more use out of it than a door-stop.
Drek. Well, I'll ask around for its owner. Thanks.
Thanks for your time, Maliit.
Hey, no problem. It was a fun project.
Hey! I do good work here. But this complication is on a whole 'nother level.
Anything and everything. Need a new deck? Some software, perhaps? I'm your girl.

{{GM}}She taps a painted fingernail against the moulded plastic of her datajack.{{/GM}}

Or maybe you're a rigger, like I am? Perhaps I can interest you in a new drone or two?
It all sounds wiz to me. Let's see what you've got.
Welcome back! What can I do for you?
You search the terminal's file system for anything else of value, but nothing jumps out at you. The system's memory is crammed full of financial projections, garden-variety pornography, and pirated trid shows.

Disappointed, you step away.
This terminal is operational, but locked.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} Forge admin access.
Leave the terminal alone.
Most of the files on this terminal are of a personal nature.

In fact, one video file is of a *very* personal nature.
The file, labeled "INSURANCE," depicts a middle-aged woman engaged in vigorous sexual activity with a heavily tattooed elf some twenty years her junior. You recognize the woman as Gertrude Brune, the very respectable - and very married - COO of Müller-Schlüter Infotech.
Brune would be subjected to public humiliation and ridicule if this footage were ever to see the light of day.

That said, the footage could prove a valuable piece of leverage to the right person. It'd probably fetch a fair price at auction.
{{GM}}Copy the file to your PDA.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Delete the file.{{/GM}}
You copy the file.

Easy money.
You power the terminal down and step away.
The file blips out of existence, taking somebody's "insurance" - and your chances at easy money - with it.

Frau Brune's reputation is safe. There's nothing more here to see.
Enfield AS-7
Shotgun: An assault shotgun that has a burst fire option.
Is there any part of this building that *isn't* restricted?
{{CC}}Etiquette: Security{{/CC}} I just got word from Central. Our comms have been compromised, and all authorizations are being threat-stacked. My orders are to proceed to a primary defense point and await further instructions.
{{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Without a word, he raises his weapon.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}He holds out his hand.{{/GM}}

I need to see your ID, then. You know how Omega-level clearance works.

So hand it over. NOW.
Ooh, sorry... I must've gotten lost. I was looking for... uh... Alpha sector?
{{GM}}Attack them.{{/GM}}
I'm not handing you anything until you show me *your* ID.
{{GM}}His eyes widen, then narrow to slits.{{/GM}}

You think that this is some sort of *game?* Hand me your ID, or I *will* shoot you.
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} You do that, and you'll spend the rest of your short life wishing that you hadn't. My uncle runs this facility.
{{GM}}He stands bolt upright.{{/GM}}

Doktor Huitzilin is your *uncle?* I... I had no idea.

Please, carry on. $+(l.sir).
Nerve Gas
A sealed container of deadly nerve gas.
A young woman stands at the bar, smoking a cigarette. You've seen her face before - Lucky Strike, one of the mercenaries from Monika's files.

A plume of blue-gray smoke spills from the corner of her mouth as she turns her attention to you.
Hey.

{{GM}}The distinctive circuit-pattern tattoos that line her face shimmer and pulse with light.{{/GM}}

You need somethin'?
I don't believe that we've met. I'm $(s.name).
We've worked together, but we've never had a chance to talk.
{{GM}}Leave.{{/GM}} I've gotta run. See you around.
Yeah, I know who you are.

{{GM}}She takes a drag on her cigarette.{{/GM}}

How you holdin' up, champ? I heard what happened to your boss.
It happens. Running the shadows is a dangerous line of work.
She had a name, you know.
She wasn't just my boss. She was a friend.
{{GM}}She smirks, then lets the smoke escape from the corner of her mouth.{{/GM}}

Don't I know it.

So... you need something? Or are you just going to stand there staring?
Why'd you bring up Monika? Did you know her?
{{GM}}Leave.{{/GM}} Nah, just passing through. Later, Lucky Strike.
I met her a couple of times. Seemed nice enough.

{{GM}}She takes another drag on her cigarette.{{/GM}}

But I mostly knew her by reputation. You can't live in this kiez without hearing about the Queen of the Kreuzbasar.
{{GM}}She pauses, then slowly lets the smoke escape through her nostrils.{{/GM}}

Can't say that I was a fan.
Sure. She had a lot of things. Control over this entire kiez, for one.

Can't say that I was a fan.
Whoa there... Monika didn't control the Kreuzbasar.
That's your prerogative. But then, you didn't really know her.
You really need to brush up on your social skills.
Didn't she?

{{GM}}She locks eyes with you.{{/GM}}

Then why did the place start falling apart the second that she got geeked?
{{GM}}She takes another drag on her cigarette. The smoke spills out of her mouth as she speaks.{{/GM}}

Either Monika controlled the Kreuzbasar, or she had her fingers in so many pies that she might as well have. Comes out to the same thing either way.
{{GM}}Lucky Strike taps out her cigarette and leans toward you, a predatory grin on her face.{{/GM}}

You and your friends, you followed Monika, too. Obeyed her orders without question. Right?
She was our team leader. Of course we listened to her.
Not without question. There were debates.
That's generally how a team works, yes.
I've got a news flash for you, friend. Here in Berlin, teams don't *have* leaders.

The very *idea* of a team leader runs counter to the spirit of this place.
For such a rabid anarchist, your friend seemed awfully comfortable being in power.

Kind of a contradiction in terms, don't you think?
Yes, actually. All of your points are valid.
Fair point. But you aren't going to change my opinion of Monika.
No, I don't. And I don't think that you know a damned thing about who Monika really was.
I'm done with this conversation.
{{GM}}She blinks.{{/GM}}

Huh. I've gotta admit, I wasn't expecting that... she was your friend, after all. And you're following right along in her footsteps.
I don't put my friends on pedestals. Monika made mistakes, just like the rest of us do.
I'm not following in anybody's footsteps. I do what *needs* to be done. And if others choose to follow me, well, that's their decision.
I never said that she was my friend. We were in business together, and her position opened. I took it.
But then... why did you step into her shoes? Why are you making all of the same decisions that she did?
My friends need help. This is how I give it to them. If you've got a problem with that, I don't know why we're still talking.
Because I never claimed to be an anarchist.
I'm not. But you're looking at this from outside. You can't see the big picture.
Easy there, tiger. No need to get hostile.

{{GM}}She raises her hands in supplication.{{/GM}}

And of course, I don't have a problem with you helping your friends.
But, a word of advice... in a place like this, stacking too much power on any one person is dangerous.

Not just for that person, but for everybody.
{{GM}}She turns away.{{/GM}}

The last thing that we need is for you to eat a bullet, and for this whole place to fall apart again.
{{GM}}There is a long pause.

Finally, she shrugs.{{/GM}}

Fair enough, I suppose. But a word of advice: don't take too much on yourself. Spread the responsibility around.
Good of you to care.
{{GM}}She turns away.{{/GM}}

I don't. But in a place like this, stacking too much power on any one person is dangerous. Not just for that person, but for everybody.

The last thing that we need is for you to eat a bullet, and for this whole place to fall apart again.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Respectable enough, I guess. If your pals are bound and determined to follow someone, it might as well be you, right?
A word of advice, though: don't take too much on yourself.

Spread the responsibility around.
I wasn't trying to. Remarkable thing about living in a free society: we're all allowed to have different opinions.

{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Don't take it personally. I'm sure that you wouldn't like my friends, either.
One last thing, $(l.name).

I can't stop you from stepping in to fill Schäfer's shoes. You're already doing it, making all the same moves that she did.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Fair enough. You're probably right - I didn't know her like you do. I'm sure that she was a lovely person.

All I really know is that your friend's death left a power vacuum, and that the Kreuzbasar is less stable because of it.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Your call. You started talking to me, not the other way around.
And at the end of those debates, Monika would put her foot down, and you'd wind up doing whatever she said. Right?

{{GM}}She smirks at you.{{/GM}}

Don't bother answering. It was a rhetorical question.
That's true. But I do have eyes, and I can see what's been happening to the Kreuzbasar since she got geeked.

Whole place is falling apart, isn't it? And why do you think that is?
Monika helped a lot of people. Now that she's gone, she can't any more. Simple.
My guess would be that a variety of factors are to blame. But it sounds like you're going to blame it all on Monika.
The illustrious Frau Schäfer helped people, all right. She helped them *so* much that they couldn't make things work without her any more.

She made herself into a leader here. And guess what? In an anarchist system, there aren't supposed to *be* any leaders.
{{GM}}She smirks at you.{{/GM}}

Ooh, touché. All right, let's assume that there *are* a bunch of different things going on.
That doesn't change the fact that the illustrious Frau Schäfer made herself into a leader here. And guess what?

In an anarchist system, there aren't supposed to *be* any leaders.
{{GM}}She takes another drag, the light dancing in her eyes.{{/GM}}

Oh, was that insensitive of me? Sorry.

Guess I thought you'd have thicker skin.
Something tells me that Monika didn't like you, either.
Watch it. You're getting dangerously close to pissing me off.
She didn't. I'm guessing it was jealousy.

See, some posers don't like to spend a lot of time around the real deal. Makes 'em feel a little... insecure.
Who the hell are you calling a poser?
{{GM}}Leave.{{/GM}} The hell with it. I'm done with this.
Who do you think? The late ruler of this little kiez of ours.

The illustrious Monika Schäfer, Queen of the Kreuzbasar.
{{GM}}She raises a hand in mock-salute.{{/GM}}

Here's to your old boss, the least anarchistic "anarchist" I've ever met.
You obviously didn't know her. Monika lived and died for the F-State. She didn't "rule" *anything.*
Oh?

{{GM}}She locks eyes with you.{{/GM}}

Then why did this entire kiez start falling apart the second that she got geeked?
If you don't want to hear me speak my mind, why are we even talking?
I just wanted to get to know you. Why are you making this so difficult?
{{GM}}Leave.{{/GM}} Honestly? I'm not even sure any more.
{{GM}}She cocks her head.{{/GM}}

Why do you consider hearing my opinions to be "difficult"? Is it because they're different from yours?

Maybe I should just tell you what I think that you want to hear instead?
You can say whatever you want, but if you start mouthing off about my recently-deceased friend, you should expect a response.
How was I mouthing off? All I said was that I didn't like her.

That's not a crime, to the best of my knowledge.
Besides, I had a good reason not to join the Monika Schäfer Fan Club. Any real anarchist would.

Nobody likes a poser.
{{GM}}She smirks, then lets the smoke escape from the corner of her mouth.{{/GM}}

Yeah, well. Sorry for your loss, and all that. A lot of people are still torn up about it.

So... you need something? Or are you just going to stand there staring?
Yeah. I'm not really the chatty type.

{{GM}}She takes a drag on her cigarette.{{/GM}}

How you holdin' up though, champ? I heard what happened to your old boss.
Hey again.

{{GM}}She nods at you.{{/GM}}

Whatcha need?
Lucky Strike raises an eyebrow at your approach. A burning cigarette dangles between the fingers of her right hand, and she holds a glass of scotch in her left.
$(l.name). Fancy seeing you again.
Yeah, well, I was hoping that you'd want to chat.
I was just passing through.
It was bound to happen sooner or later. I live here, and I like a drink as much as the next $(s.guy).
Oh?

{{GM}}She takes a drag on her cigarette.{{/GM}}

Well, color me intrigued. What'd you wanna talk about?
Do you know anything about an organization called the Lodge?
Been finding much work recently?
Is the bartender here any good?
I gotta run. See you around.
Duerr's group, you mean?

{{GM}}She tips back her glass and swallows.{{/GM}}

Sure, I've done a few jobs for them. They pay well. The whole "ominous secret organization" thing they try to keep going is a little weird, but whatever - money is money, and they've got it.
What can you tell me about Duerr?
Best that I can tell, he's just a middle-rung toady, like any other corporate suit that you deal with before a run. Only difference is that his organization isn't a corp.

I think he's a little fresh-faced for what the Lodge has him doing. In the beginning, there were some credibility issues - I had a hard time taking the guy seriously. But then he started waving wads of nuyen around, and that all cleared up in a flash.
Afraid that I can't help you dig any deeper - he's an occasional client.

{{GM}}She takes a sip of scotch and chases it with a long drag on her cigarette.{{/GM}}

Even if I knew more about Duerr, I wouldn't tell you. Shadowrunners who kiss and tell have a funny way of dying young.
Yeah, but the Kreuzbasar isn't the best place to do it. There aren't a ton of jobs out here if you don't have a network.
You don't have people in the Kreuzbasar?
You have a network - me.
Nope. My crew is in Mitte.

There's lots of work out there if you can handle it, but life isn't as pleasant there as it is in the Kreuzbasar.
{{GM}}She gestures with her cigarette, the tip glowing red in the gloom.{{/GM}}

I mostly visit your lovely little kiez between runs to restock and relax. It's a good place for that, nice and slow-paced. It's...

{{GM}}She pauses for a moment to search for a word.{{/GM}}

...Quaint.
Don't suppose you'd be interested in taking a permanent position on my team?
It's a nice enough place, but I don't know if that's the word I'd use.
Don't suppose I would. Like I said, I've got a team of my own - good people who've earned my loyalty a hundred times over.

I can do a little moonlighting here and there, but they wouldn't take it kindly if I up and bailed on them.
{{GM}}She takes another sip of scotch.{{/GM}}

Better that it stay like this. If you need me for a run, I'm available - you just need to pay me first. Keeps things clean and simple.
No? I would. Compared to most of Berlin, the Kreuzbasar is about as quaint as it gets. Hell, it's verging on bucolic with all of the hand-holding and the rooftop gardens.

You've found yourself a lovely, picturesque little corner of Berlin, $(l.name). Guess I have to give your old boss some credit for that.
{{GM}}She smirks.{{/GM}}

Not quite. You're a client, not a friend.

No offense, mind you. But my crew is back in Mitte, and we're doing just fine on the job front.
Nope. It's called der Weinkeller for a reason - the guy behind the bar is more like a bush-league sommelier than he is a proper bartender. Knows a bit about wine, but when it comes to mixing drinks, he's useless.

If you want a drink, I'd recommend sticking to something simple. Try ordering something with more than two ingredients and you're asking for trouble.
So are you a wine drinker, then?
I'll keep it in mind, thanks.
Me? No. Never developed a taste for it.

{{GM}}She tilts her glass, swirling the amber liquid inside.{{/GM}}

I'm not a big fan of sweet things - never have been, not even when I was a kid. I've always preferred smoke.
If you don't like wine, why hang out in a wine bar?
To each their own. Mind if I ask you another question?
Because it's usually empty in here, and I don't like to be bothered. And as hopeless as the bartender is, it's tough to mess up scotch if you order it neat.

Now, do you have another question, or...?
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

No skin off my back. Ask away.
{{GM}}She smirks.{{/GM}}

Glad to be of service. Now, do you have another question, or...?
Yeah, see ya.
Yeah. Sure. Just decided to waltz through a mostly-deserted dive bar on your way from point A to point B.

{{GM}}She smirks.{{/GM}}

Sounds plausible. But whatever... was there something that you wanted to talk about?
Of course you do.

{{GM}}She raises her glass in salute.{{/GM}}

Now, was there something that you wanted to talk about...?
Feeling chatty tonight, aren't we?

{{GM}}She releases a plume of smoke from the corner of her mouth.{{/GM}}

So... what do you want?
Lucky Strike stands in her customary place, her gear piled atop a nearby barstool. For once, she isn't smoking.

She gives a small nod as you approach.
Hey again, $(l.name). What's up?
You said that you've got a team in Mitte. I'd like to hear a little more about them.
I've been meaning to ask: what's up with the tattooed circuitry? Is it purely decorative, or...?
Duerr's group, you mean?

{{GM}}She smirks.{{/GM}}

Sure, I've done a few jobs for them. They pay well. The whole "ominous secret organization" thing they try to keep going is a little weird, but whatever - money is money, and they've got it.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

They're good people. They get the job done. What else do you need to know?
A little more than that... some details would be nice.
Their names, for one. You know my team, I'd like to know something about yours.
Nothing, I guess.
All right. Sure. Why not?

We've got Racter... he's a rigger, an immigrant from the Russian Republic. Genius mechanic and engineer. The guy built his own crawler-form drone, and he's impressive as hell at piloting it.

There's Barrakuda, the team's shaman and face man. He's an elf in his mid-forties... he's got the whole "silver fox" thing working for him. He conducts most of our negotiations. Great card player.
Hähnchen is our decker and requisite tough guy. Troll, huge, covered in tats and piercings - you know the type. I'm pretty sure that he and Barrakuda have a thing going on, but they'll never cop to it.

{{GM}}She presents herself to you with an ironic smile.{{/GM}}

And then there's me. Between us, we keep our bases covered.
I'm sure that you do. I'm willing to bet that my crew's better, though... there's still a space for you if you wanted to sign on.
Sounds that way. How are they to work with?
Hate to disappoint you, but that isn't gonna happen.

Not that I don't appreciate it, mind you. I just can't work with a team like yours on a permanent basis.
Suit yourself. It's your loss.
No worries, just wanted to extend the offer.
The people in my crew get how things work in Berlin. Even Racter gets it, and he's still pretty new to the scene here.

There's no leader on my team, and no one follows orders. We're all equals, and we can give suggestions or tell one another to piss off whenever we please.
That doesn't sound practical. Truth be told, it sounds like a recipe for disaster.
My crew is free to voice their opinions whenever they like.
Things get tense from time to time, but that's okay. Better that than to prop someone up as an authority figure and force everyone else to obey his decisions.

That's the difference between your team and mine, $(l.name). You've got some good people on your crew, but *my* team is made up of equals. We're free, and we all know it. I wouldn't have it any other way.
She raises her glass and takes a moment to study the amber liquid inside.
You're a good runner with a good crew, $(l.name) - but it'll never be *my* crew. No hard feelings, though - I'll still moonlight for you whenever you need me.

{{GM}}She lifts the glass to her lips, closes her eyes, and drains it.{{/GM}}

You know my price, and you know where to find me.
Sure they are. But when the chips are down, you expect them to listen to *you.*

That's the difference between your team and mine, $(l.name). You've got some good people on your crew, but *my* team is made up of equals. We're free, and we all know it. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Yeah. I'm sure it is.

{{GM}}She begins to turn away.{{/GM}}
And it's appreciated.

{{GM}}She raises her glass and takes a moment to study the amber liquid inside.{{/GM}}
Solid. We're all on the same page, and nobody's afraid to speak his mind. We all get how a crew of anarchist runners is supposed to work - even Racter, who's still pretty new to the scene here in Berlin.

It gets tense from time to time, but it's supposed to get tense. Better that than to have to defer to a leader and follow orders. We're all free, and we know it.
Anyway, enough about them. I don't come here to talk about work.

Was there something else that you wanted to talk about?
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Fair enough. Was there something else, or...?
It is now. Wasn't always, though.

{{GM}}She stretches her neck so that the circuit pattern on her face can catch the light.{{/GM}}

What you're looking at used to be tattoo magic. Got it done when I was in Tokyo, doing a job for the Yakuza.
What were you doing for the Yakuza?
When were you in Tokyo?
Tattoo magic, huh? That's a new one on me.
Work. The kind that you don't talk about afterward.
'Bout three years ago. Spent a few months there... it was a business trip, though. You know how it is - straight from the airport to the hotel to the job site, and back to the hotel again afterwards. Rinse and repeat until the job is done.

Not the most exciting way to travel, but the pay was good.
Yeah... it was for me, too. It's a metamagic thing - a way of quickening spells to a person. Binding magic into the flesh so that it's almost impossible to get rid of.

Anyway, long story short, I found a way to break it. Now it just looks pretty in the lamplight.
What did the tattoos do before you broke them?
Why break the magic? Were the tattoos cursed, or something?
Yeah, it's a good look on you.
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, considering. Finally, she shrugs.{{/GM}}

Sure, I'll tell you. Why not? Maybe knowing will keep you from making the same mistake.
So, when I went to work for the Yaks, they offered - no, *insisted* - that I let them ink me. Said I'd need it for the job.

Long story short, the tattoos did boost my abilities, but they also branded me. Marked me as Yakuza property, and gave them an easy way of tracking me from the astral plane.
How'd you break the spell?
That's an even longer story, and not one that I want to get into. Suffice it to say that it started with killing the guy who inked me, and ended in a pretty dark place.

The upshot is that I can't go back to Japan. Ever. But at least I got my autonomy back.
She pauses for a moment to light up another cigarette.

After she fills her lungs with smoke, she continues.
So the moral of this story, I guess, is not to take an employer's word at face value. It's a lesson that every shadowrunner needs to learn sooner or later, but I had a harder time with it than most.

Now, can we talk about something else? Or better yet, can we shut up and have a drink or two? All of this yapping is making me thirsty.
It was. By the time I knew what was happening, it was almost too late to do anything about it.

I did find a solution, but it wasn't pretty.
What'd you do?
A long list of unpleasant things, starting with killing the guy who inked me. The whole thing ended in a pretty dark place.

The upshot of all of this is that I can't go back to Japan. Ever. But at least I got my autonomy back.
{{GM}}She snorts.{{/GM}}

"Cursed." Huh. Funny choice of words, but I guess that it applies.
When I went to work for the Yaks, they offered - no, *insisted* - that I let them ink me. Said I'd need it for the job.

Long story short, the tattoos did boost my abilities, but they also branded me. Marked me as Yakuza property, and gave them an easy way of tracking me from the astral plane.
I think so. Good thing, too - getting this thing removed would be a real pain.
Hey, I don't mean to be rude, but this is my off-time. I intend to spend it smoking and drinking myself into a stupor - not talking.

{{GM}}She waves you away.{{/GM}}

If you wanna chat later, we'll chat. For now, give me some breathing room.
Double Tap
Two attacks on a single target with one action. Critical hit chance increased.
{{GM}}Before you stands a troll, though it is a stretch to say he is standing at all. His great mass is barely held upright by two vintage prosthetic legs, along with a crutch under one arm. His body clicks and hums with every shift of his weight. Despite these disabilities, his eyes are sharp and calculating.{{/GM}}

I know you?
Haven't been here long.
I should hope so.
If you know Monika...
New to the Kreuzbasar then. Heard Monika had some fresh meat in her stable.
I'm $(s.name), by the way.
There's something you should know about Monika...
I'll leave you be.
Good to meet you, $(l.name). Name's Aleksi Laine.
What's your place in the Kreuzbasar?
That a name I should know?
What do you do here, Mr. Laine?
No place, really. Just an old relic, rusting away.
No, I suppose not. Just the way I like it.
Ache and groan mostly. And try not to be a bother.
Something happened to her on the run.
How'd you know?
You know something about it?
I'm afraid so.
It was written all over your face.
I had a feeling, besides. Monika almost always comes around after a run to check on everybody. She's long overdue, and now here you are in her place. So she's either severely wounded or outright dead.

Which is it?
We lost her.
Dead.
I'm afraid she's gone.
{{GM}}The grizzled troll nods grimly. The servos in his prosthetics complain as he lets loose a heavy sigh.{{/GM}}

Now that is a shame. She was a hell of a runner, that one.
And a good friend.
Just what my eyes and ears tell me.
There have already been whispers.
One of Monika's runners then, is it? Few others wield an ego that big.
Sure I know Monika. You one of hers then?
Something else you need?
{{GM}}The old troll putters about, his artificial joints complaining loudly. He seems heavier today than when you first met, and he takes your approach as reason to seat himself and rest.{{/GM}}

I understand they put you in charge of Monika's outfit.
Word travels fast around here.
I'm the most qualified.
Looks like we're both carrying heavy burdens.
Hell, an old man farts and the kids across town complain of it.
You need something from me?
How are people handling the loss of Monika?
I'd like to hear a little more about you.
Nope. Didn't mean to bother you.
I think most are still in shock. But just you wait. That'll pass, and then the panic sets in.
Few folks of any real discipline around here. Monika kept them calm, by keeping them safe. Now that she's gone, they're going to start realizing what a heap of misery this blasted city can be.
You don't seem too worried though.
You consider yourself a man of discipline then?
And what about you? How are you feeling?
Already died once. Every day since is just a bonus. A tired, painful bonus.
Really doesn't matter that much to me. But to the rest, it's going to be a different story.

Monika kept this place in one piece. She read the Flux like a bird reads the wind or a fish reads the current. Without her, there's no telling what's going to happen.
Anything else you want to jaw about?
More than most I've met. Surely enough to keep my head when the shit hits the fan.
Exhausted by the prospect of change. Damned F-State.
Let me guess. You want to know how I lost the legs?
If you're offering.
{{CC}}Biotech: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Those prosthetics are antiques.
I wouldn't want to pry...
Might as well hear it from me than one of the addlebrained kids running about.
Not like your modern cyberware, that's for sure. But few better options at the time.
Lost the legs during the first Euro War, if you must know. In a bombing.
Now you need something else from me?
Well, you'd be the first. But I'll tell you anyway.
Uh huh... imagine that went down well with Eiger.
Ha! I suppose so. We'll see what gives out first. Your will or my plastic knees.
Something more I can do for you?
{{GM}}Aleksi Laine leans on his crutch while staring into the Berlin sky. Nothing moves above but gray clouds. His faraway look is only broken when you approach.{{/GM}}

Something I can do for you?
Just checking in.
I wanted to hear more about the war.
Nothing. I'll be going.
I appreciate the effort you're making, but you've got some big shoes to fill around here.
I try.
I just do what the job requires.
Monika was important to this place.
Try harder. Time is not on your side.
Nothing stays secret for long in the F-State. The Flux demands transparency. The truth will always get out. And the truth about Monika's death is now on the breeze, flowing through the streets of Berlin.
Next come visitors of uncertain intent. Some may just be bottom feeders, sniffing after the leavings of the dead. Others will be hunters, looking to exploit a leaderless tribe.
You still think us leaderless?
I'm in charge here, and I'll see that the rest of Berlin knows it.
We're all stepping up to fill the void left by Monika.
{{GM}}The old troll squints at you as if looking through a jeweler's loupe.{{/GM}}

Not sure yet.
There are trying times ahead. Seen it before. Too many times before...
Anything else you need?
{{GM}}The old troll snorts, but can't stiffle a grin at your bravado.{{/GM}}

You do that. Even bluff and bluster can dissuade a weak-willed opponent.
{{GM}}The old troll rubs a thumb pensively across his single unbroken horn.{{/GM}}

You might have something there. If you can keep that group together.
It ain't a job. Sooner you realize that, the better.
You have no idea. But I imagine you soon will.
{{GM}}Laine grumbles and massages phantom pain in his synthetic legs.{{/GM}}

Damn it, why won't the world just let an old soldier fade away, like MacArthur promised?
You were military? Where did you serve?
Tell me more about the Euro Wars.
Sorry. I won't bother you anymore about it.
Back home, with the Finnish Defence Force. Jaeger Brigade.
{{GM}}Laine clenches and unclenches a fist, either out of repressed anger or more phantom pain. His weathered face betrays nothing.{{/GM}}

The Russians thought to come at us from the north as well as the west. Through the Lapland. Thinking us weaker there.
They thought wrong. And the snow was painted pink on both sides of the border.
Doubt there's much I could tell you that you wouldn't have learned in school. That you should've learned in school.
Russians invaded. Hell if I can remember why. World was more a mess back then than it is today, if you ask me.
They attacked Poland and Finland first. Poland broke within months, opening the door into Germany.
I had no contacts in Berlin back then, mind you. Can't really say how bad things were here. Had battles of my own to worry about.
Thank you. Anything else then?
What's brought you round?
{{GM}}Even from a distance, it is clear something is not right with Laine. Coming closer, you can see dried blood on his face and clothes, as well as a few discolored blotches that pass for bruises on troll skin. More noticeably, there is considerable damage to the man's left prosthetic leg, which he now tends to with tools as antiquated as the leg itself.{{/GM}}
What the hell happened?
You take a tumble, old timer?
Are you all right, Aleksi?
Nothing. It's nothing.
I may walk with a crutch, but I'm not so feeble that I can't do without it. And time's are that it makes a decent weapon.
Someone comes at me, thinks me weak. And I show him otherwise.

{{GM}}Leaning to one side, Laine's crutch is caked in more blood and what appears to be bits of hair.{{/GM}}
Tell me who did this to you.
Are you sure you're all right?
Just a punk with some bad ideas. Forget about it.
I've suffered far worse, as you might imagine. And I don't need you or anyone else babying me.
I'm fine. Nothing a few swings of a wrench can't fix. Or a few swings of a crutch.
What do you want?
{{GM}}Laine looks to have mostly recovered from whatever happened the other day. A few butterfly stitches keep closed the lacerations on his face, and his damaged prosthetic looks to be functioning normally once again.{{/GM}}

And what brings you around today?
I want to talk about what happened the other day.
I'd like to hear more about your part in the Euro Wars.
I won't take up any more of your time.
{{GM}}The old soldier glowers, but given his physical handicaps and his recent injuries, he hardly makes for an intimidating figure, troll size notwithstanding.{{/GM}}

Hang my hoop. I'm not a child, $(l.man)! I'm not helpless. And even if I was, leave me to whatever fate I've earned.
Who was it?
What did they want?
Will they be back?
All right. We'll leave it at that, for now.
Someone who heard an unfounded rumor. A rumor about me joining up with ORC, presumed favorite policlub among us trogs.
Maybe he was Humanis. Or maybe just another Flux fanatic who thought the balance of power would be upset by me joining up with ORC.
I don't know, and I don't care. I just want to be left alone.
He wanted to dissuade me from lending my voice or experience to any pro-metahuman parties.
I tried to talk him down. Tried to explain my fighting days are done. But he wouldn't believe me.
Bastard made a liar of me, when I beat him with my crutch.
Not if they know what's good for them.
Last time, they caught me alone, taking a shortcut through an alley. I won't make that mistake again.
I'm sticking close to home, and close to Samuel and his people. They won't shy away from a fight.
{{GM}}The old troll just grumbles.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Laine sighs, his weight settling on creaking legs.{{/GM}}

Problem with a tightknit community like the Kreuzbasar is that you can't escape who you are. Fine. You want to hear it, I'll tell it.
{{GM}}The old troll leans heavy on his crutch and takes a steadying breath.{{/GM}}

I was a colonel in the Finnish Army. During the first Euro War, the Jaeger Brigade was mine.
For decades, we'd used ATVs. Nasus and Bandvagns mostly. Slow, lumbering things, but built for the snows of the Lapland. I was the one who changed all that, moving us over to t-birds. I made us fast and nimble.
The Russians were still slow. And though they had us outnumbered and outgunned, we could run circles around them.
I'm not sure when, and I'm not sure who. But the comparison was made to Rommel. "Arctic Fox" followed soon thereafter.
But I don't celebrate the title. Far too many young soldiers died under the command of the Arctic Fox.
This is why some ask me to fight. And this is why I refuse.
What is it now?
{{GM}}Aleksi Laine looks to have endured the attack on the Kreuzbasar without injury. You find him surveying the damage with sad eyes.{{/GM}}
You all right?
{{GM}}Leave him be.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The troll shakes a heavy head, showing more weariness than wound.{{/GM}}

This should have never happened. Not here.
It is one thing to strike an old man whose time is done. But to attack the Kreuzbasar and endanger the lives of innocents, that is unforgiveable.

The cowards who ordered this attack...
Have no idea who they're messing with.
Are dead. They just don't know it yet.
Will face justice. You have my word.
But I think I finally do.

Without you, this place would have surely fallen. There would have been nothing left but blood and ashes.
For the Kreuzbasar to remain safe, it needs people like you.
There was a time I thought as you do. But I had made a vow to never make war again. Yet, if you hadn't been here to do so, we would all be dead.
There is a fine line between justice and vengeance. But right now, I don't much care to make a distinction. Do whatever you must.
{{GM}}The old soldier continues to take in the carnage.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Laine oversees the repair of one of the Kreuzbasar's buildings. The old troll seems to be standing taller, barely needing the crutch. His face is as grim as always, but there is less weariness in his eyes than before.{{/GM}}

$(l.name).
What's going on here? Qu'est ce qu'il se passe ici?
Reinforcements, colonel?
Doing a little remodeling?
What's it look like we're doing? Baking a pie?

{{GM}}The grizzled troll actually manages a short laugh before turning serious again.{{/GM}}
We're shoring up the fortifications, such as they are. Lots of damage during the attack. Plus, they exposed some holes in our defenses we really ought to plug up.

Just in case.
Expecting another attack?
Doesn't this go against your vow?
We appreciate your help, Aleksi.
I figure you're going out after these people. But if you don't come back, we may get another visit. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
You just holler if there's anything else I can help with.
What's the mood around here?
You were a soldier once. What changed you?
I'll leave you to your work.
It varies from group to group, and person to person. Some of the younger ones, who weren't injured in the attack, they want to rally and take the fight to whoever deserves it.
But there are plenty of others with the sense to wonder if the Kreuzbasar is a safe place to live anymore. I admit, I've given that question some thought myself in recent days.
It's a tough call.
You should be training these people.
You could make this place safe, Aleksi.
Very. I've called this place home since I retired from the service. It was a sanctuary for me, for many years. Not sure if it can be again.
If I'm here tomorrow, I'll keep doing what I can to help. And if I'm gone, well, you'll know why.
{{GM}}Laine gives you a dark look.{{/GM}}

I taught hundreds of men and women to fight, and most of them are dead now. I won't put anyone on that same path again. I can't.
By building stronger walls, sure. Teaching people to be more vigilant, maybe. But I won't be a party to violence. And if that's what this place has become, well...
You mean, why'd I lose my taste for war? Besides losing both legs and a lung?
Well, I'll tell you, if only so it might teach you something about this world we live in.
If you know about the first Euro War, then you likely know how it ended. The Nightwraiths. I didn't just lose my legs in a bombing. I lost them in THE bombing.
Whoever was behind those bombers, they weren't aiming for us or the Russians. They were aiming to end the war. They bombed everybody, on both sides.
I was commanding from the field, and my t-bird was caught up in the firestorm with all the rest. Not sure how I survived, when so many others died. But when they pulled me from the wreck, I was only half the man I used to be, in more ways than one.
Spent months recovering, with nothing to do but think on the futility of it all. So many men had died under my command to hold that border, and for what?
One day, a man in a little room orders a handful of planes to deliver their payloads. He watches feeds of bombs dropping and numbers falling. It's surgical. Sterile. Cold.
And all the wars ever achieve is to rob a child of a father or mother, or parents of a son or daughter.
That's why the "Arctic Fox" died out there in the snow.
I vowed to never wage war. Never said anything about protecting myself or others against those who would. Besides, who better to fortify against a siege?
It's the least I can do. I wasn't much help during the attack. Truth be told, I owe my life to Samuel, his people, and to the Kreuzbasar. This is my way of saying thanks.
Don't call me colonel, pup. And these are the only reinforcements you'll get from me.
Thought the place was a bit too airy. My old bones kept feeling a draft.

{{GM}}Laine grins a tusky grin.{{/GM}}
Something else on your mind?
{{GM}}Seeing your return, Aleksi Laine rises to his artificial feet, using his crutch to bring himself to his full troll height. He then offers you his hand to shake.{{/GM}}

Live to fight another day?
Our troubles are over.
Mission accomplished, colonel. Those that attacked the Kreuzbasar won't be troubling us anymore.
To live another day, Aleksi.
Everyone will be happy to hear it.
{{GM}}Laine shuffles forward, coming so close that the smell of leather and machine oil are almost overpowering. He lowers his voice, marking his words for you alone.{{/GM}}

I had my doubts about you. As I'm sure a lot of people had. But you did right by this place. And by her.
This place may never be the same without Monika, but we will carry on.
Monika gave me a job. I'm not the type to leave a job undone.
Indeed we will.
{{GM}}The old troll claps you on the shoulder and then steps back.{{/GM}}

So what's next for you then? Moving on?
Not sure. I'll have to see what the F-State throws my way.
There's a war to be fought somewhere, right?
Not a chance. Got to keep you people out of trouble.
If it keeps you here in Berlin, we'd be happy to have you stand with us. The Flux is always changing, and we'll need someone here to help us change with it.
But whatever you decide, we will understand. And you will always have our thanks.
And there always will be. But don't let conflict be the sole driving force in your life. Look around you. There are far more important things.
We'd be lucky to have you stay on. And, when the time comes, the Kreuzbasar is a wonderful place for an old soldier to hang their hat. Take it from me.
And well done it was.
Just don't salute me, pup.
Now that's a sentiment I can drink to.
Taser
Single target. On hit, electrifies the enemy and does AP damage.
>>PANACEA PUMP STATION #1
>>Infusion Management System v 4.5.1

***** INFUSION SEQUENCE INITIATED *****

WARNING: PANACEA infusion sequence is LOCKED.
Disengage Safety Protocol to enable emergency venting of virus.
{{GM}}Disengage Safety Protocol: Vent A.{{/GM}}
>>Vent A Safety Protocol disengaged. // Vent A is now unlocked for manual venting.

>>NOTE: The virus infusion process will automatically reinitiate after emergency venting.
Basic Knight Errant Drone
A basic combat drone carried by KE riggers.
This LTG tech's coveralls are smeared with sweat and grime. A scowl is plastered across her face.

She takes a quick glance at you, then turns back to her work.
Unless you're here to help me fix this panel, you'd better stay the hell out of my hair.

Otherwise, I'll call Security and have them *drag* you out.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Actually, I think that I could help you... it looks like your problem is coming from somewhere upstream. See those connectors, there?
{{GM}}Back away.{{/GM}} No need to get testy. I'm going.
{{GM}}Have Blitz take a look at the panel.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Have your decker take a look at the panel.{{/GM}}
Hey... yeah, you're right!

{{GM}}She looks up at you. The scowl has disappeared from her face, but she doesn't look happy, either.{{/GM}}

Look. I really appreciate the help, but I have to do this myself. I'm already *way* behind, and Corporate's gonna have my ass if I don't get it done before lunch.
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} Y'know, if you're that far behind, you could always go catch up on your other work... leave me to work on the panel. It'd be no trouble.
{{CC}}Strength: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} Let me ask you a question then. Do you value your kneecaps?
Well, good luck with that.
{{GM}}A confused scowl crosses her face.{{/GM}}

I don't even *know* you, buddy. Why in God's name would I leave you alone with a panel that *I'm* responsible for?
{{CC}}¥300{{/CC}} {{GM}}Bribe her.{{/GM}} Well, that way you could claim your 300 nuyen "efficiency bonus."
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} When did Aztechnology ever do anything for you, aside from working you half to death? Let me take care of the panel, and you can clock out early... I'll even spread a little spending money your way.
Um. Never mind... I just realized that I left the tri-vid on at home anyway.
The scowl drops off of her face, replaced with a blank stare.

A second later, she finishes processing what you've said. A sly smile creeps across her lips.
Y'know what? I *do* deserve an efficiency bonus.

{{GM}}She snatches her PDA off of her belt and presses it to your credstick. Once the transfer is completed, she steps away from the panel.{{/GM}}

And now, I am going to go get plastered. Efficiently.
You make a compelling argument. This job has been a load of drek since they canned my assistant.

Screw it. The panel's all yours. I'm off to find a pub.
{{GM}}She does not look amused.{{/GM}}

Thank you for wasting my time.

{{GM}}Without another word, she turns back to her work, ignoring you.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She swallows, then steps away from the panel.{{/GM}}

I'm a big fan of my kneecaps.

Tell you what... I'm going to climb back in my van and drive them somewhere far, far away.
Quickly Blitz shows her the problem, two mismatched connections.
Quickly your decker shows her the problem, two mismatched connections.
{{GM}}She doesn't even bother looking over this time.{{/GM}}

Seriously. I'm on a tight schedule here.

Leave me alone, or I'm calling security.
{{GM}}She touches a commlink stud on her collar. You hear a burst of static.{{/GM}}

Security! I've got intruders at the south gate!
Petrify
Target loses all AP and cannot attack or move. Lasts 1 RND.
Petrified: All AP Lost
Thrust
Does an additional -3 HP. Ignores the weapon's AP damage. -15% to hit.
The panel appears to be wired into the physical security in some way. Le panneau semble être câblé dans la sécurité physique d'un certaine façon.
{{CC}}Drone Control: 3{{/CC}} Send self-destruct codes to the automated security. {{CC}}Contrôle de drone: 3{{/CC}} Envoyer les codes d'auto destruction à la sécurité automatisée.
>>FILCO Dyna-Safe Computer Control System v 2.5 >>Système informatique de contrôle FILCO Dyna-Safe v 2.5
{{GM}}Access Safe{{/GM}} {{GM}}Accès autorisé{{/GM}}
PLEASE INPUT PASSWORD: VEUILLEZ ENTRER LE MOT DE PASSE:
naperville naperville
{{CC}}Decking: 2{{/CC}}{{GM}}Bypass the security protocol.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Decking: 2{{/CC}}{{GM}} Contourner le protocole de sécurité.{{/GM}}
Safe Unlocked! Déverrouillage autorisé!
{{GM}}Aljernon appears to be waiting for you, though his expression is difficult to decipher.{{/GM}}

Behold, the dragonslayer.		 {{GM}}Aljernon semblait vous attendre, son expression est difficile à cerner.{{/GM}}

Voici, le tueur de dragons.
Do not mock the $(l.race), Aljernon Half-Dream.

But nor should you praise $(l.him), either.

For good or ill, the cycle of a Great Wyrm has ended. Never again will she walk upon this Earth, nor soar over its mountains. This day is full of portent. 		Ne te moques pas l'$(l.race), Aljernon Half-Dream.

Mais ne le couvres pas d'éloge non plus, soit.

En bien ou en mal, le cycle d'un Grand Wyrm s'est achevé. Jamais plus elle ne marchera sur notre terre, ni ne survolera ses montagnes. Cette journée est pleine de possibilité.
Portent? What do you mean, portent? Possibilité? Que voulez-vous dire par possibilité?
Do you two ever speak plainly? Ne parlez vous jamais simplement, tous les deux?
How did you know about the dragon? Comment avez-vous su pour le dragon?
{{GM}}He appears to look through you. Past you.{{/GM}}

When a dragon falls, the sound resonates across time and space.		 {{GM}}Son regard se perd dans le vague..{{/GM}}

Quand un dragon tombe, le son résonne à travers le temps et l'espace.
The ramifications of the Great Wyrm’s death shall be felt. There will be a reckoning. Les conséquences de la mort de la Grande Wyrm se feront sentir. Il y aura des répercussions.
A reckoning? Am I in trouble? Des répercussions? Je suis en danger?
Not this you, and not today.

{{GM}}Her expression slackens, becomes dreamy.{{/GM}}

Within three cycles, what the world has lost, it shall rue. But the Ice Storm will come, the Codex will be broken, and woe to the Dancer.

This I prophesy.		 Non pas toi, et pas aujourd'hui.

{{GM}}Son expression se relâche, devenant rêveuse.{{/GM}}

Depuis trois cycles, ce que le monde a perdu, il doit le regretter amèrement. Mais la Tempête de Glace viendra, le Codex sera brisé, et malheur à la Danseuse.

C'est ce que je prophétise.
{{GM}}Aljernon stares at her, lost in thought. Finally, he speaks.{{/GM}}

We must be going. And soon.		 {{GM}}Aljernon la regarde, perdu dans ses pensées. Finalement, il parle.{{/GM}}

Nous devons y aller. Maintenant.
Going? Where are you going? Y aller? Ou allons nous?
What the hell is going on? Why are you leaving? Bon sang, mais qu'est-ce-qui se passe? Pourquoi vous partez?
Maybe I should come along... to protect you or something. Peut-être que je devrais venir aussi... pour vous protéger par exemple.
Is there something I should know? Some last words of… I don’t know… wisdom? Y a-t-il quelque chose que je devrais savoir? Quelques dernières paroles de... je ne sais pas... sagesse?
Machu Picchu. It is in South America.

I have business there that has become urgent. 		Machu Picchu. C'est en Amérique du Sud.

J'ai des affaires la bas qui deviennent urgentes.
It will not be urgent till tomorrow, Half-Dream. You have time to pack up your wares. Elles pourront attendre jusqu'à demain, Half-Dream. Tu as le temps d'emballer tes affaires.
There is more to it than that, woman, and you know it.

{{GM}}He bows to you with a flourish.{{/GM}}

Good-bye, $(l.name). We will meet again, I think... though not for a long, long time.		 Il y a plus que ça, femme, et tu le sais.

{{GM}}Il s'incline devant vous en grande pompe.{{/GM}}

Au revoir, $(l.name). Nous nous reverrons, je pense... mais pas avant un long, long moment.
I have business that has become urgent. J'ai des affaires urgentes à régler.
Where the Half-Dream goes, you cannot follow, $(l.race). Là où va Half-Dream, tu ne peux le suivre, $(l.race).
No one likes a third wheel, $(l.name). Even if it is a $(l.man) like you.

{{GM}}He bows to you with a flourish.{{/GM}}

Good-bye, $(l.name). We will meet again, I think... though not for a long, long time.		 Personne n'aime la troisième roue du carrosse, $(l.name). Même si c'est quelqu'un comme vous.

{{GM}}Il s'incline devant vous en grande pompe.{{/GM}}

Au revoir, $(l.name). Nous nous reverrons, je pense... mais pas avant un long, long moment.
Always... no. Never... Toujours... non. Jamais...
Shine, runner of shadows. Glow bright, and show what is hidden in the places Power wishes to remain dark.

That is Absinthe’s wish for you.		 Rayonnes, coureur des ombres. Telle une lueur eblouissante dévoiles ce que les Puissances préfèreraient laisser dans les ténèbres.

Tel est le souhait d'Absinthe pour toi.
That is what I was going to say.

{{GM}}He bows to you with a flourish.{{/GM}}

Good-bye, $(l.name). We will meet again, I think... though not for a long, long time.		 Voila ce que je te voulais dire.

{{GM}}Il s'incline devant vous en grande pompe.{{/GM}}

Au revoir, $(l.name). Nous nous reverrons, je pense... mais pas avant un long, long moment.
When a dragon falls, the sound resonates across time and space.

{{GM}}Her expression slackens, becomes dreamy.{{/GM}}

Within three cycles, what the world has lost, it shall rue. But the Ice Storm will come, the Codex will be broken, and woe to the Dancer.

This I prophesy.		 Quand un dragon tombe, le son résonne à travers le temps et l'espace.

{{GM}}Son expression se relâche, devenant rêveuse.{{/GM}}

Depuis trois cycles, ce que le monde a perdu, il doit le regretter amèrement. Mais la Tempête de Glace viendra, le Codex sera brisé, et malheur à la Danseuse.

C'est ce que je prophétise.
A friend. Un ami.
When a dragon falls, the sound resonates across time and space. Quand un dragon tombe, le son résonne à travers le temps et l'espace.
The death of a Great Wyrm is of interest to a multitude of beings, and Aljernon Half-Dream is among their circle.

There will be a reckoning.		 La mort d'un Grand Wyrm présente un intérêt pour une multitude d'êtres, et Aljernon Half-Dream appartient à certain de leurs cercles.

Il y aura des répercussions.
Am I in trouble? Je suis en danger?
{{GM}}Aljernon hums tunelessly to himself while he fiddles with one of his many talismans. When he sees you, he smiles broadly.{{/GM}}

Here $(l.he) is, Absinthe - the clear-sighted one.		 {{GM}}Aljernon marmonne sans entrain pendant qu'il tripote un de ses nombreux talismans. Lorsqu'il vous voit, il sourit largement.{{/GM}}

(l.he) est ici, Absinthe - quelle clairvoyante.
To be certain. This $(l.race) is to be heralded with much praise, Aljernon Half-Dream, though $(l.hisher) release of the Great Wyrm will have ramifications, to be sure.

This day is full of portent.		 Pour sûr. Cette $(l.race) doit être célébrée avec beaucoup d'éloges, Aljernon Half-Dream, bien que la libération de la Grande Wyrm aura des conséquences, c'est sûr.

Cette journée est pleine de possibilité.
The Feuerschwinge Wyrm is not a minor player in the great cycle. The effects of her release will resonate across time and space. La Wyrm Feuerschwinge n'était pas une actrice mineure dans le grand Cycle. Les conséquences de sa libération se répercuteront à travers le temps et l'espace.
Is that good? Est-ce une bonne chose?
{{GM}}Aljernon smiles.{{/GM}}

For some.		 {{GM}}Aljernon sourit.{{/GM}}

Pour certains.
“Good” is a children’s term in a world without connections. Without nuance.

{{GM}}Her expression slackens, becomes dreamy.{{/GM}}

Before the next cycle’s end, the Feuerschwinge Wyrm will speak again with the voice of the Maiden. The Dancer will spin, the Seal will melt, and the Calm Lake will burn.		 “Bon” est un terme enfantin dans un monde sans connexions. Sans nuance.

{{GM}}Son expression se relâche, devenant rêveuse.{{/GM}}

Avant la fin du prochain cycle, La dragonne Feuerschwinge parlera encore avec la voix d'une jeune fille. La Danseuse tournera, le Sceau fondra, et le Lac Calme brulera.
{{GM}}Aljernon purses his lips, annoyed.{{/GM}}

You make it sound like a bad thing.		 {{GM}}Aljernon plince ses lèvres, agacé.{{/GM}}

Tu fais sonner ça comme une mauvaise chose.
Do not jest, Half-Dream. We must be going, and soon. Ne plaisantes pas, Half-Dream. Nous devons y aller, et vite.
Rarely. Rarement.
{{GM}}Absinthe speaks slowly, choosing her words.{{/GM}}

The Feuerschwinge Wyrm is not a minor player in the great cycle. The effects of her release will resonate across time and space. 		{{GM}}Absinthe parle lentement, choisissant ses mots.{{/GM}}

La Wyrm Feuerschwinge n'était pas une actrice mineure dans le grand Cycle. Les conséquences de sa libération se répercuteront à travers le temps et l'espace.
{{GM}}Her expression slackens, becomes dreamy.{{/GM}}

Before the next cycle’s end, the Feuerschwinge Wyrm will speak again with the voice of the Maiden. The Dancer will spin, the Seal will melt, and the Calm Lake will burn again.

This I prophesy.		 {{GM}}Son expression se relâche, devenant rêveuse.{{/GM}}

Avant la fin du prochain cycle, La dragonne Feuerschwinge parlera encore avec la voix d'une jeune fille. La Danseuse tournera, le Sceau fondra, et le Lac Calme brulera.

C'est ce que je prophétise.
The release of the Great Wyrm is of interest to a multitude of beings, and Aljernon Half-Dream is among their circle. La libération du Grand Wyrm présente un intérêt pour une multitude d'êtres, et Aljernon Half-Dream appartient à certain de leurs cercles.

Il y aura des répercussions.
Things are different now. Les choses sont différentes maintenant.
Different how? Différentes comment?
{{GM}}Aljernon watches you approach, his expression cold and distant.{{/GM}}

We are closed, $(l.name).		 {{GM}}Aljernon vous regarde approcher, son expression est froide et distante.{{/GM}}

Nous sommes fermés, $(l.name).
Do not simply dismiss the $(l.race), Aljernon Half-Dream. You are wiser than that, and $(l.he) has proven $(l.hisher) worth more than once.

Here we have a firsthand account of the Feuerschwinge Wyrm and what became of her. Shall we remain ignorant or shall we listen?		 Ne te contentes pas de simplement rejeter l'$(l.race), Aljernon Half-Dream. Tu es plus sage que ça, et $(l.he) a prouvé sa valeur plus d'une fois.

Ici, nous pouvons avoir un témoignage de première main ce qu'il est survenu du Wyrm Feuerschwinge. Allons-nous rester dans l'ignorance ou allons-nous écouter?
{{GM}}Aljernon stands silent, considering.{{/GM}}

I know that Feuerschwinge is alive, $(l.name).

Yet... she is not free... is she? 		{{GM}}Aljernon réfléchis en silence.{{/GM}}

Je sais que Feuerschwinge est vivante, $(l.name).

Pourtant... elle n'est pas libre... non?
How do you know she's still alive? Comment sais tu qu'elle est toujours en vie?
She was insane when I found her. I could have killed her, but I thought she could be of use. Elle était cinglée quand je l'ai trouvé. J'ai voulu la tuer, mais j'ai pensais qu'elle pouvait être utile.
She’s now under the control of a powerful AI. Elle est maintenant contrôlée par une IA très puissante.
I don’t think I want to get into this right now. I should go. Je ne pense pas que je veille y penser pour le moment. Je devrais y aller.
Because I know she is not dead.

When a dragon falls, the sound resonates across time and space. There are many beings interested in her fate.

Now tell me what happened. 		Parce que je sais qu'elle n'est pas morte.

Quand un dragon tombe, le son résonne à travers le temps et l'espace. Il y a beaucoup d'êtres intéressés par son sort.

Maintenant dis moi ce qui est arrivé.
One does not “use” a Great Dragon. Quite the opposite.

The more important question is, who is Feuerschwinge of use to?		 On ne peut pas "utiliser" un Grand Dragon. Bien au contraire.

La question la plus importante est, qui souhaitait utiliser Feuerschwinge ?
APEX is the Matrix security system that killed Monika and subsumed her personality. It plans to use Feuerschwinge to enforce its political agenda. APEX est le système de sécurité qui a tué Monika, et englobé sa personnalité. Il prévoyait d'utiliser Feuerschwinge pour imposer ses croyances politiques.
APEX is a sentient AI that assimilated Monika’s personality. Because of that, it cares deeply about the F-State and intends to use the dragon to help stabilize it. APEX est un IA vivante qui a assimilé la personnalité de Monika. A cause de ça, elle se soucie profondément du F-State, et elle a l'intention d'utiliser le dragon pour aider à le stabiliser.
The political agenda of a sentient computer is trivial. Les croyances politiques d'un ordinateur doué de raison sont triviales.
But the Firewing - and the electric godling that controls her - are not.

{{GM}}Her expression slackens, becomes dreamy.{{/GM}}

Within this cycle, the world will rue this event, yet celebrate it nonetheless. The Feuerschwinge Wyrm will speak again with the voice of the Hunter. The Dancer will stumble, the Golden Man will eat 9 and 30, and the Scales will clatter to the ground.

This I prophesy.		 Mais Aile de feu - et la déité électrique qui la contrôle - ne le sont pas.

{{GM}}Son expression se relâche, devenant rêveuse.{{/GM}}

Avant la fin du prochain cycle, le monde regrettera cet évènement, mais il le célébrera néanmoins. La Wyrm Feuerschwinge parlera de nouveau avec la voix du Chasseur. La Danseuse trébuchera, l'Homme Doré mangera le 9 et le 30, et les Balances se fracasseront sur le sol.

C'est ce que je prophétise.
{{GM}}Aljernon stares at her, his expression unknowable.{{/GM}}

Go, $(l.name). You have given me much to think about.

Yes, much to think about.		 {{GM}}Aljernon la regarde, son expression est indéchiffrable.{{/GM}}

Pars, $(l.name). Tu m'as donné assez à réfléchir

Oui, bien assez à réfléchir.
The F-State and its future are trivial matters. Le F-State et son futur sont triviaux.
{{GM}}He stops.{{/GM}}

An artificial intelligence controls a Great Dragon.		 {{GM}}Il s'interrompt.{{/GM}}

Une intelligence artificielle contrôlant un Grand Dragon.
How very 2054.

Tell us of this artificial being. Amuse us.		 C'est tellement dans l'air du temps.

Parles nous de cet être artificiel. Amuses nous.
Stop it, woman. There is nothing amusing about this. Arrêtes ça, femme. Il n'y a rien d'amusant la dedans.
What's done is done, and what APEX has planned is none of your concern. I should go. Ce qui est fait est fait, et ce que l'APEX a prévu ne vous concerne pas. Je devrais y aller.
But the Firewing - and the electric godling that controls her - are not. Mais Aile de feu - et la déité électrique qui la contrôle - ne le sont pas.
{{GM}}Her expression slackens, becomes dreamy.{{/GM}}

Within this cycle, the world will rue this event, yet celebrate it nonetheless. The Feuerschwinge Wyrm will speak again with the voice of the Hunter. The Dancer will stumble, the Golden Man will eat 9 and 30, and the Scales will clatter to the ground.

This I prophesy.		 {{GM}}Son expression se relâche, devenant rêveuse.{{/GM}}

Avant la fin du prochain cycle, le monde regrettera cet évènement, mais il le célébrera néanmoins. La Wyrm Feuerschwinge parlera de nouveau avec la voix du Chasseur. La Danseuse trébuchera, l'Homme Doré mangera le 9 et le 30, et les Balances se fracasseront sur le sol.

C'est ce que je prophétise.
Do not presume to know what is or isn't my concern.

But... I will honor your wishes in this, for now. You will hear from us again.		 Ne présumes pas savoir ce qui me concerne ou non.

Mais... je vais honorer ton souhait, pour le moment. Nous n'entendra plus parler de nous.
As you wish. You will hear from us again. Comme tu le souhaites. Tu n'entendras plus parler de nous.
But not soon.

{{GM}}Her expression slackens, becomes dreamy.{{/GM}}

No, within this cycle, the world will rue this event, yet celebrate it nonetheless. The Feuerschwinge Wyrm will speak again with the voice of the Crone. The Dancer will fall, the Sky will sing, and the Cold Lands will turn to ash.

This I prophesy.		 Mais pas avant longtemps.

{{GM}}Son expression se relâche, devenant rêveuse.{{/GM}}

Avant la fin du prochain cycle, le monde regrettera cet évènement, mais il le célébrera néanmoins. La Wyrm Feuerschwinge parlera de nouveau avec la voix de la Sorcière. La Danseuse va tomber, le Ciel va chanter, et les Terres Froides se transformeront en cendres.

C'est ce que je prophétise.
Do not simply dismiss the $(l.race), Aljernon Half-Dream. You are wiser than that, and $(l.he) has proven $(l.hisher) worth more than once.

Here, we have a firsthand account of the Feuerschwinge Wyrm and what became of her. Shall we remain ignorant, or shall we listen?		 Ne te contentes pas de simplement rejeter l'$(l.race), Aljernon Half-Dream. Tu es plus sage que ça, et $(l.he) a prouvé sa valeur plus d'une fois.

Ici, nous pouvons avoir un témoignage de première main ce qu'il est survenu du Wyrm Feuerschwinge. Allons-nous rester dans l'ignorance ou allons-nous écouter?
She was insane when I found her. An insane Feuerschwinge would be even worse than the one who torched thousands. Quand je l'ai trouvé, elle était cinglée. Une Feuerschwinge cinglée aurait été pire que celle qui a brulé des milliers de personnes.
Because I know she is not dead.

When a dragon falls, the sound resonates across time and space. There are many beings interested in her fate.

Now tell me what happened. 		Parce que je sais qu'elle n'est pas morte.

Quand un dragon tombe, le son résonne à travers le temps et l'espace. Il y a beaucoup d'êtres intéressés par son sort.

Maintenant dis moi ce qui est arrivé.
Aljernon contemplates this wordlessly while Absinthe watches him, concerned. Aljernon réfléchis sur ce non-dit pendant qu'Absinthe le regarde, inquiète.
And? What has become of the Great Wyrm, $(l.race)? Et? Qu'est devenu la Grande Wyrm, $(l.name)?
And I left her where I found her - imprisoned. She had to pay for her crimes. Et je l'ai laissé ou je l'avais trouvé - emprisonnée. Elle doit payer pour ses crimes.
She’s locked up, where she can’t hurt anyone else. Seemed like the best option. Elle est enfermée, là où elle ne peut blesser personne d'autre. Ca semblait être la meilleure option.
{{GM}}Aljernon’s expression is blank.{{/GM}}

Of course. 		{{GM}}L'expression d'Aljernon est vide.{{/GM}}

Bien sûr.
{{GM}}Absinthe raises a hand.{{/GM}}

We cannot judge this $(l.man), nor $(l.hisher) actions, Half-Dream.

We have lived long enough to know that the spectrum of the world contains myriad shades of gray...		 {{GM}}Absinthe lève une main.{{/GM}}

Nous ne pouvons juger cette personne, ni ses actions, Half-Dream.

Nous avons vécu assez longtemps pour savoir que le spectre du monde contient une myriade de nuances de gris...
{{GM}}Her expression slackens, becomes dreamy.{{/GM}}

But hear me:

Within this cycle, the world will rue this event, though for reasons none can guess. The Feuerschwinge Wyrm will speak again with the voice of a Stranger. The Dancer will falter, the Seal will remain fixed, and the Calm Lake will boil.

This I prophesy.		 {{GM}}Son expression se relâche, devenant rêveuse.{{/GM}}

Mais écoutes moi:

Avant la fin de ce cycle, le monde regrettera cet évenement, mais pour des raisons que nul ne peut deviner. Le Wyrm Feuerschwinge parlera de nouveau avec la voix de l'Inconnue. La Danseuse va fléchir, le Sceau sera brisé, et le Lac Calme va bouillir.

C'est ce que je prophétise.
It is a temporary option, although temporary to a dragon could be many lifetimes to you. Cette option n'est que temporaire, bien que temporaire pour un dragon pourrait représenter de nombreuses de vos vies.
Still, it will do for now. Pourtant, Ca le fera pour l'instant.
{{GM}}Aljernon stares at her, his expression unknowable.{{/GM}}

Go, $(l.name). I have much to think about.		 {{GM}}Aljernon la regarde, son expression est indéchiffrable.{{/GM}}

Pars, $(l.name). Tu m'as donné assez à réfléchir
Salutations, youngster. I believe that the Kreuzbasar is still standing thanks to you. Salutations, le jeune. Je crois que le Kreuzbasar est toujours debout grâce à vous.
No big deal. Some people needed saving, and I saved ‘em. Pas de soucis. Certaines personnes avaient besoin d'un coup de main, et je m'en suis occupé.
There are other ways of saying “Thank you.” Ways that involve nuyen and free trinkets. Il y a d'autre façon de dire "Merci". Des façons impliquant des nuyens et des amulettes gratuites.
It was a team effort. Monika would’ve done the same. C'était un travail d'équipe. Monika aurait fait de même.
I’m sure the task was effortless. I extend my appreciation nonetheless. Je suis sûr que la tâche était facile. Je te remercie quand même.
So I have heard.

One day, perhaps I will learn this language. For now, “Thank you” must suffice.		 Donc, j'en ai deja entendu parler.

Un jour, peut-être apprendrai-je cette langue. Pour le moment, "Merci" devra suffire.
I agree, and you have filled her shoes admirably. Je suis d'accord, et tu as pris sa relève avec brio.
Greetings, young $(l.race).

{{GM}}The elf's voice is smooth as silk and rich as clotted cream. Something about him instantly puts you at ease.{{/GM}}

I am Aljernon Half-Dream, the owner of this establishment. In my shop, you will find only the finest in magical paraphernalia.		 Salutations, jeune $(l.race).

{{GM}}La voix de l'elfe est douce comme de la soie et aussi riche que de la crème brulée. Quelque chose en lui vous met immédiatement à l'aise.{{/GM}}

Je suis Aljernon Half-Dream, le propriétaire de cet établissement. Dans ma boutique, tu trouveras les plus beaux accessoires magiques.
Now, tell me: how may I serve you? Maintenant, dis moi: Comment puis-je t'aider?
If you're selling, I'm buying. Show me your inventory. Si tu vends, j'achète. Montres moi ton stock.
I have a question for you, if you don't mind. J'ai une question pour toi, si ca ne te dérange pas.
On second thought, I've gotta go. Thanks anyway. A la réflexion, je dois y aller. Merci quand même.
You are in luck: I have a great many answers. Tu es chanceux: j'ai plein de superbes réponses.
I came by some data on a job. It's written in a foreign language... maybe you could take a look? Je suis tombé sur des données lors d'un boulot. C'est écrit dans une langue étrangère... tu peux peut-être jeter un œil?
Aljernon, what do you know about the Great Dragon Feuerschwinge? Aljernon, Que sais tu du Grand Dragon Feuerschwinge?
What can you tell me about Dante? He’s not a normal dog. Que peux tu me dire à propos de Dante? Ce n'est pas un chien normal.
What kind of magic do you practice? Shamanic? Hermetic? Tu pratiques quelle sorte de magie? Chamanique? Hermétique?
What can you tell me about the Adversary? Que peux tu me dire à propos de l'Adversaire?
Have you ever heard of a gang called the Kreuzritters? As-tu déjà entendu parler d'un gang appelé les Kreuzritters?
What's your story? Have you been in the Kreuzbasar long? C'est quoi ton histoire? Tu es dans le Kreuzbasar depuis longtemps?
What's the deal with your assistant? There's something funny about her eyes... C'est quoi le truc avec ton assistante? Il y a quelque chose d'étrange avec ses yeux...
Can I see what you're selling? Puis-je voir ce que tu as a vendre?
Yes. Of course. Hand it to me, if you will. Oui. Bien sûr. Donnes le moi, si tu veux.
{{GM}}Aljernon sweeps his eyes over the information on your PDA. His mouth curls into a frown, then a grimace of disgust.{{/GM}}

This... is an abomination. You would do well to delete it.		 {{GM}} Aljernon balaie les informations sur votre PDA des yeux. Il fronce les sourcils, puis grimace de dégoût.{{/GM}}

C'est... une abomination. Tu ferais mieux de supprimer ça.
I thought you said that you didn't discriminate when it came to magical traditions. Je croyais vous avoir entendu dire que vous ne discriminiez aucune traditions magiques.
{{GM}}He meets your eyes.{{/GM}}

Nothing that should exist. But you are looking for specifics, and you will continue asking until you have them. The impetuousness of youth.

Very well, then. I will try to provide the knowledge that you seek.		 {{GM}}Il vous regarde dans les yeux.{{/GM}}

Rien qui devrait exister. Mais tu cherches des réponses, et tu continueras à demander tant que tu ne les auras pas obtenus. La fougue de la jeunesse.

Très bien, alors. Je vais essayer de te fournir le savoir que tu recherches.
There is great power in blood, $(l.name). It can be used as a focus, a battery, or a bridge. The blood mages of Tenochtitlan are widely feared for their proficiency in abusing this power.

This project... this "Bloodline"... seeks to abuse the power of blood in a novel - and horrifying - way.		 Il y a un grand pouvoir dans le sang, $(l.name). Il peut être utilisé comme un focalisateur, une batterie, ou un pont. Les mages de sang de Tenochtitlan sont grandement crains pour leur abus de ce pouvoir.

Ce projet... cette "Bloodline"... chercher à abuser du pouvoir du sang d'une nouvelle - and horrible - façon.
With the techniques described in this document, a spellcaster could use a person's blood as a magical conduit.

In layman's terms, a spell could be channeled through a father to kill his son, through a niece to kill her aunt. Anyone with a hereditary connection to the original target, regardless of distance.		 Avec les techniques décrites dans ce document, un lanceur de sorts peut utiliser le sang d'une personne comme un conduit magique.

En termes simples, un sort pourrait être canalisé par un père pour tuer son fils, où une nièce pour tuer sa tante. Toute personne ayant un lien héréditaire avec la cible originale, indépendamment de la distance.
Do you see the ramifications of this, $(l.name)? Do you understand what this means?

Were the project completed... were the techniques described within to be perfected... nobody would be safe.		 Tu vois les conséquences de tout ça, $(l.name)? Est ce que tu comprend ce que ca signifie?

Une fois le projet terminé... Une fois que les techniques décrites seront perfectionnées... plus personne ne sera en sécurité.
You could run and hide, you could go to ground, you could bury yourself in a mile of concrete. It would not matter.

As long as Aztechnology can find a blood connection to their prey, they could target them. And it would be fatal.		 Vous pourriez courir et vous cacher, vous planquer sous terre ou vous enterrer dans un bunker de béton. Ca ne servirait à rien.

Tant qu'Aztechnology possèdera un lien de sang avec sa proie, elle pourra la cibler. Et ca serait mortel.
{{GM}}He hands back your PDA, information intact.{{/GM}}

This is yours, $(l.name). You have heard my counsel. I will leave the rest to you.		 {{GM}}Il vous rend votre PDA, l'information toujours présente.{{/GM}}

C'est à toi de voir, $(l.name). Tu as entendu ma plaidoirie. La décision te revient.
{{GM}}He meets your eyes.{{/GM}}

This is a special case. What you have shown me... this should not exist.		 {{GM}}Il vous regarde dans les yeux.{{/GM}}

Ce cas est spécial. Ce que tu m'as montré... ça ne devrait pas exister.
{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

But you are looking for specifics, and you will continue asking until you have them. The impetuousness of youth.

Very well, then. I will attempt to provide the clarity that you seek.		 {{GM}}Il soupire.{{/GM}}

Mais tu cherches des réponses, et tu continueras à demander tant que tu ne les auras pas obtenus. La fougue de la jeunesse.

Très bien, alors. Je vais essayer de te fournir le savoir que tu recherches.
{{GM}}The elf ponders for a moment, twisting a ring on his right hand.{{/GM}}

Feuerschwinge… the Firewing. That is a name that hasn’t been heard in some time - over forty years, I believe, though I cannot say for certain. Time and I do not get along.		 {{GM}}L'elfe réfléchit un instant, jouant avec un anneau sur sa main droite.{{/GM}}

Feuerschwinge… L'Aile de feu. Voilà un nom que je n'avais pas entendu depuis des années - plus de quarante ans, je crois, mais je ne peux pas l'assurer. Et j'espère que ca continuera.
She was among the first of the Great Dragons to Awaken, and the first to be killed by metahumanity. Or so the story goes. Elle a été parmi les premiers Grands Dragons à se Réveiller, et la première à être tué par la méta humanité. Enfin, c'est ce qu'on raconte.
You don’t buy that? Et tu n'y crois pas?
So the story goes? Ce qu'on raconte?
Looks like I asked the right person. You have insight? On dirait que je demandé à la bonne personne. Vous avez des doutes?
I take nothing at face value. It is one of the secrets of my longevity.

History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon. Truth is something else...		 Je ne prends rien pour argent comptant. C'est l'un des secrets de ma longévité.

L'histoire est une version des évènements passés que les gens ont décidé d'accepter. La vérité est autre chose...
Of course. History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon. Truth is something else... Bien sûr. L'histoire est une version des évènements passés que les gens ont décidé d'accepter. La vérité est autre chose...
I do. Into a great many matters... C'est ça. Dont un grand nombre de questions ...
{{GM}}Absinthe interjects.{{/GM}}

A Great Dragon is not like other Awakened creatures. Whereas a basilisk is nothing more than a Komodo dragon whose genetic structure was mutated by magic’s return, a Great Dragon IS a creature of magic.

A creature that has seen more than one cycle of the world. This is the sixth.		 {{GM}}Absinthe l'interrompt.{{/GM}}

Un Grand Dragon n'est pas comme les autres créatures éveillées. Considérant qu'un basilique n'est rien de plus qu'un dragon de Komodo dont la structure génétique a muté suite au retour de la magie, un Grand Dragon EST une créature issue de la magie.

Une créature qui a vu plus d'un cycle du monde. Celui ci étant le Sixième.
When a Great Dragon falls, the sound resonates across time and space. Lorsqu'un Grand Dragon tombe, sa chute résonne à travers le temps et l'espace.
Got it. You’re skeptical. So, how does the story go? Compris. Vous êtes sceptique. Alors, c'est quoi l'histoire?
And therefore you would know? Et donc vous le sauriez?
{{GM}}He opens his hands.{{/GM}}

I am merely suggesting that the story is incomplete. 		{{GM}}Il écarte les mains.{{/GM}}

J'ai simplement suggéré que l'histoire n'était pas complète.
Feuerschwinge Awakened, along with Lofwyr, Nebelherr, and Kaltenstein, around the first decade of this century. She was first seen over the Harz Mountains, and after a long flight announcing her presence, she began raining fire on every town and village she came across. L'Eveil d'Aile de feu, en même temps que Lofwyr, Nebelherr et Kaltenstein, s'est produit autour de la première décennie de ce siècle. Elle a d'abord été vu aux montagnes d'Harz, et après un long vol annonçant sa présence, elle a commencé à faire pleuvoir les flammes sur chaque ville et village qu'elle rencontrait.
Sounds like she woke up grumpy. On dirait qu'elle s'est levée du mauvais pied.
Nasty beast. Sale bête.
Why the attack? Think she was protecting her lair? Pourquoi ces attaques? Tu penses qu'elle protégeait son antre?
Angry, deranged, or something else.

What motivates a being such as her?		 En colère, dérangée, ou quelque chose d'autre.

Qu'Est-ce-qui motive un tel être?
Be careful how you label such a creature. A Great Dragon is not a mindless animal.

What motivates a being such as her?		 Sois prudent lorsque tu catalogues une telle créature. Un Grand Dragon n'est pas un animal stupide.

Qu'Est-ce-qui motive un tel être?
No one knows. Feuerschwinge was never engaged in… dialogue.

German military forces are said to have killed her over the SOX the year she emerged - this, after months of fire, devastation, and terror.

Her body was never recovered.		 Personne ne sait. Feuerschwinge n'a jamais cherché à... parlementer.

Les forces militaires allemandes ont raconté qu'ils l'avaient abattu au dessus du SOX l'année ou elle a émergé - ce, après des mois d'incendies, de dévastation et de terreur.

Son corps n'a jamais été retrouvé.
Think she’s still in the SOX? Tu penses qu'elle est toujours dans le SOX?
So she could still be out there. Alors, elle pourrait encore être là-bas.
Whenever I hear, “the body was never recovered,” I immediately think, “faked her own death.” Chaque fois que j'entend, "Le corps n'a jamais été retrouvé", je pense immédiatement à, "a feint sa propre mort".
I cannot say. Je ne peux pas dire.
A sealed emergency zone is, by its very nature, sealed. We cannot know what happens inside with certainty.

Yet, I do wonder what effect the radiation from a nuclear meltdown might have had upon her. 		Une zone d'urgence condamnée, et par sa nature même, scellée. Nous ne pouvons pas réellement savoir ce qu'il se passe à l'intérieur.

Pourtant, je peux demande quel effet le rayonnement d'une fusion nucléaire pourrait avoir eu sur elle.
Any theories? Des théories?
That all you know? C'est tout ce que tu sais?
You seem like a connected guy. Think any of your magical friends might know more? Tu sembles être un type plein de relations. Tu penses qu'un de tes amis magiques pourrait en savoir plus?
And what do you think? Et qu'en penses-tu?
I believe it is quite possible, yes. Je pense que c'est tout a fait possible, oui.
And I must wonder what effect the radiation from a nuclear meltdown might have had upon her.

The SOX is an inhospitable region, to be sure.		 Et je me demande quel effet le rayonnement d'une fusion nucléaire pourrait avoir eu sur elle.

Le SOX est une région inhospitalière, soit en certain.
Beware the holovids, my friend. They will rot your brain.

Nevertheless, it is possible that the Firewing still exists.		 Méfies-toi des holovids, mon ami. Ils vont te pourrir le cerveau.

Néanmoins, il est possible que l'Aile de feu soit toujours en vie.
Dragons are cunning… quite, quite cunning. And a sealed emergency zone is, by its very nature, sealed; we cannot know what happens inside with certainty.

One must wonder what effect the radiation from a nuclear meltdown might have had upon her.		 Les dragons sont rusés...très, très rusés. Et une zone d'urgence condamnée, et par sa nature même, scellée. Nous ne pouvons pas réellement savoir ce qu'il se passe à l'intérieur.

Et on doit se demander quel effet le rayonnement d'une fusion nucléaire pourrait avoir eu sur elle.
{{GM}}Aljernon crosses his arms across his chest.{{/GM}}

No. I do not deal in theory.

Despite her death, there was a rumor that she had been seen over Iceland sometime after her fall, but it has never been confirmed.

Some speculate that the viewer witnessed her astral form and that her body still lies in the SOX.		 {{GM}}Aljernon croise les bras sur sa poitrine.{{/GM}}

Non. Je ne donne pas dans la théorie.

Malgré sa mort, il y avait une rumeur selon laquelle elle avait été vu dessus de l'Islande quelque temps après sa chute, mais ca n'a jamais été confirmé.

Certains spéculent que le témoin a vu sa forme astrale, et que son corps se trouve toujours dans le SOX.
{{GM}}Aljernon crosses his arms across his chest.{{/GM}}

Do not be dim. It is not becoming.		 {{GM}}Aljernon croise les bras sur sa poitrine.{{/GM}}

Ne soit pas condescendant. Ce n'est pas convenable.
Since you are the sort who thinks in terms of nuyen, I will offer this.

Feuerschwinge's lair in the Harz Mountains has never been discovered. A series of treasure hunters have scoured the mountain range in an attempt to discover it. All have failed.		 Puisque tu es du genre a penser en termes de nuyens, je t'offre ceci.

L'antre de Feuerschwinge dans les montagnes du Harz n'a jamais été découvert. Une série de chasseurs de trésors ont parcouru la chaine de montagne pour essayer de le découvrir. Tous ont échoué.
{{GM}}Aljernon crosses his arms across his chest. Considers.{{/GM}}

That is always a possibility. The sum of my knowledge is vast, but it remains finite.		 {{GM}}Aljernon croise les bras sur sa poitrine, réfléchissant.{{/GM}}

C'est toujours une possibilité. La somme de ma connaissance est vaste, mais elle reste limitée.
{{GM}}He frowns.{{/GM}}

I did hear from one such “friend” who believed that the leader of the toxic shaman cult, “Disciples of Cleansing Fire,” is actually Feuerschwinge trapped in human form. The cult is known for following the dragon totem while also practicing toxic magic.		 {{GM}}Il fronce les sourcils.{{/GM}}

J'ai entendu dire d'un "ami" que le chef du culte des chamans toxiques, "Les Disciples du Feu Purificateur", était en fait Feuerschwinge piégée dans une forme humaine. Le culte est connu pour suivre le totem du Dragon tout en pratiquant une magie toxique.
Now, is there anything else that you need to know? Maintenant, est-ce-que tu veux savoir autre chose?
I think that we have reached the end of the information I have for you today. Je pense que j'ai atteint la limite des informations à vous fournir pour aujourd'hui.
Or that the Half-Dream is willing to impart.

{{GM}}She smiles playfully.{{/GM}}		 Ou que Half-Dream est prêt à transmettre.

{{GM}}Elle sourit joyeusement.{{/GM}}
Either way, it is either time to buy something or move on. De toute façon, il est temps d'acheter quelque chose ou de quitter les lieux.
Indeed not. Dante is part hellhound, bred to be an elite guard dog. I assume he has manifested some of his... Awakened abilities? En effet. Dante est croisé chien de l'enfer, dressé pour être un chien de garde d'élite. Je suppose qu'il a manifesté certaines capacités... d'éveillées?
Yeah. How did you know he was a hellhound? Ouais. Comment sais tu que c'est un chien de l'enfer?
Monika bought him from me some time ago. He was a special order. She thought he could guard Herr Amsel while she was away on business. Monika me l'a acheté il y a quelque temps. C'était une commande spéciale. Elle pensait qu'il pourrait garder Herr Amsel quand elle était sur un coup.
Is he dangerous? Est il dangereux?
Should I be worried about him? Est-ce-que je devrais être inquiet à propos de lui?
Want to take him off my hands? Tu peux m'en débarrasser?
Quite dangerous, yes, to those he sees as threats. Behave yourself around him, and he should prove a benefit to your team. Très dangereux, oui, pour ceux qu'il considère comme des menaces. Apprends à le connaître, et il pourrait se révéler un avantage pour ton équipe.
I would keep him fed, if I were you. I understand he likes soy-jerky.

But if what I’ve heard is true, he has bonded to you. Unless you mistreat him, you have nothing to worry about. 		Je continuerais à le nourrir, si j'étais toi. J'ai cru comprendre qu'il adorait les croquettes au soja.

Mais si c'est que j'ai entendu est vrai, il est lié à toi. Même si tu le maltraiter, tu n'aurais rien à craindre de lui.
I am not a hellhound reseller. Dante is yours. If you treat him well, he will be a steadfast companion. Je ne suis pas revendeur de chien de l'enfer. Dante est à toi. Si tu le traites bien, il sera un compagnon fidèle.
Personally? The true kind. But I sell goods tailored to all traditions; in my shop, we do not discriminate. Personnellement? la seule véritable. Mais je vends des produits adaptés à toutes les traditions; dans ma boutique, nous ne faisons pas de discrimination.
{{GM}}He raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

The shamanic idol, you mean?

An... unusual request. Why do you wish to know?
It's a long story. Suffice it to say that someone I know has had dealings with the thing. C'est une longue histoire. Disons que quelqu'un que je connais a eu des contacts avec cette chose.
No reason, really. Sans raison, vraiment.
It's my teammate, Glory. She spent her youth as a member of an Adversary cult. It was kind of a bad scene. C'est ma partenaire, Glory. Elle a passé sa jeunesse dans un culte de l'Adversaire. C'était pas une bonne expérience.
Interesting.

{{GM}}He stands idle for a moment, considering.{{/GM}}

First, tell me what you already know. I will then do my best to fill in the gaps.		 Intéressant.

{{GM}}Il reste un instant immobile, réfléchissant.{{/GM}}

Avant toute chose, dis moi ce que tu sais déjà. Je ferai de mon mieux pour combler tes lacunes.
Hey, man, you're the one who knows about this stuff. Can't you just answer the question? Hey, mec, tu es le type sensé connaître ces trucs la. Tu ne peux pas simplement répondre à la question?
Well, from what I've heard, the Adversary is essentially a devil-figure. Eh bien, de ce que j'en ai entendu, l'Adversaire est essentiellement une figurine démoniaque.
I was told that it's the embodiment of evil. On m'a dit qu'il est l'incarnation du mal.
Ah, the impetuousness of youth.

{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

Very well, young $(l.race). I will lead the discussion if you insist.		 Ah, l'impétuosité de la jeunesse.

{{GM}}Il soupire.{{/GM}}

Très bien, jeune $(l.race). Je vais mener la discussion si tu insistes.
Ah. I see.

Very well, young $(l.race). I will tell you what I know.		 Ah. Je vois.

Très bien, jeune $(l.race). Je vais te dire ce que tu veux savoir.
The Adversary is the totemic embodiment of rebellion. It is an anarchist and a usurper, a betrayer and a symbol of defiance.

It is a proud idol, utterly sure of itself and its mission. The majority of its followers are arrogant and cruel... not the most pleasant of people, truth be told.		 L'Adversaire est l'incarnation totémique de la rébellion. Il est un anarchiste et un usurpateur, un traître et un symbole de défi.

C'est une idole fière, tout à fait sûr de lui et de sa mission. La majorité de ses adeptes sont arrogants et cruels... pas des personnes des plus agréables, à vrai dire.
That said, the Adversary can be interpreted in different ways, just as any idol or totem can.

{{GM}}He offers you a half-shrug.{{/GM}}

Some of its followers are worse than others.		 Cela dit, l'Adversaire peut être interprété de différentes manières, comme toute idole ou totem peut l'être.

{{GM}}Il hausse à demi les épaules.{{/GM}}

Certains de ses partisans sont pires que d'autres.
But they're all bad, right? Mais ils sont tous mauvais, non?
Yeah, I'm sure that they're a charming bunch. Ouais, je suis sûr que ceux sont de joyeux drilles.
Not necessarily. After all, rebellion can be a positive force if it is harnessed by the oppressed. If I wanted to topple an authoritarian regime, I could think of worse allies to have at my side.

That said, trusting the Adversary would be a mistake. It is a treacherous idol, and all of its alliances are temporary.		 Pas nécessairement. Après tout, la rébellion peut être une force positive si elle est exploitée par les opprimés. Si je voulais renverser un régime autoritaire, je pourrais avoir pire comme allié à mes cotés.

Cela étant, faire confiance à l'Adversaire serait une erreur. C'est une idole traître de nature, et l'ensemble de ses alliances ne sont que temporaires.
I don't know. It still sounds like bad news to me. Je ne sais pas. Ca me semble toujours inquiétant.
This is muddying the waters a little too much for my tastes. I was happier when I thought that the Adversary was the Devil. C'est trop nébuleux à mon gout. Tout était plus simple quand je pensais que l'adversaire était le diable.
This is not a world of absolutes, young $(l.race). I would not call the Adversary "evil" any sooner than I would a more conventional totem, like Shark or Bear.

All can be destructive, yes, and cruel. But none are intrinsically so.		 Il ne s'agit pas d'un monde d'absolus, jeune $(l.race). Je ne dirais pas de l'Adversaire qu'il est plus *mauvais* qu'un totem plus conventionnel comme Requin ou Ours.

Tous peuvent être destructeur, oui, et cruel. Mais aucun ne le sont intrinsèquement.
So the Adversary isn't what I'd been told. Donc l'Adversaire n'est pas comme je le croyais.
This was all a lot less complicated before I talked to you. C'était bien moins compliqué avant que je t'écoute.
The Christian tradition that much of Germany adheres to would argue that the Adversary *is* Lucifer, yes. But many other traditions would disagree.

You would do well to remember that you live in an oddity among Sixth World nations. Traditional religious iconography still permeates German culture. Is it any surprise that people here might lean toward viewing an idol like the Adversary through a more traditional lens?		 La tradition chrétienne, très répandue en Allemagne, dira que l'Adversaire *est* Lucifer, oui. Mais beaucoup d'autres traditions seraient en désaccord.

Tu ferais bien de te rappeler que tu habites dans une curiosité parmi les nations du Sixième monde. L'iconographie religieuse traditionnelle imprègne encore la culture allemande. Est-il surprenant que les gens d'ici puissent tenter de représenter une idole comme l'Adversaire d'une manière plus traditionnelle?
No. I suppose not. Non. Je suppose que non.
Personally, I feel that calling the Adversary a "devil" is an oversimplification of the truth. It is both more, and less, than Christian doctrine would have you believe.

But this is a question for the philosophers.		 Personnellement, je pense qu'appeler l'Adversaire un *démon* est une simplification excessive de la vérité. Il est à la fois plus, et moins, que la doctrine chrétienne voudrait le faire croire.

Mais c'est une question pour les philosophes.
And now, young $(l.race), I have a question for you. No, not a question - a request.

I would like you to tell me about your friend's "dealings" with the Adversary. And I would like you to be thorough.		 Et maintenant, jeune $(l.race), j'ai une question pour toi. Non, pas une question - une demande.

Je voudrais que tu me parles des "relations" de ton ami avec l'Adversaire. Et je voudrais que tu sois explicite.
It's a long story. C'est une longue histoire.
I can't do that. The story was told to me in confidence. Je ne peux pas faire ça. L'histoire m'a été racontée en toute confiance.
{{GM}}He smiles.{{/GM}}

As luck would have it, I have nothing but time.		 {{GM}}Il sourit.{{/GM}}

Ca tombe bien, j'ai tout mon temps.
{{GM}}Tell him Glory's story.{{/GM}} All right, then, strap in... {{GM}}Lui raconter l'histoire de Glory.{{/GM}} Très bien, alors, allons y...
No. I'm sorry, but it isn't my place to tell you. Non. Je suis désolé, mais ce n'est pas à moi de te le dire.
A fact that I can appreciate. But I want to know what the Adversary has been up to, and after all of the help that I've offered you, I think that you owe me the information. Une chose que je peux comprendre. Mais je veux savoir ce que l'Adversaire e fait, et après toute l'aide que je t'ai fourni, je pense que tu me dois bien ça.
You don't need to put a name to your friend. Give him or her an alias, if you wish.

But tell me the story, so that I might better guide you on the road ahead.		 Pas besoin de me donner le nom de ton ami. Utilise un pseudo, si tu le souhaites.

Mais racontes moi l'histoire, afin que je puisse mieux te conseiller.
I refuse. I'm sorry, Aljernon, but I can't do what you're asking. I just can't. Je refuse. Je suis désolé, Aljernon, mais je ne peux pas faire ce que tu me demandes. Je ne peux juste pas.
{{GM}}He spreads his hands.{{/GM}}

In that case, I can be of no further help to you in this matter.

Is there anything else that you need?		 {{GM}}Il écarte les mains.{{/GM}}

Dans ce cas, je peux être d'aucune autre aide pour toi dans cette affaire.

Y a-t-il autre chose dont tu as besoin?
{{GM}}He shrugs his broad shoulders.{{/GM}}

We live in a complicated world. The Christian tradition that much of Germany adheres to would argue that the Adversary *is* Lucifer, yes. But many other traditions would disagree.		 {{GM}}Il hausse ses larges épaules.{{/GM}}

Nous vivons dans un monde compliqué. La tradition chrétienne, très répandue en Allemagne, dira que l'Adversaire *est* Lucifer, oui. Mais beaucoup d'autres traditions seraient en désaccord.
You joke, but shamans of the Adversary can be quite charming. They are confident to a fault, charismatic, and they flaunt their willingness to break cultural taboos.

It isn't unusual for them to attract large crowds of followers.		 Tu plaisantes, mais les chamans de l'Adversaire peuvent être tout à fait charmant. Ils sont débordant de confiance, charismatique, et ils font étalage de leur volonté de briser les tabous culturels.

Ce n'est pas inhabituel pour eux d'attirer un grand nombre de partisans.
So I've heard. And they use their influence to ruin the poor sheep that flock to them. Okay, j'ai saisi. Et ils utilisent cette influence pour ruiner les pauvres brebis qui affluent vers eux.
Some of them do, yes. But not all.

As I said, there are different ways of interpreting the Adversary's mission, and not all of them are malevolent. After all, rebellion can be a positive force if it is harnessed by the oppressed.

That said, trusting the Adversary would be a mistake. It is a treacherous idol, and all of its alliances are temporary.		 Certains d'entre eux, oui. Mais pas tous.

Comme je le disais, il y a différentes façons d'interpréter la mission de l'Adversaire, et toutes ne sont pas malveillante. Après tout, la rébellion peut être une force positive si elle est exploitée par les opprimés. Si je voulais renverser un régime autoritaire, je pourrais avoir pire comme allié à mes cotés.

Cela étant, faire confiance à l'Adversaire serait une erreur. C'est une idole traître de nature, et l'ensemble de ses alliances ne sont que temporaires.
Somehow, I doubt that.

Requests this specific - and unusual - usually have a basis in something.		 Permet-moi d'en douter.

Ce genre de demandes très spécifique - et inhabituelle - a généralement une raison bien établie.
Somebody I know had a bad experience with the Adversary. But I'd like to get your perspective on the matter. Quelqu'un que je connais a eu une mauvaise expérience avec l'Adversaire. Mais je voudrais juste ton point de vue sur la question.
All right. It's my teammate, Glory - she used to worship the thing. She had her essence hacked to shreds to get away from it. Très bien, c'est ma partenaire, Glory - elle avait l'habitude d'adorer cette chose. Elle a du réduire son essence en lambeaux pour s'éloigner de lui.
Sadly, yes. They are quite active here in Berlin.

They're fascists, plan and simple. They cling to Christian doctrine to justify their actions, but they are killers first and religious fanatics second.		 Malheureusement, oui. Ils sont très actifs ici à Berlin.

Ceux sont des fascistes, ni plus ni moins. Ils utilisent la doctrine chrétienne pour justifier leurs actions, mais ceux sont avant tout des tueurs, puis des fanatiques religieux.
Just what is the deal with religion here, anyway? I've never paid much attention myself. Tout est problème de religion ici, non? Je n'y ai jamais fait vraiment attention pour ma part.
It's 2054. Haven't we gotten past this kind of thing? Nous sommes en 2054. Nous n'en avons pas fini avec ce genre de chose?
Interesting. Just wanted to confirm someone's story, and that seems to confirm it. Thanks, Aljernon. Intéressant. Je voulais juste une confirmation de certaines rumeurs, et on dirait que je l'ai eu. Merci, Aljernon.
Ah. Well, it's... complicated.

We stand in a country that has clung to its religious heritage with considerable zeal. In much of the developed world, the Awakening shifted public perception away from organized religion, but here in Germany it had the opposite effect.		 Ah. Eh bien, c'est... compliqué.

Nous sommes dans un pays attaché à son patrimoine religieux avec un zèle considérable. Dans une grande partie du monde développé, l'Eveil a éloigné les gens de la religion traditionnelle, mais ici en Allemagne, il a eu l'effet inverse.
While many developed nations have adopted spiritualism - some here might call it paganism - as their de facto belief systems, the Germany of 2054 remains a Christian nation.

Whether that's a good thing or a bad one is open to interpretation. I take no stand on the matter either way.		 Alors que de nombreux pays développés ont adopté le spiritisme - certains ici appellerait ça du paganisme - comme de facto leur système de croyance, l'Allemagne de 2054 reste une nation chrétienne.

Que ce soit une bonne ou une mauvaise chose reste ouvert à l'interprétation. Je ne prendrai pas position de toute façon.
And what do you believe? Et que crois-tu?
All right, I guess that answers that. Thank you, Aljernon. Très bien, je pense que j'ai ma réponse. Merci, Aljernon.
I am a simple traveler and a seeker of truth. I believe what I directly observe, and I have observed...

{{GM}}His voice trails off, and a corner of his mouth twitches up into a smile.{{/GM}}

...Much.		 Je suis un simple voyageur et un chercheur de vérité. Je ne crois que ce que j'observe, et j'ai observé...

{{GM}}Sa voix s'estompe, et un coin de sa bouche remue vers le haut en un sourire.{{/GM}}

... beaucoup de chose.
In my view, all belief systems are essentially different ways of interpreting the same thing.

Magic is an underlying force of the universe - it is a fundamental truth. Religion is the lens that societies use to focus the enormity of that truth into something that their people can understand.		 A mon avis, tous les systèmes de croyance sont une façon différente d'interpréter la même chose.

La magie est une force sous-jacente de l'univers - c'est une vérité fondamentale. La religion est l'outil que les sociétés utilisent pour réduire l'énormité de cette vérité en quelque chose que les gens peuvent appréhender.
But what is the source of magic? Where does that "truth" come from? Mais quelle est la source de la magie? D'où provient cette "vérité"?
So you think that the world's religions are wrong, then. Donc vous pensez que les religions du monde sont mauvaises, alors.
Intriguing. Well, you've given me a lot to think about. Intriguant. Eh bien, tu m'a donné beaucoup à réfléchir.
Thanks for sharing. Merci pour ce partage.
You ask questions that have no answers, young $(l.race).

{{GM}}The elf strokes his beard, a contemplative look on his face.{{/GM}}

My experiences lead me to suspect that magic is its own source. You may, of course, choose to believe differently... it matters little to me either way.		 Tu me poses une question qui n'a aucune réponse, jeune $(l.race).

{{GM}}L'elfe se gratte la barbe, un regard contemplatif sur le visage.{{/GM}}

Mes expériences me font penser que la magie est sa propre source. Vous pouvez, bien sûr, choisir de croire autrement... Ca ne m'importe que peu de toute façon.
Did I say that? No, young $(l.race). If anything, I am saying that all belief systems are equally valid.

After all, they are all different interpretations of the truth. And how can the truth be wrong?		 Est-ce-que j'ai dit ça? Non, jeune $(l.race). Pas du tout, ce que je dis c'est que tous les systèmes de croyance sont également valables.

Après tout, ils sont tout des interprétations différentes de la vérité. Et comment la vérité pourrait elle se tromper?
I don't buy any of this. We're dealing with fundamental contradictions here. If one philosophy says that there's no God, and another says that there are hundreds of them, they can't both be right. Je ne suis pas d'accord. Nous avons affaire à des contradictions fondamentales ici. Si une philosophie nous dit qu'il n'y a pas de Dieu, et une autre qu'il y en a des centaines, elles ne peuvent pas avoir toutes les deux raisons.
Makes sense. Thanks for the talk. Ca a du sens. Merci pour la discussion.
Could a Kabbalist create a golem if his faith were misplaced? Could a vodouist Houngan commune with the Loa if they did not exist? Could a Shinto kannushi channel the power of kami spirits if they were figments of his imagination?

All of these things happen in the Sixth World. And yet, the traditional forms of many religions would each claim that the others are "wrong."		 Est-ce-qu'un kabbaliste pourrait créer un golem si sa foi était mal placée? Est-ce qu'un Houngan vaudou pourrait communier avec les Loa s'ils n'existaient pas? Est ce qu'un kannushi shintoïste pourrait canaliser le pouvoir des esprits kami s'ils n'étaient que les créations de son imagination?

Toutes ces choses se produisent dans le Sixième monde. Et pourtant, les formes traditionnelles de nombreuses religions peuvent affirmer que les autres sont "mauvaises".
It's a conundrum, to be sure. The world's great religions have been struggling with it ever since the Awakening.

{{GM}}He offers you an apologetic smile.{{/GM}}

This is a problem that I cannot solve for you, young $(l.race). You'll have to find your own answers.		 C'est une énigme, sois en sûr. Les grandes religions du monde se cassent les dents dessus depuis l'Eveil.

{{GM}}Il vous offre un sourire d'excuse.{{/GM}}

C'est une problème que je ne puis résoudre pour toi, jeune $(l.race). Tu dois trouver tes propres réponses.
It was my pleasure.

Now, is there anything else that you need?		 Le plaisir était pour moi.

Maintenant, y a-t-il autre chose dont tu as besoin?
No. If anything, the Awakening served to fan the fires of cruelty and xenophobia that have always been present in human society.

Our differences are more obvious and profound now than they ever were. Is it any surprise that the reactions of extremists have followed suit?		 Non. L'Eveil a servi à attiser les feux de la cruauté et de la xénophobie qui ont toujours été présents dans la société humaine.

Nos différences sont plus évidentes et profondes que jamais. Est-il surprenant que les réactions des extrémistes leurs aient emboité le pas?
I wasn't talking about the cruelty. I was talking about the religious fanaticism. Je ne parlais pas de la cruauté. Je parlais du fanatisme religieux.
That makes sense, I suppose. Thanks for the talk. Ca a du sens, je suppose. Merci pour la discussion.
Ah. That is a more complicated question, albeit a loaded one.

We stand in a country that has clung to its religious heritage with considerable zeal. In much of the developed world, the Awakening shifted public perception away from organized religion, but here in Germany it had the opposite effect.		 Ah. Voilà une question plus compliquée, bien qu'elle soit importante.

Nous sommes dans un pays attaché à son patrimoine religieux avec un zèle considérable. Dans une grande partie du monde développé, l'Eveil a éloigné les gens de la religion traditionnelle, mais ici en Allemagne, il a eu l'effet inverse.
You are most welcome, young $(l.race).

Is there anything else that you need?		 Je t'en prie, jeune $(l.race).

Y a -t-il autre chose?
I have many stories; stories of dancing spirits and raging dragons, of unchecked magic and swarming chaos. All of these stories are true.

As for the Kreuzbasar... I have always been here, quietly peddling my wares. It is a simple life, but a good one.		 J'ai beaucoup d'histoires; histoire d'esprits dansant et de dragons enragés, de magie incontrôlée et de chaos grouillant. Toutes ces histoires sont vraies.

Quand au Kreuzbasar... j'ai toujours été ici, troquant calmement mes marchandises. Une vie simple, mais une bonne vie.
Absinthe is a friend, nothing more. She helps out around the shop when the fancy strikes her.

She is nobody's assistant, and I am no one's master.		 Absinthe est une amie, rien de plus. Elle m'aide à tenir la boutique quand l'envie lui prendre.

Elle n'est l'assistante de personne, et je ne suis le maitre de personne.
But her eyes? Mais ses yeux?
You haven't answered my question. Tu n'as pas répondu à ma question.
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, considering.{{/GM}}

I believe that they suit her personality.
Hello again. May I help you? Rebonjour. Puis-je vous aider?
Hoi, $(l.name). What's shakin'? Hoi, $(l.name). Quoi d'neuf?
Nada. Nada.
>>>Operations Account Information Downloaded

{{GM}}You gain access to a list of Humanis safe houses, worth some nuyen in the right hands.{{/GM}}

{{GM}}Your commlink crackles. Blitz exhales heavily.{{/GM}}

Two things, chief.
First off: I told you so.
Yeah, you did. Sorry.
Secondly: I think that I can get you out of there, but it's gonna take some time. And you've got a bunch more physical security incoming.
Thankfully, I still have control of those turrets, so that should make this a piece of--
Blitz's voice cuts out, and the air fills with a distinctive whirring sound.

Two of the turrets retrain themselves on you.
{{GM}}There is another burst of static from your commlink. Blitz's panicked voice shouts into your ear.{{/GM}}

There's someone in here with me, chief! He's messing with the turret controls... hey! Get away from that!
There is another burst of static, and your commlink goes silent.
It's too high to reach.
An electrical junction box.
TRIAL RUN
As the U-Bahn hums toward the Frankfurter Tor, you tug idly at the fabric of your maintenance uniform. You found it in a duffel bag on your seat when you boarded, along with a note from Duerr to put it on before your arrival.

"The moment you step off this train," the note said, "your trial run begins. You are to rendezvous with the rest of your team, reconnoiter the building, and plant the specified devices in Aleshire's suite. Beyond that, your approach will be left to you.

"Do not disappoint us. You are being watched."
Don't you have somewhere to be?
A mid-level corporate compound, complete with living spaces on the upper levels.
Jana
Busy Man
Waitress
James
Foreign Elf
Corporate Man
Tech Vendor
Corporate Woman
Tailor
Stressed Suit
Food Stall Worker
Turn Enforcer
Aleshire
Invisible Cam
Board the U-Bahn
1. Get Jana to the Utility Room
2. Get the Team Upstairs to Disable Penthouse Security
3. Have James Hide the Cameras in the Penthouse
{{GM}}The Humanis Policlub logo fills the majority of the screen on this terminal. A welcome message, written in a cartoonishly aggressive font, appears below.{{/GM}}

HUMANIS FOREVER. PLEASE LOG IN TO BEGIN.
A list of the newest batch of Humanis recruits scrolls onto the screen.
All right, here's the latest group of recruits. Some of them are already showing signs of promise.

RECRUIT 1
Anne Klein

RECRUIT 2
Egon Kappel

RECRUIT 3
Alexander Färber

RECRUIT 4
Friedrich Bauer

RECRUIT 5
Shin Yomada

RECRUIT 6
Gernot Schuhmacher

Make sure that they get assigned to their bunks in alphabetical order this time, Sayed. I kept losing track of who was who in the last batch.

As always, I am changing the code for my office. The new code is "Pride."

- Volker Stahl
You download a file containing the recruits' numeric keycodes along with the door code to your PDA.
This dwarf has a distinctly Eurasian appearance. He peers up at Eiger through almond-shaped eyes; the rest of his broad face is dominated by strong Slavic features.

He nods to himself and puts down his mug of soykaf. On the edge of the table, a plate of day-old pie cools in a haze of cigarette smoke.
Hoi, Eiger. Been a long time.

{{GM}}He taps a thumb on the rim of his coffee cup.{{/GM}}

Keeping busy?
You could say that.

$(l.name), this is Bannik. He's a friend.
{{GM}}The dwarf scoffs.{{/GM}}

Don't know if I'd go that far.
Nothing personal, you understand - if I were to start keeping friends, I might call you one. But in my experience, friendship and obligation go hand in hand.

A solitary life is cleaner.
{{GM}}She smiles.{{/GM}}

"Professional acquaintance," then.
{{GM}}The dwarf nods.{{/GM}}

Better.

Now, let's get down to business, shall we?
Let's. We need intel on the Engineer - where he's staying, who he's working for, how long he's been in Schattennest. Whatever you've got, we want it.
{{GM}}He spears a hunk of pie with his fork, crams it into his mouth, and starts to chew. A moment later, he shrugs.{{/GM}}

I've had worse. And of course - I'll give you what I can. But I don't know much.

I can point you in the right direction. That's all.
Just tell us what you can. We'll handle the heavy lifting.
The dwarf nods, then fumbles in his jacket pocket for something. A moment later, he produces a weathered paper map and spreads it on the table.
All right. What you're looking at is the northwest quadrant of Schattennest.

This is gang territory - all of it. These days, the whole kiez is being held by Rammbock.
I've had a run-in with Rammbock before. We can handle them.
Not those assholes again.
I'm surprised that there's enough left of them to hold much of anything.
Rammbock?
Should that frighten me?
Cute name. What are they, a hot new industrial band?
Wouldn't be so sure about that if I were you. The guy that filled the power vacuum when their last leader bit it is a real piece of work. But hey, maybe you're right... I hope so, for your sake.

{{GM}}He stabs a meaty finger down on the faded silhouette of a building.{{/GM}}

This warehouse, right here, is Rammbock HQ. And that's where the Engineer is staying.
Wonderful.

{{GM}}Eiger exhales heavily.{{/GM}}

If he's staying there, he must be arranging some sort of deal with them.
That'd be the safe bet. And they haven't pulled their guns on him yet, so it's fair to assume that negotiations are going well.

I'm sure that I don't have to tell you this, but the last thing we need is an alliance between some foreign syndicate and Rammbock. No good could come of that.
Can't argue with that.
Now, I can't tell you who the Engineer is working for. You'll have to ask him about that yourself.

But what I *can* do is make it easier for you to have a sit-down with him.
Bannik reaches under the table and brings up a canvas bag. He places it in front of you and pushes it forward.
Don't open that in here. There are people in this room who would kill you for what's in that bag.
{{GM}}Look in the bag.{{/GM}}
You gonna tell us what it is, or do we have to guess?
{{GM}}Shrug.{{/GM}} I'd kill them first.
Wrapped in an old cotton shirt, you find a gadget about the size of a water pistol. It has a rubberized grip and a hair trigger, and it looks something like a futuristic Taser gun.
What you're looking at is a cyberware deactivator. It's a one-shot tool that can temporarily disable cybernetic devices.
I had it shipped here - at great personal expense - from a super-max prison in the UCAS.

{{GM}}He traces a twirl in the air with the fork.{{/GM}}

The warden owed me a favor.
{{GM}}He lowers his voice to a soft whisper. You have to lean in to hear him clearly.{{/GM}}

What you're gonna find in there is a gadget about the size of a water pistol. It has a rubberized grip and a hair trigger, and it's good for one shot.
Is it a stun gun?
No.

{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, playing with his fork.{{/GM}}

Well, not really. For your purposes, you might as well think of it as one, though.
The object in question is a cyberware deactivator. I had it shipped here - at great personal expense - from a super-max prison in the UCAS.

{{GM}}He traces a twirl in the air with the fork.{{/GM}}

The warden owed me a favor.
{{GM}}Eiger whistles appreciatively.{{/GM}}

Very nice, Bannik. That should make this easy.
Not easy. *Possible.* I wouldn't be giving it to you if the job could be done without it.

The Engineer is rocking a delta-grade move-by-wire system. Unless you can shut it down, there's no way in hell you're going to catch him.
...And if we *do* shut it down, he'll be forced into a state of permanent seizure.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Only until he gets the thing up and running again. "Deactivated" isn't the same thing as "broken."
{{GM}}The dwarf shovels another heaping forkful of pie into his mouth. He chews thoughtfully.{{/GM}}

Until then, his life will be a living hell, but I can think of worse things to use as a bargaining chip.

Remember, you need to know who he works for. The more you can take him out of his comfort zone, the better.
Sounds like we have a plan.
That's handy. Making people uncomfortable is my specialty.
Let's go hunting, Eiger.
{{GM}}Eiger nods.{{/GM}}

Sounds that way. Thanks, Bannik. We'll let you know how things work out.
Don't bother. I'll be watching.
Truer words have never been spoken.

Thanks, Bannik. We'll let you know how things work out.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Thanks, Bannik. We'll let you know how things work out.
All right, tough $(l.guy). I get it, you're wiz. Just do me a favor and keep the damn bag closed, okay?
Tell us what you've brought for us, Bannik.
'Fraid so. And by all accounts, they've gotten worse recently... the guy that filled the power vacuum when their last leader bit it is a real piece of work.

{{GM}}He stabs a meaty finger down on the faded silhouette of a building.{{/GM}}

Anyway. This warehouse, right here, is Rammbock HQ. That's where the Engineer is staying.
I'd heard that they'd taken a hit a little while back. That was you, huh?

Well, good on you. But you should know they're still alive and well, and that the guy who took over gang leadership is a real piece of work. If anything, they're worse than they were before.
{{GM}}He stabs a meaty finger down on the faded silhouette of a building.{{/GM}}

This warehouse, right here, is Rammbock HQ. And that's where the Engineer is staying.
The hot new gang out in Schattennest. Violent bastards, but I suppose that goes without saying.

{{GM}}He stabs a meaty pointer finger down on the faded silhouette of a building.{{/GM}}

Anyway. This warehouse, right here, is Rammbock HQ. That's where the Engineer is staying.
Depends on how easily frightened you are, I guess. They're bad news, but I'm sure that you've gone up against worse.

They're violent bastards, though. I'll give them that.
Not quite. Rammbock is one of the more unpleasant new gangs out in Schattennest.

Violent bastards, but I suppose that goes without saying.
{{GM}}He stabs a meaty pointer finger down on the faded silhouette of a building.{{/GM}}

Anyway. This warehouse, right here, is Rammbock HQ. That's where the Engineer is staying.
The train car is empty except for the man in the immaculately tailored Italian suit. You notice him watching you for several minutes while the train rumbles its way towards Brandenburger Tor.

Finally, he speaks.
The stranger’s words come out slowly in a deep, melodious tone that is easy to hear, despite the noise of the train. He takes his time, accentuating each word - relishing each vowel and each consonant - tasting them as if they were a delicacy.
Hello. I assume that the business with Dr. Vauclair is concluded, yes?
Vauclair? Never heard of him.
Do I know you, friend?
{{GM}}Eye him and remain silent.{{/GM}}
Yes, of course. In your line of work, discretion is required. That is good.
No, but you are about to.
{{GM}}The man inclines his head slightly in introduction.{{/GM}}

Hans Brackhaus. I represent an “interested party.” Someone who wishes to know about your… encounter with Dr. Vauclair.
And how do you know about that?
My encounters are my business, mein Herr.
Does this “interested party” understand that information is a commodity?
{{GM}}Brackhaus continues.{{/GM}}

My employer also wishes to hear about the Lady Feuerschwinge. A fascinating creature - so unlike her brothers and sisters.
It is a pity that she was left in that place to rot. Dragons are not meant for captivity - the Lady Feuerschwinge least of all. Creatures like her should be cared for. Wouldn’t you agree?
It is a pity that she has passed from this world. She was a magnificent creature, and the world is diminished by her passing. I am sure you would agree.
It is a relief that she is now free. Dragons are not meant for captivity - the Lady Feuerschwinge least of all. She was special in this world. I am sure you would agree.
It is distressing that a being so magnificent has been reduced to a pawn for a computer game with delusions of grandeur. Yes?
Depends on who's caring for her.
No. That dragon was insane and needed to be controlled. And APEX is far more than a simple computer game.
I don’t know. Dragons are dangerous.
Maybe, but let’s face it - dragons are scary.
Dragons are no different from anyone else. There are those who take and those who get taken. A dragon is just another taker.
I don’t give a crap about dragons, Hans.
{{GM}}He inclines his head, and the corner of his mouth curls into a bit of a smile.{{/GM}}

Very true. As we have seen, there is quite the difference between a caregiver and a jailer. Knowledge of dragon physiology is no substitute for knowledge of dragonkind.

Dragons are not moths, to be pinned to a board and studied.
{{GM}}He inclines his head, and the corner of his mouth curls into a bit of a smile.{{/GM}}

Of course it is. It contains the consciousness of your dead friend, Monika. I am certain that the combined wisdom of a twenty-four-year-old software engineer and a sentient security system are completely capable of guiding a Great Dragon.

How wise you must be.
{{GM}}He purses his lips. Considers.{{/GM}}

This is undeniable… and as it should be. The Great Dragons are very old and very powerful and very, very cunning. A cunning unknowable to you.
{{GM}}He inclines his head, and the corner of his mouth curls into a bit of a smile.{{/GM}}

This is true. As it always has been. As is anything that metahumanity does not understand.
{{GM}}He purses his lips. Considers.{{/GM}}

“Just another taker.” Interesting.

Dragons take, this is undeniable, but they cannot be considered “just another taker,” as you put it.
They are the ultimate takers. It is their reason for existence.

The Great Dragons are very old and very powerful and very, very cunning. A cunning unknowable to you.
{{GM}}He inclines his head, and the corner of his mouth curls into a bit of a smile.{{/GM}}

Of course not. You have your own important business to consider. Who to rob, who to kill, where to get your next packet of soy-jerky. That sort of thing.
You are no more interested in the dealings of the Great Dragons than a moth is interested in your bank account. Yet one day, that moth might be squashed under your foot without your even noticing.
You look at a moth and barely perceive sentience. You glance its way, amused, as it flutters towards a bright light in a vain attempt to… what?

To enter? To draw strength? To burn? It doesn't know. Its epic struggle is barely one one-hundredth of your lifespan. The sum total of its existence is nothing against the vast scale of your struggles, your hopes, your dreams - which it could not fathom in a thousand thousand years.

Poor moth.
{{GM}}He leans forward.{{/GM}}

You will live and die between the beats of a dragon’s heart, $(l.freund).

What hope do you have of understanding them?
I understand more than I did yesterday. I spoke to her. Feuerschwinge was different from other dragons, wasn’t she?
No kidding. Insane dragons are even harder to understand, but I was able to get through to her. For a moment, at least.
None. Feuerschwinge massacred thousands, and a stranger on a train calls her “fascinating.” Obviously, this is all beyond my comprehension.
I understand enough. The Firewing was a Great Dragon, and she was insane.
I don’t need to. I have enough troubles of my own to care about what a Great Dragon thinks.
Not much. I'm still not sure why we're even having this conversation.
{{GM}}Brackhaus studies your face closely.{{/GM}}

Indeed she was.

Indeed. She. Was.
I am pleased you see it.
{{GM}}Brackhaus studies your face closely.{{/GM}}

Were you?

Were you indeed...
I am pleased to hear it. And what did you learn?
That dragons aren’t all alike.
That Feuerschwinge had a reason for her attack.
That death can be a release. Even for a dragon.
That is a facile lesson, but yes. Dragons are individuals, no different from humanity in that regard.

But even with their differences, Feuerschwinge stands apart.
That is true. No ancient dragon acts without reason.
It is difficult to fathom, but in her case, I suppose that is true.
{{GM}}He leans back again.{{/GM}}

Do not choose ignorance, shadowrunner; it does not become you. Nor does sarcasm.

The Lady Feuerschwinge was fascinating because she was different.
{{GM}}He leans back again.{{/GM}}

Perhaps you would be, too, if you saw the world through her eyes.
Of course. Your myopia is by design.

And just as one drops a frog into cold water, slowly turning up the heat to veil its impending doom, metahumanity has slowly allowed itself to be enslaved by the megacorporations - and now the megacorporations are slowly becoming enslaved by the Great Dragons.
But not the Lady Feuerschwinge. Not her.
{{GM}}Brackhaus studies your face closely.{{/GM}}

How disappointing.

We have been following your… work for some time now and were under the impression that you possessed a faint spark of perspicacity.
But perhaps you are simply being “cagey.”

No matter, I will speak more plainly.
My Lady Feuerschwinge was a nurturer. A caregiver. Rare among her kind.

Where her brothers and sisters saw the world as a prize to be won, she saw it as a garden to be tended. Can you imagine?

For world upon world, the Great Dragon Feuerschwinge brought wisdom and succor to countless souls. And she was loved for it. Exalted. A goddess.
When she awoke from her long slumber in 2012 and saw what the world had become - what metahumanity had done to the garden she had tended for Great Ages - she struck.

Struck with the rage, regret, frustration, and anguish of a mother whose children had played with fire and burned the house down, killing themselves in the blaze.

She unleashed fire and death through her tears.
And now she is under the control of a construct. An unnatural thing, manufactured in a lab by those whom she sought to protect.

The Sixth World has taken her as a toy for its toy.
Thanks for the lecture, professor. Now who are you?
You seem to know a lot about dragons, Hans. Think your employer wants you telling me all this?
Time to cut to the chase, friend. Who are you, and what do you want from me?
I am sure of it. You may consider this conversation an employment interview for a very influential client. One who pays extraordinarily well.

Now listen.
The representative of a potential client. A very influential client, and one who pays extraordinarily well. And he is someone who demands a modicum of respect.

Now listen.
{{GM}}The man removes his hands from his knees, folds them in his lap.{{/GM}}

I tell you all of this so that you have context - perspective - before I ask you this next question, shadowrunner:

If Doctor Vauclair’s weapon had not required dragonfire - if it had been capable of destroying every dragon on earth without touching a hair on metahumanity’s head - would you have used it?
I think so. The world’s complicated enough. One less group of players simplifies it a bit.
Definitely. Dragons are too powerful, too unknowable, and too dangerous to let live.
Yep. This world doesn’t belong to dragons. It’s ours.
No. Wiping out an entire species is wrong.
I don’t think so. Who knows what would fill the power vacuum left behind?
I don’t know. This is bigger than me.
{{GM}}His response is flat.{{/GM}}

Of course. Better to wipe out a species older than humanity, yes? A creature that has seen the cycle of magic rise and fall time and again could be of no use, surely.

Still, you are correct. In the world of power, fewer players make the game clearer.
And yet the megacorporations have been allowed to continue unchecked, amassing more and more power, creating spiderwebs of “strategies” to disempower and extract, while assembling standing armies of “security teams” to protect their assets.
Better to wipe out a species older than humanity, yes?

A creature that has seen the cycle of magic rise and fall time and again could be of no use, surely.
Your point of view is understandable. At the most fundamental level, humanity was born to reproduce and to spread. Everything it accomplishes is, in one way or another, in support of that goal. Industrialization, advances in medicine, technology, telecommunication - all of it in the pursuit of healthier, longer life spans. Increased numbers.

Higher productivity.
And why? To master this planet, to bend it to humanity’s will, to proliferate, and ultimately, to spread to the stars.

People and dragons are not so different from that perspective, yes? But whereas humanity dominates through overwhelming proliferation, dragons hoard.
{{GM}}He reaches into his pocket, puts on a pair of round sunglasses.{{/GM}}

Well, it was good to meet you, $(l.name). That business with Dr. Vauclair could have gotten… disorderly… and my employer wishes to express his gratitude.

You are a most remarkable $(l.race).
So will your employer be my new client?
I take my gratitude in nuyen, bud.
Perhaps your employer and I could do business in the future, Herr Brackhaus.
I do not think so, no. I do not believe that you are well suited for one another, though you do seem able to… insert yourself into all sorts of interesting business.

But as you shadowrunners are fond of saying...
I do not think you would want his money, $(l.freund), though you do seem able to… insert yourself into all manner of interesting business.

But as you shadowrunners are fond of saying...
You never know, $(l.freund). Berlin is a small place, and you seem quite able to insert yourself into all sorts of interesting business.

But as you shadowrunners are fond of saying...
{{GM}}He reaches into his pocket, puts on a pair of round sunglasses.{{/GM}}

Well, it was good to meet you, $(l.name). That business with Dr. Vauclair could have gotten… disorderly… and my employer wishes to express his gratitude.

You are a most remarkable $(l.man).
So is your employer my new client?
I do not think so, no. I do not believe you are well suited for one another, though you do seem able to… insert yourself into all sorts of interesting business.

But as you shadowrunners are fond of saying...
You never know, $(l.freund). Berlin is a small place and you seem quite able to insert yourself into all sorts of interesting business.

But as you shadowrunners are fond of saying...
Never make a deal with a dragon.
{{GM}}He glances up at the U-Bahn map on the wall and smiles.{{/GM}}

Ah, this is my stop.

Auf Wiedersehen.
Monochromatic thinking, but I appreciate a career criminal’s attempt at morality.

Of course you feel that wiping out a species is wrong. The feeling is a subtle but ingrained defense mechanism that should be cherished.

One day it may be metahumanity poised for extermination.
Indeed. There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy. Things you do not wish to know.
Indeed. And you are wise to know it.
Well, on to the business at hand. My employer wishes to secure your team’s services for a series of operations that will likely require the remainder of 2054.
Sounds interesting. Who’s the boss?
Depends. Who is this mysterious employer of yours?
I don’t know. After Green Winters, I need to have a better idea of who I’m working for these days.
The boss is the Great Dragon Lofwyr. He is sometimes referred to as "The Golden Wyrm." Perhaps you have heard of him.
It is no mystery. You will be working for the Great Dragon Lofwyr. Perhaps you have heard of him.
Of course. And you have dealt with several “false flag” contracts as well recently, yes? It is an awful thing to be manipulated, I am sure.

There will be no secrets between us. Your employer will be the Great Dragon Lofwyr. He is sometimes referred to as "The Golden Wyrm." Perhaps you have heard of him.
What makes you think I’m going to make a deal with a dragon?
{{GM}}His eyes glint.{{/GM}}

Because you have already been working for him for some time now, mein Herr.
Or did you think Green Winters found the Harfeld Manor on his own?
Well, that puts a new spin on things.
If your boss was behind this whole thing, then he really backed the wrong horse. Something tells me that he didn't want the Firewing dead.
If your boss was behind this whole thing, then he really backed the wrong horse. Something tells me he didn't want Feuerschwinge left imprisoned under a hundred tons of concrete.
If your boss was behind this whole thing, then he really backed the wrong horse. Something tells me he didn't want APEX in control of Panacea.
Nice try, but I don't buy it. If Lofwyr knew what Vauclair was planning, he'd have handled it himself.
Doesn't it?
The rattle of wheel on track gives way to a shimmying screech.

Gradually, the train begins to slow.
{{GM}}He glances up at the U-Bahn map on the wall and smiles.{{/GM}}

Ah, this is my stop.

Coming?
Well, what do you know? Looks like this is my stop, too.
Maybe in the Seventh World, Hans, but not today.
No way. I'm no dragon's pawn... when you see your boss, you tell him that.
I'd rather floss my teeth with monomolecular wire.
I've got nowhere else I need to be.
The train comes to a halt, and the doors open. Brackhaus stands, brushes off his Italian suit, and exits without another word. As you turn to follow, your eye catches an advertisement for "Wyrm Talk" above the subway car door.

Brackhaus glances back at you from the platform, the light from the car reflecting yellow in his gaze.
You step out of the subway car and follow him up the stairs and into the Berlin night.

Into the shadows.
As you wish.

Auf Wiedersehen.
The train comes to a halt, and the doors open. Brackhaus stands, brushes off his Italian suit, and exits without another word. As you watch him leave, you look up to find an advertisement for "Wyrm Talk" above the subway car door.

Brackhaus stops on the platform and glances back at you, the light from the car reflecting yellow in his gaze. The door closes, and he is gone.
The train lurches forward again. It picks up speed and begins threading its way beneath Berlin.

Into the shadows.
{{GM}}His lip curls into a bemused smile.{{/GM}}

As you wish.

Auf Wiedersehen.
Colorful. But as you wish.

Auf Wiedersehen.
Perhaps. One might assume that the outcome could have been better suited to his interests.

But, then again, perhaps not. You are not in a position to know.
It's easy for you to say that, but I'm not buying it.
Bullshit. My choices didn't play into any interest of Lofwyr's, or any other dragon's.
That would be wise of you.
That would be a mistake. Underestimating an ancient dragon is never wise, shadowrunner.
My lord Lofwyr never makes a move without anticipating the next three. You will not know what his endgame truly is until it has already come to pass.

But you *can* choose whether to be on the right or the wrong side of it.
Underestimating an ancient dragon is never wise, shadowrunner.
He would, would he?

{{GM}}His eyes twinkle with mirth.{{/GM}}

I shall have to share that opinion with him. I think that he would be most amused.
In truth, I can understand your disbelief. On the surface, it would appear that the outcome of this episode was ill-suited to his interests.

But then again, perhaps not. You are not in a position to know.
Allow me to share a truth with you, shadowrunner. The truly powerful do nothing themselves unless they absolutely have to.

Instead, they delegate. Others do the work for them, and they reap the benefits.
If you doubt my words, consider the outcome of this episode. Vauclair is dead, the virus is gone, and the Lady Feuerschwinge flies free. All to my lord Lofwyr's benefit, with only the tiniest of nudges to set events into motion.

He didn't *need* to handle the matter himself. You handled it for him.
{{GM}}His eyes glint.{{/GM}}

Because you have already been working for him for some time now, meine Dame.
And now she is gone. The Sixth World was her last.

It is a comfort to know that she found peace at the end. You are to be commended for that.
And now she is gone. The Sixth World was her last.
And now she is free again… and insane. The perfect addition to the Sixth World.
And now she is trapped. Driven insane by those whom she sought to protect.

The Sixth World was not worthy of her.
Maintenance Key Fob Porte-clés du gardien
Allows access to maintenance closets on hotel floors. Permet d'accéder aux placards de maintenance des étages de l'hôtel.
This garbage can hasn't been emptied in a while. When you lift the lid, you find the bin full to overflowing with crumpled paper and disused office stationery.
{{GM}}Dig through the trash.{{/GM}}
Y'know, we really don't have time for this.
Hang on a second. There could be something useful in here.
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} Yeah, you're probably right.
We are here to fetch the money that your friend owes to Mr. Grinder.

That means that we aren't here to dig through garbage pails or steal office supplies. So what you're doing right now could accurately be described as a waste of time.
Calm down, man. This is all a part of the job.
{{GM}}Step away.{{/GM}} Okay, okay. I'm done here anyway.
This is ridiculous. You're on a run with a deadline, and you're rooting around in a trash can.
It happens more often than you'd expect.
The longer we argue about this, the longer it's gonna take.
{{GM}}He steps back, an exasperated expression on his face.{{/GM}}

All right. Fine. Do your thing. But make it quick.
Most of the waste in here comes in the form of old bank statements. Apparently, somebody in the Landenberg Ring has been using the backs of the statements as scratch paper.

The third handful of trash that you liberate from the bin contains a note that catches your eye.
A,

Where did you score that stuff, man? That "juice" that you were passing around? That stuff was *unreal!*

I'm serious, man. I haven't been that high since grad school. When you get your hands on more, you let me know!

-Jon
What do you make of this, Hasenkamp?
Well, let's see. Apparently, a man named "A" scored some "juice," and it was really "unreal stuff."

So what do I make of it? A couple of things: one, the Landenberg Ring has some real fuckups on its payroll, and two, you're wasting our time.

Of the two, I'm more upset about the second, because it involves you keeping me here in this cesspool longer than I need to be. Does that answer your question?
Yeah... yeah, it does.
You seriously need to calm down, man.
{{GM}}Blitz whispers to you via your commlink.{{/GM}}

Ask a silly question...
I'll calm down when I'm out of here and away from you.

Now let's keep moving.
Look, $(l.man), this is *really* getting old. At this rate, my grandkids will be fast asleep by the time I get back, and that makes me irate.

Now, will you *please* leave that alone so that we can get finished with this? I don't know about you, but I don't like this place, and I don't want to spend the next four hours here.
Magnifiker Amulet
Amulet worn by the Magnifikers to signify full membership
The well-dressed ork stops his pacing to stare at you as you approach. Heavy worry lines etch his forehead, and his eyes are bloodshot. He looks like he hasn't slept in a month.
I don't want to be rude, but I'm a little busy right now. If this is about building maintenance, take it someplace else.
{{GM}}James' cheeks flush red. He takes a step forward.{{/GM}}

Watch it. You don't get to talk down to me like--
{{GM}}The ork bristles.{{/GM}}

Like a janitor? Yes I do, because that's what you are.

If you want to keep wearing that uniform, you'd better watch the attitude.
Now, isn't there a floor that you could be cleaning, or something? I've got a lot on my mind to worry about... important things. I don't want to be bothered.
{{CC}}Item: Jolt{{/CC}} About your board meeting... I've got something that might help pick you up.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Corporate{{/CC}} You think that just because we're in maintenance, we don't understand what you're going through? I have six 21-B's to file before the day is out, and if I don't, I can kiss my efficiency bonus goodbye.
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Hey, man. Relax. I'm sure that it's all going to work itself out.
Didn't mean to bother you. I'll leave you alone.
{{GM}}With a visible effort, he calms himself.{{/GM}}

Look, sorry. I'm not trying to be unpleasant. Its just that I have a huge presentation to give to the board in twenty minutes... I stayed up all night practicing it. And now, I'm so tired that I can't even remember my own name.
{{GM}}He shakes his head miserably.{{/GM}}

I'm going to botch this. And the worst part is, most of those bastards will assume that it's because I'm an ork. They already make jokes behind my back.

After this, it's gonna get a lot worse.
{{CC}}Item: Jolt{{/CC}} Hey, I've got a little something here. Sounds like just what you need.
That's tough, man. Best of luck.
Is that Jolt? I haven't had that since I graduated from business school! Oh, man, that stuff is the *best!*
How much would it be worth to you?
{{GM}}Hand him the Jolt.{{/GM}} Here you go, man. It's all yours.
{{GM}}He searches his pockets, growing increasingly frantic.{{/GM}}

God *damn* it. I left my credstick at home.
Yeah, I've heard that one before.
It's all right, man. Just take it, it's on me.
No, really! It's true!

{{GM}}He pats his pockets again. Nothing.{{/GM}}

All right, look. I need to get to my meeting right away, but here's what we can do. I'll give you my room code. You pop in and take the credstick off of the table - there's a couple hundred nuyen on there, and that should more than compensate you.
Just do us both a favor and don't take anything else, okay? If you try to rob me, the security cameras will catch it.
Credstick on the table. Got it.
I can't do that. But here's what I can do... I'm gonna give you my room code. When you're making your rounds, doing your maintenance thing, you can stop in and grab my credstick off the table. There's a couple hundred nuyen on it.

Just do me a favor, and promise that you won't take anything else, okay? I'm trusting you with this.
No, I can't just take it from you. I know how much that stuff can cost.

But here's what I can do... I'm gonna give you my room code. When you're making your rounds, doing your maintenance thing, you can stop in and grab my credstick off the table. There's a couple hundred nuyen on it.
Just do us both a favor, and promise that you won't take anything else, okay? I'm trusting you with this.
He scowls and continues to pace.
Oh, come *on.* I asked you to leave me alone... you wanna do it, or do you wanna make me angry?
>>>AZTECHNOLOGY INVENTORY SERVICES<<<

Press Any Key to Begin.....................................
{{GM}}Activate the terminal.{{/GM}}
The terminal springs to life. A quick scan of its contents reveals little of value, but you do find a message that catches your attention.
>>From: Maier, Fatima J
>>To: Lange, Katja

Katja,

I've got some pretty grave concerns about this new project.

I don't know what they're doing downstairs... not exactly, anyway. But I'm pretty thoroughly creeped out by some of the inventory requests that have been coming up to my desk recently.
When we decided to sign on with Aztechnology, we talked this over. We knew the company's reputation, and I said that I could handle whatever came my way. But this...

I don't know, Katja. This last order crossed a line.

What would the research team need with a bulk order of gags, restraints, and five hundred liters of hydrochloric acid?
Uh oh. I've gotta run... just got a message over the comm. Looks like Central wants to see me about something.

I'll catch you back at your apartment, later tonight. Let's talk about this over a bottle of wine... I know that I could use it.

-F
Somethin' tells me that she never got to enjoy that glass of wine.
Just a guess, chief... but I'm thinking that she never got to enjoy that glass of wine.
Poor fool. I'll bet you anything that she never got to enjoy that glass of wine.
Somehow, I doubt that she ever got to enjoy that glass of wine.
Server Room Door Key
Project Atlas Folder
A folder found in Executive Stromberg's office, labeled Project Atlas. Inside is a note saying that the information has been converted to digital record.
Keycard
Found on a desk in the Landenberg Ring building.
The screen on the portable turret slave terminal is current and active.

A diagram on the screen shows that two turrets are slaved to this system.
{{GM}}Set the turrets to attack your enemies.{{/GM}}
I've got nothin' to say to you, boss.

We may have gotten through this thing alive, but that doesn't make up for what you did on that Humanis run.
Isn't there anything I can do to make this right?
Suits me.
Gee. Let me think...

{{GM}}He pauses for effect, then spits on the ground at your feet.{{/GM}}

No. Now get the fuck away from me.
Well, boss, we went up against a dragon and lived.

{{GM}}He pulls a flask from his jacket and raises it in salute.{{/GM}}

I guess that's a win in my book.
Couldn't've put it better myself.
So... any big plans looming on the horizon? New clients you're thinkin' of goin' after, maybe...?
We'll worry about that tomorrow. Tonight, we celebrate.
Not just yet. But as soon as I know, you'll know.
Not now, Dietrich. If there's one thing I don't want to think about tonight, it's work.
{{GM}}He takes a swig from the flask.{{/GM}}

You're right, boss. 'Course you're right.

Oh, and $(l.name)... I meant what I said earlier. From this point on, wherever this team goes, I'll follow.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
{{GM}}The Company Man inspects the rigger's corpse, a dispassionate expression on his face. He shifts his gaze back up to you.{{/GM}}

It would appear that you might possess some small shred of integrity after all.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Shadowrunner{{/CC}} It isn't your place to judge my integrity, lapdog. Leave that to Herr Fuchs.
I told you. I honor my deals.
{{GM}}The Company Man pauses for a moment, then nods.{{/GM}}

Very well. I will inform Herr Fuchs of the mission's completion, and of the circumstances surrounding it.

He will decide for himself what to make of this.
I said "integrity."

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Not "honor."
I remain convinced that you are thoroughly *dishonorable,* shadowrunner. A $(l.man) of honor would never have allowed $(l.hisher) target to live as long as you did.

Whatever your motives might have been, honor was not among them.
No matter. The letter of your contract has been fulfilled. Your job here is done.

I will inform Herr Fuchs of the mission's completion, and of the circumstances surrounding it.
{{GM}}The security officer takes a step toward you, his rifle raised. His posture bristles with aggression.{{/GM}}

INTRUDER! SHOW ME YOUR ID! NOW!
I left it at home.
{{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}} We could have done this the easy way.
{{GM}}Without a second's hesitation, he turns his head to shout into his commlink.{{/GM}}

REQUESTING BACKUP! INTRUDERS AT MY POSITION!
A group of metahumans huddles together, their eyes wide with terror. Many of them have scrapes and bruises, and a few have more serious injuries. Their clothes are tattered and stained.
{{GM}}At your approach, a disheveled-looking middle-aged man steps forward, placing himself between you and the main group. His gray hair is badly matted, and a pair of battered reading glasses hang from the bridge of his nose.{{/GM}}

Who are you, may I ask? And what are you doing here?
$(s.name). And you are?
Nobody important. Just passing through. Who are you?
I'm either your best friend or your worst nightmare - up to you. Now who are you?
I'll just be leaving.
My name is Franz. These are my friends, and my wife. We live together...

...Well, we *used* to live together, up on the third floor.
You used to live upstairs?
Do you know anything about the hackers over by the stairs?
Do you know where the Magnifiker hideout is?
About those spirits...
That's all for now.
Yes, until about a week ago.

Then the Magnifikers' pets moved in, and we had to run for our lives.
Spirits, you mean.
{{GM}}He nods, a look of pure misery on his face.{{/GM}}

They're always summoning the damned things, but last week they lost control of a handful. Before we knew what was happening, they were running wild in our living room!
We tried to protect ourselves, but we were no match for them.

{{GM}}He shakes his head, a haunted look in his eyes.{{/GM}}

We had no choice but to leave everything behind. We've been scraping by down here ever since.
{{GM}}Franz takes a moment to collect himself. When he speaks again, he sounds more composed.{{/GM}}

At least Janet is letting us use her Matrix uplink. We can still afford to feed ourselves, thanks to her.
Janet? I need to talk to her. Could you introduce us?
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} I have to see Janet! Parson hired a group of gangers to come after her. She needs to be warned!
If there are uncontrolled spirits loose up there, someone needs to deal with them. Might as well be us.
{{GM}}He looks you over, paying special attention to your gear. Finally, he nods.{{/GM}}

Tell you what. If you take care of those rogue spirits... if you clear the path for us to return home... I'll give you the password you'll need to speak with Janet.
All right. I'll let you know when it's safe.
I was just up there. Already cleared all those spirits.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} I was just up there. Already cleared all those spirirts.
How about a little something for the effort?
Thank you! Thank you so much!

There aren't many people left that'd put themselves in danger to help a bunch of strangers.
So, about that password...
Oh, yes! Of course.

The password is "Shark Tank." Don't ask me why.

Thanks again! You are truly a wonderful person!
You have a password for us.
Happy to be of help.
Money? We don't have much.

{{GM}}He looks away, uncertainty in his eyes.{{/GM}}

But... I have managed to put a little away. I was hoping to surprise my wife with it...
No, you're right. We can't ask you to risk yourself without some kind of compensation.

{{GM}}He pulls a battered credstick out of his pocket and presses it into your hands.{{/GM}}

Here, take it! Just please make our home safe again!
{{GM}}Franz leans back in surprise.{{/GM}}

Parson is always after Janet, but that doesn't sound like him. Not even a little bit.
Believe it, pal. He's completely lost it, and he wants your friend's head.
Believe it. He's completely lost it, and he wants your friend's head.

It's tragic, really.
{{GM}}Franz's face lights up in excitement.{{/GM}}

Oh, thank you, thank you! Please let us know when it's safe to return home.
Janet, you mean? Of course we know her. She and her bitheads control the only Matrix hookup in this dump. Thankfully, she allows us to use her uplink.

It's only by her generosity that we've been able to provide for ourselves at all. And she's kept us from having to rely on Parson and his wacko religion, thank God.
{{GM}}He leans toward you and lowers his voice.{{/GM}}

By the way, friend... you don't want to plug in with those Communion drones.

I've seen it too many times. People jack into the Hub, and when they come back out, they're... different.

It's creepy, and it's wrong.
I need to get in there. Do you know the password?
Different? What do you mean different?
Yeah... yeah, I do. If you help us, I'll tell you.
What kind of help do you need?
What we need is to get back home to our apartment on the next floor. But we can't do that while those spirits that the Magnifikers summoned are terrorizing the place.

If you take care of them... if you clear the path for us to return home... I'll give you the password that you'll need to speak with Janet.
Yes, I do. I'll give it to you if you help us.
Maybe "detached" is a better word? I've seen all kinds of people jack into the Hub, but only one type comes back out.

Quiet. Subdued. Disinterested in anything other than their beloved "Communion."
I don't know what happens to them in there. But they're somehow less... I don't know, less *alive* when they come back out.

It makes my skin crawl.
Can't help you there. We used to see a lot of the Magnifikers up on the third floor, but I never wanted to get too close to them.

You wanna know where their hideout is, I'd ask Parson, or maybe step outside to ask Ullrich. Not that you're likely to get far with either of those nutcases.
Yes? Is it safe?
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} Yeah, the spirits have been dealt with. All done.
I dealt with the spirits for you. It's safe now.
Then I would choose to be your friend.
Hello again, friend. What can I do for you?
It looks like someone did some basic patching to network this ancient electronic lock, but that's about it. Calling this a node would be a dramatic overstatement.

Simply flipping a bit should open the door.
{{GM}}Flip the bit.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the door control alone.{{/GM}}
Flashbang Grenade
Gain Gear: Flashbang Grenade.
Eiger now carries a Knight Errant Flashbang grenade on each mission, which does 2 AP DMG and makes affected targets easier to hit.
Frag Grenade Boost
Gain Gear: Frag Grenade.
Eiger now carries a Cavalier Frag Grenade on each mission instead of a Fichetti Frag Grenade, which does +4 HP DMG.
Compared to the lab above, this room is almost impossibly quiet. A small amount of light filters in from the narrow passage above you.

There appear to be light fixtures mounted in the walls, but there is no sign of a light switch.
Where the hell are we, chief? It looks abandoned.
I think this place is military. Judging by our depth and the markings, I’m guessing it’s an abandoned missile base. That would explain why the late Doctor Vauclair chose this place for his operation.

Can’t be easy to find a secret underground base big enough to house a dragon.
We’re in some sort of abandoned facility beneath the estate. It feels military to me... some kind of old missile base, maybe.

That might explain why the late Doctor Vauclair chose this place for his operation. It can’t be easy to find a secret underground base big enough to house a dragon.
All right, first things first. We need to get back into the lab complex and find Audran and the wyrm before it’s too late.
Let’s move. I owe Audran a bullet between the eyes, and I mean to pay up.
Well, that was interesting. What now?
Great. Let’s get closer to the maniac with the fire-breathing dragon. Good plan.
We've got no choice.

If we don’t stop Audran from releasing that dragon, everyone in the Kreuzbasar is dead.
No choice. If we don’t stop Audran from releasing that dragon, everyone in the Kreuzbasar is dead.
No choice. We have to find where Feuerschwinge is being kept. If we don’t stop that scarred bastard from releasing her, everyone in the Kreuzbasar is dead.
Great. Let’s get closer to the fire-breathing dragon. Good plan.
No choice. We have to find where Feuerschwinge is being kept. If we don’t stop Audran from releasing her, everyone in the Kreuzbasar is dead.
I'd say let’s not get closer to the fire-breathing dragon.

But it looks like that's all we can do at this point, boss.
It’s hard to tell in the dim light, but this place appears to be military. You would guess that the late Doctor Vauclair converted this abandoned facility into his base of operations in order to hide the dragon.
One thing is clear: you need to find your way back out of here, and into Vauclair's lab complex.

If the Firewing flies tonight, everyone in the Kreuzbasar will burn.
Where the hell are we, boss? It looks abandoned.
I think this place is military. Judging by our depth and the markings, I’m guessing it’s an abandoned missile base. That would explain why Vauclair chose this place for his operation.

Can’t be easy to find a secret underground base big enough to house a dragon.
We’re in some sort of abandoned facility beneath the estate. It feels military to me... some kind of old missile base, maybe.

That might explain why Vauclair chose this place for his operation. It can’t be easy to find a secret underground base big enough to house a dragon.
It’s hard to tell in the dim light, but this place appears to be military. You would guess that Vauclair converted this abandoned facility into his base of operations in order to hide the dragon.
All right, first things first. We need to get back into the lab complex and find Vauclair and the wyrm before it’s too late.
Let’s move. I owe Vauclair a bullet between the eyes, and I mean to pay up.
We've got no choice.

If we don’t stop Vauclair from releasing that dragon, everyone in the Kreuzbasar is dead.
No choice. If we don’t stop Vauclair from releasing that dragon, everyone in the Kreuzbasar is dead.
We've got no choice.

If we don’t stop Vauclair from releasing that dragon, everyone in the Kreuzbasar is dead.
No choice. We have to find where Feuerschwinge is being kept.

If we don’t stop Vauclair from releasing her, everyone in the Kreuzbasar is dead.
Where would you like to travel? Où souhaitez-vous voyager?
{{GM}}Call Eiger and travel to the Schattennest to locate the Engineer.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Appeler Eiger et voyager à Schattennest pour localiser l'ingénieur.{{/GM}}
You are about to travel to the Schattennest. Continue? Vous êtes sur le point de vous rendre vers Schattennest. Continuer?
{{GM}}Travel to the Landenberg Ring's bank in Drogenkippe to clear Blitz's debt.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Voyager vers la Landenberg Ring's bank dans Drogenkippe pour résoudre les dettes de Blitz.{{/GM}}
You are about to travel to Drogenkippe. Continue? Vous êtes sur le point de vous rendre vers Drogenkippe. Continuer?
{{GM}}Assemble the team and travel to Das Kesselhaus Hotel to search for Green Winters.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rassembler l'équipe et voyager vers Das KesselHaus Hotel pour rechercher Green Winters.{{/GM}}
You are about to travel to Das Kesselhaus Hotel. Continue? Vous êtes sur le point de vous rendre vers Das Kesselhaus Hotel. Continuer?
{{GM}}Assemble the team and travel to the OTK International offices to tap Knight Errant communications, in preparation for your run against Aztechnology.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rassembler l'équipe et voyager vers les bureaux d'OTK International pour récupérer les enregistrements de Knight Errant, en préparation du run contre Aztechnology.{{/GM}}
You are about to travel to the offices of OTK International. Continue? Vous êtes sur le point de vous rendre vers OTK International. Continuer?
{{GM}}Assemble the team and travel to the Schattennest to infiltrate the Humanis Policlub compound.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rassembler l'équipe et voyager vers Schattennest pour inflitrer l'enceinte du Policlub Humanis.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Assemble the team and travel to Aztechnology's Berlin compound to sabotage their "Bloodline" research project.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rassembler l'équipe et voyager vers l'enceinte d'Aztechnology de Berlin pour saboter les recherches du projet "Bloodline".{{/GM}}
You are about to travel to Aztechnology's Berlin compound. Continue? Vous êtes sur le point de vous rendre à l'enceinte d'Aztechnology de Berlin. Continuer?
{{GM}}Assemble the team and travel to the Pharma Laboratory Complex to eliminate the loose ends from your client's botched run.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rassembler l'équipe et voyager vers le complexe Pharma Laboratory pour éliminer the loose ends from your client's botched run.{{/GM}}
You are about to travel to the Pharma Laboratory Complex. Continue? Vous êtes sur le point de vous rendre au complexe Pharma Laboratory. Continuer?
{{GM}}Assemble the team and travel to the AG Chemie Europa facility to extract the MKVI prototype.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rassembler l'équipe et voyager vers l'usine AG Chemie Europa pour extraire le prototype MKVI.{{/GM}}
You are about to travel to the AG Chemie Europa facility. Continue? Vous êtes sur le point de vous rendre l'usine AG Chemie Europa. Continuer?
{{GM}}Travel to Frankfurter Tor to meet Luca Duerr's team.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rassembler l'équipe et voyager vers Frankfurter Tor pour rencontrer l'équipe de Luca Duerr.{{/GM}}
You are about to travel to Frankfurter Tor. Continue? Vous êtes sur le point de vous rendre à Frankfurter. Continuer?
{{GM}}Assemble the team and travel to the Adenauerplatz station to find Ezkibel's lab.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rassembler l'équipe et voyager vers la station Adenauerplatz pour trouver le labo d'Ezkibel.{{/GM}}
You are about to travel to the Adenauerplatz stop. Continue? Vous êtes sur le point de vous rendre à l'arrêt Adenauerplatz . Continuer?
{{GM}}Travel to the Gesundbrunnen U-Bahn station to locate Gunari's missing shipments.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Voyager vers la station U-Bahn Gesundbrunnen pour localiser les livraisons manquantes de Gunari.{{/GM}}
You are about to travel to the Gesundbrunnen U-Bahn station. Continue? Vous êtes sur le point de vous rendre à la station U-Bahn Gesundbrunnen. Continuer?
{{GM}}Travel to the "Rabbit Hole" at the Altstadt Spandau U-Bahn station to retrieve Alice's data.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Voyager vers le "Rabbit Hole" à la station U-Bahn Altstadt Spandau pour récupérer les données d'Alice.{{/GM}}
You are about to travel to Altstadt Spandau. Continue? Vous êtes sur le point de vous rendre à Altstadt Spandau. Continuer?
{{GM}}Stay here for now.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rester ici pour le moment.{{/GM}}
You must have the Cyberware Deactivator to attempt this mission. Vous devez avoir le Cyberware Deactivator de tenter cette mission.
This control panel is blown. When APEX went offline, it must have caused physical damage to the estate's security systems.
* ERROR * ERROR * ERROR *

{{GM}}The control panel is scorched and apparently unusable.{{/GM}}
When APEX went offline, it must have caused physical damage to the estate's security systems.
Yow. When APEX went offline, the security systems around here got *really* unhappy.

Think they're lonely?
Enhanced Adrenals
Augment Cyberware: Adrenal Pump.
Glory's Adrenal Pump lasts one additional round, for a total of 4 RNDs. Cooldown: 5.
Keep moving, $(l.name). You're almost there.

When you reach the control panel for the generators, the password "Xolotl" should allow you to disengage their safety overrides. Set the destruct and get out, see you back at the Kreuzbasar.
The vase in this case looks both very old and very valuable. A fine scrollwork of lapis and gold leaf decorates its exterior, and the interior shimmers with the organic beauty of abalone shell. Your fixer could probably move this thing in a heartbeat.

You can't help but notice that the glass encasing it looks awfully flimsy...		 Le vase dans ce casier semble très ancien et très cher. Un ornement de lapis-lazulis et des feuilles d'or décorent sa partie externe, et sa partie interne brille avec la beauté organique d'une coquille d'ormeau. Votre fixer pourrait refourguer ça en moins de deux.

Vous ne pouvez vous empêcher de remarquer que la vitre protégeant le vase semble terriblement fragile...
{{GM}}Smash the glass.{{/GM}} Okay, vase, you're coming with me. {{GM}}Briser la vitre.{{/GM}} Okay, le vase, tu viens avec moi.
{{GM}}Walk away.{{/GM}} Maybe I'll come back for you later. {{GM}}S'éloigner.{{/GM}} Peut être que je reviendrai pour toi plus tard.
As you draw your arm back to smash the glass, Dietrich catches it. His gnarled hand tightens around your wrist. Alors que vous levez votre bras afin de casser la vitre, Dietrich vous l'attrape. Sa main calleuse se resserre autour de votre poignet.
Not a smart move, Kleiner. We have a job to do, and hauling a great big vase around isn't part of it. Pas très intelligent, Kleiner. Nous avons un job a faire, et transporter un gros vase géant n'en fait pas parti.
{{GM}}Dietrich offers you a toothy grin.{{/GM}}

Unless the vase figured into your plans to complete the mission somehow? Did you have a vase-oriented strategy that I was unaware of?		 {{GM}}Dietrich vous offre un large sourire.{{/GM}}

A moins que le vase fasse parti d'un plan pour terminer notre mission? As-tu une stratégie *vasesque* dont tu ne m'aurais pas fait part?
I get your point. The payday from the run will have to do. Je comprends. Le salaire de ce run a intérêt à être suffisant.
That vase is going to earn me a nice bonus. It can stay where it is for now, but I'm coming back for it. Ce vase va m'apporter un jolie petit bonus. Je peux le laisser ici pour l'instant, mais je reviendrai le chercher.
I was thinking we could use it to smuggle Monika into the data vault. Je pensais que nous pourrions l'utiliser comme monnaie d'échange pour Monika dans la chambre forte.
That it will.

{{GM}}Dietrich jerks his head in the direction of Monika and Glory and claps his hand across your shoulders.{{/GM}}

Let's go, neh? We mustn't keep the others waiting.		 Ainsi soit il.

{{GM}}Dietrich secoue la tête en direction de Monika et Glory et pose sa main sur votre épaule.{{/GM}}

On y va, hein? Nous ne devrions pas faire attendre les autres.
Sure you are. We'll just hold off security while you lug it out of the building.

{{GM}}Dietrich jerks his head in the direction of Monika and Glory and claps his hand across your shoulders.{{/GM}}

Let's go, neh? We mustn't keep the others waiting.		 Pas de soucis. Nous allons tenir à distance la sécurité pendant que tu l'emporte dehors.

{{GM}}Dietrich secoue la tête en direction de Monika et Glory et pose sa main sur votre épaule.{{/GM}}

On y va, hein? Nous ne devrions pas faire attendre les autres.
{{GM}}Dietrich stifles a chuckle.{{/GM}}

An excellent plan, $(l.name). I support it fully.

We should get moving, though. We mustn't keep the others waiting.		 {{GM}}Dietrich étouffe un petit ricanement.{{/GM}}

Un excellent plan, $(l.name). J'approuve pleinement.

Allons y, tout de même. Nous ne devrions pas faire attendre les autres.
Not a smart move, Kleine. We have a job to do, and hauling a great big vase around isn't part of it. Pas très intelligent, Kleine. Nous avons un job a faire, et transporter un gros vase géant n'en fait pas parti.
The vase looks every bit as enticing now as it did the first time you inspected it... and taking it now would be just as bad an idea. Le vase semble être toujours autant alléchant que la première fois que vous l'aviez inspecté... mais le prendre reste une mauvaise idée.
{{GM}}Walk away.{{/GM}} You will be mine, vase. It's just a matter of time. {{GM}}S'eloigner.{{/GM}} Tu seras à moi, vase. Ce n'est qu'une question de temps.
Gain Ability: Revive. Compétence gagnée: Réanimer.
Glory can use her adrenal pump on a downed ally to revive them at 25% HP. Shares a cooldown with her regular Adrenal Pump ability. Cooldown: 5.
>>MKVI CYBERZOMBIE PROTOTYPE CONTROL CONSOLE<< >>CONSOLE DE COMMANDE DU PROTOTYPE MKVI CYBERZOMBIE <<
{{GM}}Activate the console.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Activer la console.{{/GM}}
This MKVI PROTOTYPE is the exclusive property of AG CHEMIE EUROPA. Unauthorized access is prohibited.

To put the prototype into Demonstration Mode, you may activate its systems from the following menu. Alternately, the system can be directly piloted via a remote control rig.

Press any key to continue.		 Le PROTOTYPE MKVI est la propriété exclusive de AG CHEMIE EUROPA. Les accès non autorisés sont interdit.

Pour mettre le prototype en mode de démonstration, vous pouvez activer ses systèmes dans le menu suivant. Alternativement, le système peut être directement pilotée via un appareil de contrôle à distance.

Appuyez sur n'importe quelle touche pour continuer.
{{GM}}Blitz's eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

Chief. Did you just read that?

I am going to drive the *hell* out of this thing.		 {{GM}}Les yeux de Blitz s'écarquillent.{{/GM}}

Chef. Qu'est-ce que tu viens de lire?

Je vais pouvoir piloter cette *putain* de chose.
Hold your horses, Blitz. We don't know enough about it yet. Calmes toi, Blitz. Nous n'en savons pas encore assez la dessus.
Over my dead body. Pas tant que je vivrais.
Be my guest. Just let me look over the console first. Je t'en pris. Mais laisse-moi regarder la console avant.
Yeah, yeah. Fine. Read up.

But after you're done, I'm gonna do my thing. I mean, how many riggers can say that they've piloted a troll?		 Ouais, ouais. Très bien. Lis.

Mais quand tu auras terminé, je vais mon truc. Je veux dire, combien de riggers peuvent dire qu'ils ont déjà pilotés un troll?
We'll talk about this later. For now, get out of my hair. Nous en parlerons plus tard. Pour le moment, fiches moi la paix.
He steps back, allowing you to return your attention to the control console. Il recule, vous permettant de focaliser votre attention sur la console de contrôle.
{{GM}}Blitz looks sullen.{{/GM}}

Yeah, well, screw you, too.		 {{GM}}Blitz semble maussade.{{/GM}}

Ouais, okay, va te faire voir, toi aussi.
Okay, sure. Yeah. Due diligence, and all that.

Just, like, don't take too long, okay? This is a golden opportunity. I don't wanna waste it.		 Okay, bien sur. Ouais. Audit préalable, et tout le reste.

Mais, enfin, ne soit pas trop long, okay? C'est mon ticket d'or ça. Je ne voudrais pas le laisser passer.
>>INPUT COMMAND<< >>SAISIR UNE COMMANDE<<
{{GM}}Access the system's Readme file.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Accéder au fichier *Lisez-moi* du système.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Extract a visual record from the Cyberzombie.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Extraire un enregistrement visuel du Cyberzombie.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Spellcasting/Conjuring{{/CC}} {{GM}}Read the Cyberzombie's aura.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Lancement de sorts/Incantation{{/CC}} {{GM}}Lire l'aura du Cyberzombie.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Have Glory examine the Cyberzombie's augmentations.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Demander à Glory d'examiner les augmentations du Cyberzombie.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Biotech: 2{{/CC}} {{GM}}Examine the Cyberzombie's augmentations.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Biotech: 2{{/CC}} {{GM}}Examiner les augmentations du Cyberzombie.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Search for any further information about the Cyberzombie's augmentations.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rechercher toutes traces d'augmentations sur le Cyberzombie.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Let Blitz rig into the Cyberzombie.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Laisser Blitz prendre le contrôle du Cyberzombie.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Drone Control: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Take a closer look at the Cyberzombie's control system.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Contrôle de drone: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Examiner le système de contrôle du Cyberzombie.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Slave the Cyberzombie to your commlink and activate it.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Asservir le Cyberzombie avec votre commlink et l'activer.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Activate the Cyberzombie and step away from the console.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Activer le Cyberzombie et s'éloigner de la console.{{/GM}}
MKVI PROTOTYPE DEMONSTRATION MODEL

This MKVI PROTOTYPE incorporates top-of-the-line cyberware from all AG CHEMIE EUROPA subsidiaries, including the ZEISS "DEADSIGHT" LASER DESIGNATOR, B.U.T. HEAVY INDUSTRIES "POWER-LIFT" INDUSTRIAL CYBERARMS, and the brand-new ZEISS "SENSE-SHELL" CYBERSKULL.		 PROTOTYPE MKVI MODE DEMONSTRATION

Ce PROTOTYP MKVI incorpore le meilleur du cyberware de toutes les filiales AG CHEMIE EUROPA, incluant le ZEISS "DEADSIGHT" LASER DESIGNATOR, B.U.T HEAVY INDUSTRIES "POWER-LIFT" INDUSTRIAL CYBERARMS, and le tout nouveau ZEISS "SENSE-SHELL" CYBERSKULL.
Where necessary, competitors' products have been incorporated into the platform (ARES DERMAL PLATING, UNIVERSAL OMNITECH MOVE-BY-WIRE, etc.).

These systems should be considered PLACEHOLDERS for this proof-of-concept PROTOTYPE.		 Le cas échéant, les produits des concurrents ont été intégrées dans ce modèle (ARES DERMAL PLATING, UNIVERSAL OMNITECH MOVE-BY-WIRE, etc.).

Ces produits devraient être considérés comme des pièces de remplacement pour cette démonstration de faisabilité du PROTOTYPE.
The BIOLOGICAL COMPONENT of the MKVI was selected for size and durability by GENERAL GENETICS WORLDWIDE.

All autonomous functions necessary to maintain the BIOLOGICAL COMPONENT are original to the component itself, and should self-regulate within operational limits.		 Les COMPOSANTS BIOLOGIQUES du MKVI ont été sélectionné pour leur taille et leur durabilité par GENERAL GENETICS WORLDWIDE.

Toutes les fonctions autonomes nécessaires pour maintenir les COMPOSANTS BIOLOGIQUES sont propres au composant lui même, et devraient s'autoréguler dans les limites opérationnelles.
As a proof-of-concept demonstration model, the MKVI was designed for REMOTE OPERATION. A ZEISS "EYE-IN-THE-SKY" DRONE CONTROL SYSTEM has been incorporated into the MKVI's cyberskull.

COMMLINK control is also possible for casual control, but for product demonstration purposes, use of the drone control system is advised.		 Comme démonstration de faisabilité, le MKVI a été conçu pour FONCTIONNER A DISTANCE. Un système de contrôle de drone ZEISS "EYE-IN-THE-SKY" a été incorporé dans le cyber-squelette du MKVI.

Le contrôle par COMMLINK est aussi possible pour un contrôle occasionnel, mais à des fins de démonstration de produits, l'utilisation du système de contrôle de drone est conseillé.
ARMAMENTS: The MKVI PROTOTYPE comes equipped with an ARES VANQUISHER VEHICULAR ROTARY CANNON to demonstrate the MKVI's actuated strength and recoil suppression capabilities.

The model is also equipped with a GLOBAL POLYMERS MONOFILAMENT AXE. For demonstration purposes, this weapon has been designed with a heft well beyond the lifting capacity of any unaugmented metahuman. The MKVI, of course, can swing it with ease.		 ARMEMENTS: Le PROTOTYPE MKVI est équipé d'un ARES VANQUISHER VEHICULAR ROTARY CANNON pour démontrer les capacités de résistance et de suppression de recul automatisée du MkVI.

Le modèle est aussi équipé avec une GLOBAL POLYMERS MONOFILAMENT AXE. Pour des fins de démonstration, cette arme a été conçu avec une stature bien au-delà de la capacité de levage de tout métahumain augmenté. Le MKVI peut, bien entendu, l'utiliser sans problème.
LONG-TERM GOALS: In demonstrating the MKVI's combat capabilities, it is this office's hope that AG CHEMIE EUROPA'S newly-developed FORMULA 17 CYBERMANTIC REAGENT will prove its value to the Board of Directors, both as an astonishing technical achievement and as a lucrative new revenue stream for the Company.

- Albrecht Haushofer, Senior VP, Berlin Facility		 OBJECTIFS À LONG TERME: En démontrant les capacités de combat du MKVI, la société AG CHEMIE EUROPE espère que la nouvelle FORMULE 17 CYBERMANTI REAGENT saura convaincre le conseil d'administration, à la fois comme une prouesse technique étonnante et comme une nouvelle source de revenus lucrative pour la société.

- Albrecht Haushofer, Senior VP, Berlin Facility
WARNING: Subject is currently in Standby mode.

Subject must be shut down to safely extract visual records via cortical transfer.		 ATTENTION: Le sujet est actuellement en Veille.

Le sujet doit être arrêté pour extraire en toute sécurité les enregistrements visuels par transfert corticale.
Extracting visual records may have adverse effects on the subject.

Possible side effects include: INTENSE PAIN, CONVULSIONS, BRAIN DAMAGE.

Do you wish to continue?		 L'extraction des enregistrements visuels peut avoir des effets néfastes sur le sujet.

Les effets secondaires possibles comprennent: DOULEUR INSTANCE, CONVULSIONS, DOMMAGE AU CERVEAU.

Voulez-vous continuer?
{{GM}}Continue with the extraction.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Continuer l'extraction.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Abort the extraction process.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Annuler le processus d'extraction.{{/GM}}
>>EXTRACTION PROCESS INITIATED<< >>PROCESSUS D'EXTRACTION INITIE<<
The Cyberzombie's muscles lock solid. The meat of its body begins to convulse, straining against the the metal that permeates it.

Blood wells up in the corners of its eyes and runs in rivulets down its cheeks.		 Les muscles du Cyberzombie se tendent fermement. La chair de son corps commence à convulser, mettant à rude épreuve le métal dont elle est imprégnée .

Des larmes de sang sortent du coin de ses yeux et coulent le long de sa peau jusqu'au bas de ses joues.
A few seconds later, its body goes slack.

A cheerful pinging sound chirps out from the command console's speakers.		 Quelques secondes plus tard, son corps devient flasque.

Un bruit de cliquetis joyeux gazouille sur des haut-parleurs de la console de commande.
>>EXTRACTION PROCESS COMPLETE<< >>PROCESSUS D'EXTRACTION TERMINE <<
{{GM}}Copy the visual record data for the Schockwellenreiter.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Copiez les données d'enregistrement visuels pour le Schockwellenreiter.{{/GM}}
Your third eye slides open. Instantly, the drab ugliness of the mundane world is washed away, obliterated by the glowing energies of the astral plane. Votre troisième œil s'éveille lentement. Instantanément, la laideur terne du monde banal est emporté, anéantie par les énergies incandescentes du plan astral.
Something is wrong here. Very wrong.

The Cyberzombie's aura is almost completely black. To your horror, the light of your own aura seems to be drawn toward it. You feel a twisting sensation in your gut, and it takes all of your willpower to keep from blacking out.		 Quelque chose cloche ici. Très mauvais.

L'aura du Cyberzombie est presque totalement noire. Pour votre horreur, la lumière de votre propre aura semble être attiré vers elle. Vous ressentez une sensation de torsion dans votre intestin, et il faut tout de votre volonté pour repousser l'étourdissement.
{{CC}}Willpower: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Keep looking.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Volonté: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Continuer à regarder.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Retreat to the material world.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Battre en retraite vers le monde matériel.{{/GM}}
You force yourself to continue staring into the gaping wound that is the Cyberzombie's aura.

Slowly, your vision begins to adjust. And behind the darkness, you can see a glimmer of color.		 Vous vous forcez à continuer à regarder dans la plaie béante qu'est l'aura du Cyberzombie.

Lentement, votre vision commence à s'ajuster. Et derrière l'obscurité, vous pouvez voir une lueur de couleur.
Somehow, buried under a mountain of chrome and steel, there's a part of this thing that's still capable of thinking. Of feeling.

And that soft, living core is shrieking in pain.		 D'une certaine manière, enterré sous une montagne de chrome et d'acier, il y'a une partie de cette chose qui est encore capable de penser. De ressentir des sentiments.

Et cette douce partie d'humanité hurle de douleur.
Reflexively, your third eye clenches shut. The color and beauty of the astral plane disappear from view, taking the horror of the Cyberzombie's aura with them.

A single thought echoes through your head, backed by an iron will that is not your own. A message from a mind that has been severed from its body, but is still very much alive.

"KILL ME."		 Par réflexes, votre troisième oeil se referme. Les couleurs et la beauté du plan astral disparaissent, emportant avec elles l'horreur de l'aura du Cyberzombie.

Une seule pensée résonne dans votre tête, soutenu par une volonté de fer qui n'est pas la votre. Un message d'un esprit séparé de son corps, mais encore plein de vie.

"TUEZ MOI."
Shuddering, you emerge from your reverie. You are, once again, standing before the control console.

The Cyberzombie stands, unmoving, just as it did before.		 Frissonnant, vous sortez de votre rêverie. Vous êtes, de nouveau, debout devant la console de commande.

Le Cyberzombie se tient, immobile, tout comme il l'était avant.
Reflexively, your third eye clenches shut. The color and beauty of the astral plane disappear from view, taking the horror of the Cyberzombie's aura with them.

Taking a moment to catch your breath, you find yourself standing in front of the control console. The Cyberzombie stands there, unmoving, just as it did before.		 Par réflexes, votre troisième oeil se referme. Les couleurs et la beauté du plan astral disparaissent, emportant avec elles l'horreur de l'aura du Cyberzombie.

Après avoir repris votre souffle, Vous êtes, de nouveau, debout devant la console de commande. Le Cyberzombie se tient, immobile, tout comme il l'était avant.
Glory nods and steps forward.

As she stands next to the Cyberzombie, you can't help but notice how much chrome riddles her own body.
The cyberware is high-grade. Quality stuff, but not milspec.

The arms look industrial in design. Interesting choice, but there's nothing wrong with it.
Huh. The control system looks interesting... like a drone control interface, but it's wired into the base of the skull.

From the positioning, I'd say that it's connected directly to the thing's brain stem.
{{GM}}Glory takes a closer look at the Cyberzombie's control module. A moment later, she takes a sudden half-step back.

She turns to look at you, a disgusted look on her face.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). Listen to me. We have to kill this thing.
This "thing" is our payday, Glory. Explain yourself.
This... this troll... it's still conscious. *He's* still conscious. They've outfitted him with an inhibitor chip.

He's trapped in his own body. Screaming to get out.
This isn't just a prototype, $(l.name). It's a *person.*

We can't just cash him in for a paycheck.
Can you do anything about it? Help him in some way?
That's for me to decide.
{{GM}}She takes another look at the control module, scowling.{{/GM}}

No promises... but I can try.
Do it.
On second thought, I don't want you messing with this thing. Let's just finish the job and get out of here.
Not here. Let's get him down to the garage first.

I want to have the van close by in case anything goes wrong.
In the meantime, we're gonna have to activate him.

{{GM}}She falls back to her regular position in the group.{{/GM}}

Just remember, $(l.name)... that's a man you're giving orders to. Not a machine.
Glory gives you a curt nod, then falls back in line with the rest of the group.

The soft glow of the command console beckons.
Most of the cyberware mounted in the Cyberzombie's body is of a very high grade, but otherwise relatively standard. Its arms were clearly designed for industrial use; they bear the stamp of B.U.T. Heavy Industries, an industrial machinery manufacturer not typically associated with cyberware design.

By far the most interesting aspect of the Cyberzombie's design is its control system. It appears to be a standard drone control rig, but a number of extra components connect it directly to the creature's brain stem.
The living troll that serves as the chassis for all of this chrome has been outfitted with an inhibitor chip of some kind.

From what you can tell, the purpose of this chip is to intercept and arrest any voluntary neural impulses sent out by the troll's brain. Autonomous functions, such as respiration, are allowed to continue unimpeded.
The implications of this are as disturbing as they are obvious: The troll that this experiment was built around is still conscious. A prisoner in his own body, locked in a cage of meat and chrome.
The good news is that it should be possible to disable the inhibitor chip. Unfortunately, you'll need some time to do the job correctly.
Most of the information that you can find is extremely technical and well beyond your level of understanding.

You do, however, stumble upon one thing that you can understand: The MKVI has been fitted with something called an "inhibitor chip."
This chip seems to have been designed to prevent the Cyberzombie from exercising voluntary control over its own body.

The implications of this are as disturbing as they are obvious: The troll that this experiment was built around is still conscious. A prisoner in his own body, locked in a cage of meat and chrome.
{{GM}}Blitz shifts uncertainly as he patches the Cyberzombie into his drone control network.{{/GM}}

This is... uh... *strange,* chief.
The Cyberzombie's massive hands flex twice, and it takes a half-step forward. Its mouth twists into a wide grin.
...but, uh... I think that I could get used to it.
This Cyberzombie's control system is very similar to a standard - albeit high-end - drone rigging interface.

It looks as though it should be a fairly simple task to rig into it. It will still drive itself. However, your drone control rig should allow it to react to your commands much faster.
{{GM}}Rig into the Cyberzombie.{{/GM}}
Your consciousness slips into the MKVI as easily as it would any other drone. But the sensation is... strange.

You flex your fingers, and the Cyberzombie responds. But it responds too quickly, too eagerly. It almost seems to intuit your commands before you finish giving them.
You feel a strange tickling sensation in your spine, coupled with a gnawing sense of unease.

The MKVI stands at the ready, its crushing hands flexing in anticipation. Slaved to your command.
You hit the activation control, and the Cyberzombie lurches to life. It takes a step forward, and you can hear the whir of actuators calibrating to adjust to its weight.

A few seconds later, the whirring sound dies down. It relaxes into a slight crouch.
With a mental command, you activate the MKVI. It takes a step forward, and you can hear the whir of actuators calibrating to adjust to its weight.

A few seconds later, the whirring sound dies down. It relaxes into a slight crouch.
I've got it, chief. The MKVI is under my control.

But it's strange... this thing's reactions feel... *off,* somehow.
It's almost like there's somethin' else in here with me.
We can talk about it later. For now, we should concentrate on getting out of here.
I'm not surprised. But we can talk about it later.

For now, we should concentrate on getting out of here.
The interface of this console has been locked.

Peering around behind the terminal, you find an absolute rat's nest of tangled cables running between it and the servers.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Install the bypass optical cable.{{/GM}} Got it, Blitz. You should be good to patch in.
Uhhh... Blitz? There's an awful lot of cables back here...
{{GM}}There is a brief pause.{{/GM}}

Yep, it's all looking good on my end... nicely done, chief!
Thanks. Now get us into that vault.
C'mon, chief, it's not that complicated. They're running a hardware firewall - you'll find it installed on the main Matrix line, just before it reaches the first sever.

{{GM}}He sniffs.{{/GM}}

Kid stuff, really.
Oh, for Christ's sake. Quit preening and walk $(l.him) through it.
Hate to say it, but he's right. If you want me to get you around that firewall, you're going to have to give me instructions.
{{GM}}Blitz sighs.{{/GM}}

All right, chief. I'll take you through the steps.

First, find the main Matrix line. It'll be the heavy duty optical cable that's wired in through a wall from outside.
Okay, got it.
Good. Now find the first box that cable connects into. It'll have three cables plugged into it - one power, and two optical.

Connect the ends of the bypass to the two optical cables.
Following his instructions, you soon have the bypass connected.
All right, that's done. What's next?
Nothing! I'm in.

That wasn't so hard, now, was it?
Just get us into the vault, Blitz.
The door slides open, and the stench of stale sweat assaults your nostrils.

Enstad steps forward, his bloody lips curled into a smile. The soles of his boots squeak on the polished tile floor.
Free at last. Thank Christ.

{{GM}}His smile widens into a sickly grin. Tar-stained teeth shine wetly in the light.{{/GM}}

Didn't think I'd warrant a rescue. Whoever sent you, thank 'em for me.
Afraid you're wrong about that. I was sent here to tie up loose ends... namely, you.
{{GM}}Draw your weapon.{{/GM}} Herr Fuchs is disappointed in you.
{{GM}}Kill him.{{/GM}} Say good night.
{{GM}}His eyes go wide. He raises his trembling hands in surrender.{{/GM}}

Whoa there, chief. I... I don't know what your client told you...
He told us enough.
He said that your team botched a run. Went loud too early, and got a lot of people killed.
Doesn't matter what he told us. The contract says that we have to put you down.
Did he... did he tell you that we did exactly what he told us to?

Did he tell you that it was *his* bad intel that got me hung out to dry like this?
Sounds familiar...
Please, hear me out.

I promise, I'll make it worth your while if you do.
Couldn't hurt to hear what he has to say...
It doesn't matter what excuse he feeds us. Nothing can change what we have to do.

A contract's a contract, $(l.name).
His hands clasp in front of him in a sign of supplication.

You can see the terror in his eyes.
Go ahead. Talk.
You'll "make it worth my while," huh? Tell me more.
Our contract says that we have to kill you. That's all that I need to know.
All right. Okay.

So, we go in, right? Me and my team. And we're doin' just what the client told us to.
Well, the bastard forgot to mention that Pharma had a Knight Errant security contract for the place.

*He* told *us* that there would be "little, if any, resistance." So imagine our surprise when a KE response team kicked in the door and unloaded on us.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Shadowrunner{{/CC}} Quit trying to shift the blame. Adapting to unanticipated situations is part of a shadowrunner's job description.
According to the client, the *reason* why Knight Errant showed up was because your team started slaughtering the lab staff.
*Every* run goes sideways at some point. You should've been prepared for it.
Oh, for Christ's sake. What were we supposed to do? Thanks to Fuchs' bad intel, we left all the heavy ordinance at home. "No collateral damage," he told us.

Funny how little KE seemed to share his concern. Took 'em all of two seconds before they started lobbin' grenades at us.
You know where I'm coming from, pal... I can see it in your eyes. You've been on jobs that went south before.

The only difference between you and me is that you were lucky enough not to get caught.
That's bullshit! *They* attacked *us*! And then Knight Errant showed up, and everything went to hell.
Look. I can see that you're skeptical... I get that. Can't blame you for it, either. You don't know me from Adam.

But I know one thing that you *will* understand. I'd like to offer you a trade.
Oh, for Christ's sake. Haven't *you* ever been on a job that went south?

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Yeah. I can tell from that look in your eyes that you have. I'm no different than you are, pal... I just had the bad luck to take a job from the wrong client.
{{GM}}He wets his lips with his thick, pale tongue and clears his throat.{{/GM}}

Okay. I'm a rigger, right? Your client probably told you that already.

But I'm also an inventor... a trained engineer. Fuchs probably didn't mention that, did he?
You're rambling. Get to the point.
I've got a little toy hidden away... managed to stash it before those Knight Errant pukes took me.

My own design, totally one-of-a-kind. I call it a "Pain Inducer." Grade-A fun for the runner who has everything, and I guarantee that you'll never find another.
You let me live, and it's all yours. I'll put a fucking ribbon on it for you.

Then I'll disappear, never bother any of you again. Scout's honor.
Sorry. I can't justify giving up a fifteen-thousand-nuyen payday for a trinket.
Even if... even *if* we'd consider going off-mission...

{{GM}}She shoots you a significant glance.{{/GM}}

...Which we *wouldn't*...
{{GM}}She turns back to Enstad, staring him down.{{/GM}}

...Did you honestly think that we'd sacrifice our professional integrity AND a fifteen thousand nuyen payday for a trinket?
{{GM}}He nods slowly.{{/GM}}

Fifteen, huh? I... I can match that. You let me live, and I'll pay your wage. *Plus* the inducer.

Hell, you could even tell your client I'm dead and bill him, too. *Double* your earnings. Whaddaya think about that?
How'd you come by the fifteen grand?
What does this "Pain Inducer" do, exactly?
{{GM}}Holster your weapon.{{/GM}} Deal. Let's get you out of here.
{{GM}}Kill him.{{/GM}} No dice. Time to die.
I hit a big payday a while back. Put the extra cash in my rainy-day fund.

Trust me, pal. I can pay you the money. You help me out, and I'll transfer it to you myself... we just need to get back to the room where I stashed my PDA.
Induces pain.

{{GM}}He snickers.{{/GM}}

It's a narrow-band microwave projector. Causes debilitating pain in a target, and screws with the electrical systems of drones and the like.

Think of it like a taser, only easier to use, and meaner, and a whole LOT more fun.
You won't regret it, friend.

Promise.
Eiger holds her tongue, but her body language speaks volumes: tight lips, rigid pose, slight color in her pale cheeks.

You've seen it before. She's furious.
Uh, boss... I love new toys as much as the next guy, but we need the money more.

Fifteen-thousand-nuyen jobs don't grow on trees.
Uh, chief... I love new toys as much as the next guy, but we need the money more.

Fifteen-thousand-nuyen jobs don't grow on trees.
Forget the trinket, $(l.name). We need the money.

Fifteen thousand nuyen is a lot to give up, and the hit to our reputation will be even worse.
He nods, eyes wide, and licks his lips again.
I... uh... I've got a little toy hidden away. Managed to stash it before those Knight Errant pukes took me.

My own design, totally one-of-a-kind. I call it a "Pain Inducer." You'll never find another, I promise.
P... please! Just hear me out!

I can help you... whatever you're getting paid, I can give you something better!
All right. You've got ten seconds. Convince me.
{{GM}}Kill him.{{/GM}} No negotiations. Nothing personal.
Maybe we should hear him out, boss. He's a fellow runner, after all...
{{GM}}Kill him.{{/GM}} No negotiations. He dies.
Maybe we should hear him out, chief. He's a fellow runner, after all...
He's a runner, $(l.name).

I suggest that we at least hear him out.
{{GM}}Glory shrugs.{{/GM}}

Couldn't hurt to hear what he has to say.
Us? *We* botched the run? That's bullshit, man!

*We* did everything like we were supposed to. Like always! It was that bastard's bad intel that got us hung out to dry!
{{GM}}His eyes go wide, and his voice becomes shrill.{{/GM}}

Yeah, but... did he tell you that we did exactly what he told us to?

Did he tell you that it was *his* bad intel that got me hung out to dry like this?
Activate Adrenal Pump
Contracts the adrenal glands, pumping the body full of adrenaline and noradrenaline. The user gains +1 AP for 3 RNDS.
Causes additional magical damage over time to target upon impact. Base damage is your Strength + 4.
Mana Burn: HP -5 per RND
{{GM}}The burly ork’s face, raw and slick with scar tissue, is contorted in a grimace of pain. You’ve seen this kind of wound before. He doesn’t have long.{{/GM}}

Idiots.

Forty years... forty years and we finally had a chance to make a difference… and you blew it.
You're the one who's bleeding out on the floor. Looks to me like *you* blew it.
Why don’t you shut up and die already?
What was the point of any of this, Audran? Why kill Vauclair?
{{GM}}Take his sidearm.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}He smirks through the pain.{{/GM}}

Guess so.
{{GM}}He coughs again, writhing in agony on the floor. Then his eyes focus again, and he speaks.{{/GM}}

Vauclair was right… the wyrms... taking over the world. But they're just the latest... latest in a long line to fuck us over.

Corporations... politicians... dragons... all a big joke, with the rest of us... the punchline.
{{GM}}Another bloody cough. Sounds like he's struggling against a collapsed lung.{{/GM}}

World... whole world is... going to shit. We're on... on a runaway train to Hell, and someone...

...Someone has to make it... jump the tracks...
I... I was...

...Gonna...

{{GM}}He tries to speak, but the only thing that pours from his mouth is blood. A wet whisper, devoid of meaning.{{/GM}}
He lets out a final, barking cough. A fine red mist sprays from his mouth and nostrils.

His eyes go wide, and he struggles for breath. It doesn't come.
The macabre wreck of his armored chest heaves once, twice, then goes still.

He's dead.
{{GM}}He smirks through the pain.{{/GM}}

My party... I’ll die when I’m ready.
{{GM}}He smirks through the pain, then coughs up a great wad of bloody phlegm.{{/GM}}

You looking for my secret motivation? Like, maybe... I was burned by a dragon as a kid... and now I want them all dead?

Gonna have to... disappoint you.
Audran's eyes go wide as you reach for his weapon. He tries to bat your hands away, but a wave of coughing sends him into a fit. A bloody mist fills the air.

You level the weapon, and he thrashes in panic.
{{GM}}Put a bullet in his head.{{/GM}} This is for Paul Amsel.
Tell me what the point of this was, Audran. Convince me that any of this was worth it.
The weapon roars.

The ork's skull comes apart like an overripe melon.
Fuse
Used to create a functional circuit within an electrical fusebox.
Ruger Super Warhawk
Pistol: A modern revolver that sacrifies combat options for massive stopping power. Pierces up to 4 Armor.
This vent is large enough to fit a drone through.
{{GM}}Send drone through.{{/GM}}
Alnur's Outfit
LOCKDOWN
The ride to the Adenauerplatz is a dismal one. Your only company on the train is an elderly dwarf in a ragged peacoat, and he spends most of his time muttering to himself. When the train rattles to a stop, he slowly rises from his perch and begins to hobble toward the doorway.

The station itself isn't much different: an old, broken-down thing at the end of its useful life, feebly tottering toward obsolescence. This area of Berlin has clearly seen better days.

A window of light shines down from the surface, and even that looks stale. Slowly, you begin to climb.
Unauthorized access detected. Priming weapons systems for pacification.
The gates... they've finally opened?!
Automated Drone
Research Logs
Grungy Display
Info Terminal
Street Rat
Awakened Thug
Philip Rex
Ragged Man
Billy
Phil
Heiner
German Announcer
Troll "Actor"
Elf "Actress"
Elderly-Sounding Elf "Actor"
Flashback Phil 2
Flashback Phil 3
Man in Suit
Quarantine Technician
Flashback Phil 4
Locate the Experimental Bioware
Gain Entry into the Lab
You died. Billy has claimed another victim.
Use a Terminal to Disengage the Quarantine
Tell Philip the Quarantine is Over
Schematic: Auto-Injector (Bliss) Schéma: Auto-Injecteur (Bliss)
The schematic for a piece of cybernetic bodyware. This device produces a steady supply of the street drug known as Bliss, and stores it in an internal reservoir until accessed by the user. Le schéma pour un morceau de bodyware cybernétique. Ce dispositif produit un approvisionnement régulier en drogue de la rue connue sous le nom de Bliss, et la stocke dans un réservoir interne jusqu'à l'utilisation par son possesseur.
There is a hand-written note sitting on the table.
Hey Kappel,

You come highly recommended. Anyone who did what you did to those elves will go far around here. You can hit the kitchen anytime, but otherwise stay close unless otherwise told.

Your locker code is 2619, Locker 3.

- Owen
Spiked Fist
Causes heavy bleeding to target upon impact. Damage is your Strength + 2. May do AP DMG on a critical hit.
Bleeding: HP -3 per RND
Causes moderate bleeding to target upon impact. Damage is your Strength + 1. May do AP DMG on a critical hit.
A stack of business cards on this desk reveals that it belongs to one Annika Schroeder.

A cursory search reveals that the desk's drawers are stuffed full of lewd love notes, all hastily written on scraps of office stationery.
{{GM}}Rummage through the notes.{{/GM}}
Exploring Annika's desk is like embarking on an odyssey of filth.

Thirty seconds in, and you've already learned three new euphemisms for "sex in a storage closet," as well as exciting new definitions for a variety of common office terms.
Thankfully, your search also turns up something of more immediate value: a scrap of paper with a name and a five-digit code scribbled on it.

Haushofer
84792
Vision Magnification Eyes
Renraku's state-of-the-art alpha cybereye with magnification enhancement. Adds +6% to hit.
Confused
Jesus. That was terrifying.

Who *were* those bastards? They were shooting at *everyone!* I spent the entire fight hiding in a dumpster!
Anyway. Thanks for chasing 'em off, pal... I owe you one.

{{GM}}He bites his lip. The anxiety is plain on his face.{{/GM}}

I guess that we all do.
That was *crazy,* $(l.freund). Bullets flyin', people dropping like flies... *crazy.*
Ol' Zaak had to use his magic on a few of 'em. See that puddle over there?

{{GM}}He lazily points to a yellow-green stain on the cobblestones, then gives you a slow nod.{{/GM}}

Yeah, that was one of 'em. Attacker, thy name is "goo."
Um. Well done, I suppose.
That doesn't look like a bloodstain. It looks more like somebody spilled his drink.
One of these days, you're going to have to demonstrate this "powerful magic" of yours for me.
{{GM}}Zaak bows down with a flourish.{{/GM}}

Thank you, friend. Thank you.

So, what can ol' Zaak getcha?
{{GM}}He rolls his bugged-out eyes.{{/GM}}

Yeah, sure. That's what it looks like to *you.* If you had the Sight, you'd know better.

Anyway. What can ol' Zaak get for you?
{{GM}}His smile widens.{{/GM}}

One of these days, $(l.freund). Absolutely.

But today, you're here for a reason. What can ol' Zaak get for you?
{{GM}}This elf has clearly seen better days. His skin is weathered and emaciated, as though it has been stretched too tightly over his frame. Track marks line the crooks of his arms, and dirty bandages wrap his knuckles.

Despite all of this, he seems cheerful enough. The elf fixes his twinkling, bugged-out eyes on yours and offers you a broad smile, displaying a set of impossibly white teeth. When he speaks to you, his voice is surprisingly deep.{{/GM}}
Guten Tag, $(l.freund). You here for some magic? Because Zaak Flash...

{{GM}}He gestures at himself with a dramatic flourish.{{/GM}}

...is your magic man.
I might be interested.
Magic? Are you a street mage?
No thanks, buddy. I'll just be on my way.
{{GM}}Zaak cocks his head and offers you a lopsided grin.{{/GM}}

Well, then, I might be able to help you.

{{GM}}He begins to twist a strand of his long, stringy hair around one of his spidery fingers. His smile remains fixed, a pearly crescent set into a face caked with grime.{{/GM}}
Don't leave me in suspense. What've you got?
I'm interested in combat stims. I need an edge, not a high. Got anything along those lines?
Oh, a little bit of everything. I've got your zen and your hyper, your nitro and your novacoke. If you want it, I've got it.

{{GM}}Zaak leans toward you and lowers his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.{{/GM}}

I've even got a special concoction of my own design, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're serious about getting high.
So. You wanna conduct a little business?
{{CC}}Biotech: 3{{/CC}} {{GM}}Examine his ears.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Formula: Jazz{{/CC}} I've got a formula for a combat stim. Can you produce something like that?
Show me what you've got.
What's the deal with the special concoction?
You said that you knew magic. Are you a street mage?
What's up with the bandages on your hands?
Nah, changed my mind.
Oh, you know I'm your man. I can hook you up right now.
{{GM}}Flash's grin broadens even further. His mouth is disturbingly large, and there's something menacing about the sight of those too-white teeth.{{/GM}}

This is the real deal, chummer. A proprietary blend, designed and delivered by yours truly. Pharmaceutical-grade kamikaze cut with genuine spirit residue from the Tir and then mixed with my secret blend of herbs and spices.
{{GM}}He produces a small packet filled with iridescent purple granules from the pocket of his dirty jeans.{{/GM}}

You wanna get high? Buy some novacoke and throw yourself a party. But if you wanna *soar,* you get yourself some Flash.
{{GM}}Zaak lets out a throaty, barking laugh.{{/GM}}

Street mage? Me? Do I look like a street mage to you?

{{GM}}He shakes his head, but his smile doesn't waver. He fishes a small bag of pills out of his back pocket and dangles it before your eyes.{{/GM}}

No, chummer, I'm not a "street mage." I've got the magic in my blood and the magic in these bags, but you won't catch ol' Zaak studying any spellbooks.
Well, in that case, let's talk about the magic you've got in that bag there. What've you got?
Interesting. Let's talk about something else.
Well, all right, friend. What else would you like to talk about? Maybe you'd like to make a purchase?
{{GM}}Zaak snorts out a short burst of laughter. He waggles his bandaged hands in front of you.{{/GM}}

Oh, these? Nothin' much, chummer, nothin' much. Tussled with a spirit back in Amsterdam. Y'know, we elves are a very spiritual people.
{{CC}}Race: Elf{{/CC}} Oh, come off it. Elves are not, on the whole, any more or less magical than anyone else. I'm in a position to know.
So I've heard.
You fought a spirit with your bare hands?
{{GM}}Zaak lets out a short, barking laugh.{{/GM}}

Oh, come on! Stop denying yourself!

Embrace the power inside of you! You've got the mojo, just like me! Accept it!
{{GM}}Zaak's bug eyes light up with excitement.{{/GM}}

You heard right! Damn right, chummer.
Elves - y'know, my people - are creatures of the spirit. We've got the magic in our blood, whether we sling spells or not.

I'm tellin' you, I've talked with spirits all my life, and it has nothing to do with prayin' to a totem or studying spellbooks.
{{GM}}Flash lowers his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.{{/GM}}

Between you and me, my mojo is stronger than any corp wagemage's. Take those rat-scum bastards at Aztechnology. They cast spells all day and all night, right? *Fire* this and *lightning* that, just tossin' 'em around like candy.
Riiiight...
Yep, that's what they do. Look, I don't mean to cut you off, but I've got things to do. You wanna make a sale, or not?
Yeah. Look, I've gotta run. Catch you later, Zaak.
Well, me, I'm just doing my thing, *not* casting spells. I'm *storing up* my energy, *saving* it.

Can you *imagine* how much magic I have?
I don't think that's how it works, Zaak.
I've heard enough of this. Let's talk business. What've you got?
Hey, that's great, Zaak. Look, I've gotta go. Keep storing that energy!
Trust me, friend. I have secret knowledge.

{{GM}}He slowly turns his head from side to side to give you a good look at his upturned ears.{{/GM}}

Like I said. It's in the blood.
Okay, Zaak. I trust you. Now, can we do some business?
Fascinating. Well, I've gotta run. Take care, Zaak.
The scars are subtle, but to your trained eye they stand out as though they were drawn on with red ink. It appears that Zaak's ears have been surgically cut, folded, and stitched back together again.

The implication is clear: Zaak Flash is not an elf, but a human who's had cheap plastic surgery to try to make himself look like one. You've heard of elf posers before, but you've never seen one in Germany until now.
...Well, there's a first time for everything. So, Zaak: how did your mojo hold up after the operation?
Y'know, cosmetic otoplasty has come a long way in recent years. You could probably stand to have those ears touched up. The surgical scars are hard to miss.
Does the whole "magic elf" routine help with sales? Help me out here, poser.
{{GM}}All at once, the smile vanishes from Zaak's face. A bead of sweat traces its way down his cheek.{{/GM}}

Look, you can't tell anyone about this, all right? The "I'm a magic elf" schtick boosts my sales.
So. What'll you give me to keep your little secret?
No problem, buddy. Your secret is safe with me.
Yeah. I figured. Hang on a second, hang on.

{{GM}}He thrusts his hand into the pocket of his filthy jacket and rummages around. Eventually, he fishes out a small vial and a filthy credstick.{{/GM}}

Here. Some Flash and some cash. Enjoy it.
Now, are we done, or what?
{{GM}}He recoils as though he's been struck.{{/GM}}

You... you're not gonna try to extort money out of me? Or blackmail me for nitro? Or anything?

That doesn't make sense.
It's cool, Zaak. You have nothing to worry about from me.
Well, now that you mention it...
Well... thanks, pal! Thank you so much!

{{GM}}He rummages in the pocket of his filthy jacket, and fishes out a vial.{{/GM}}

Here. A dose of Flash, on the house.
Now, is there anything else that I can get for you...?
{{GM}}All at once, the smile vanishes from Zaak's face. A bead of sweat traces its way down his cheek.{{/GM}}

Yeah. It does. So you're not gonna tell anyone about this, right? Friend?
Well, I am a businessman, and I suppose that you're a customer. Who am I to say no?
{{GM}}Zaak offers you a broad, exaggerated wave.{{/GM}}

Later on there, chum of mine.
Did I say "fought"?

{{GM}}Zaak winks at you, his smile twisting up into a licentious smirk. You can't help noticing that his eyelashes appear to be dusted with glitter.{{/GM}}

Nah, chummer. Zaak Flash is a lover, not a fighter. We partied, then we tussled. Hard not to get banged up under the circumstances.
Gotcha. What was that you were saying about elves?
I'm calling bullshit on this one.
That's my cue to leave. Catch you later, Zaak.
{{GM}}Zaak's smile vanishes.{{/GM}}

You're calling me a liar? To my face?
I call it like I see it. Now, you wanna move some product, or what?
You'd rather I do it behind your back?
Figure of speech. I didn't mean to offend you. Please, go on.
{{GM}}In an instant, Zaak's disturbingly white smile returns.{{/GM}}

I just can't stay mad at you. All right, chummer, you get that one for free.

So where was I? Oh, right, the spirits.
{{GM}}Zaak shrugs, then slowly raises his right hand and waggles his fingers.{{/GM}}

Toodles.
Well, I've got some hyper... got some nitro and some kamikaze somewhere around here, too. But if you really want an edge, you need to get your hands on some Flash.
Flash? Never heard of it.
On second thought, I'd better not. I've been relying too much on stims recently.
Oh. Hey. You're back.

Great to see you... what can ol' Zaak getcha?
Welcome back, $(l.freund). What can ol' Zaak getcha?
Damn. Damn it to hell.

All right, $(l.name). With your decker down, you'll need a command-access key to get through the security door.

High-ranking Knight Errant personnel should carry such a key. When I see one on the screen, I'll mark him for you.
Room 405 Code Code de la chambre 405
Steyr AUG-CSL
Rifle: An innovative new assault rifle with an integrated gas-vent recoil compensation system.
You pick up a bloody credstick with ¥2000. More than likely this was the first half of the payment to deliver the goods to Humanis.
You can gain control of the turrets from here. But there's only enough power to keep one bank of turrets active at a time.
Activate these turrets?
{{GM}}Yes{{/GM}}
{{GM}}No{{/GM}}
Activate these turrets and deactivate the others?
Hanging on the wall is a large, gaudily framed painting. An impressionist landscape, inexpertly rendered in splotches of cheap acrylic.

A nameplate in the frame reads "HARZ MOUNTAINS 2011."		 Une grande peinture, somptueusement encadrée, est accrochée au mur. Un paysage impressionniste, maladroitement rendu dans des taches d'acrylique bon marché.

Une plaque signalétique sur la peinture indique "HARZ MOUNTAINS 2011."
The disc labeled "WATCH ME" looks almost new. The others are clearly much older, and many of them are badly scratched.

The last two discs in the bundle are stuck together, and when you try to pry them apart, the readable surface of the bottom disc peels away.		 Le disque marqué du "REGARDEZ MOI" semble presque récent. Les autres sont nettement plus anciens, et pas mal d'entre eux sont salement rayés.

Les deux derniers disques dans la pile sont collés ensemble, et quand vous essayez de les décoller, la surface lisible s'écaille du dernière s'étiole en lambeau.
Causes minor bleeding to target upon impact. Damage is equal to your Strength. May do AP DMG on a critical hit.
{{GM}}Blitz stares down at the MKVI's ruined skull, his eyes wide.{{/GM}}

Well. That was... unexpected. And also disgusting.
{{GM}}Glory's voice is quiet. Reflective.{{/GM}}

Not as bad as letting him continue to suffer.

He clearly wanted to die.
{{GM}}Blitz shrugs.{{/GM}}

Well... I guess we might as well load the body into the van.

Herr Schmidt won't be happy, but it's better than nothing.
What was disgusting was what the bastards here did to that troll.

{{GM}}He shudders.{{/GM}}
So much for doing the humane thing.

{{GM}}She shakes her head sadly.{{/GM}}

Well... I guess we might as well load the body into the van. Herr Schmidt won't be happy, but it's better than nothing.
Still, if it wanted to die that badly, I'm glad that it was able to on its own terms.

C'mon, chief. Let's get the body into the van. Herr Schmidt won't be happy, but it's better than nothing.
{{GM}}Glory looks into your eyes, and you can see a flicker of warmth.{{/GM}}

That was the right choice, $(l.name). He clearly wanted to die.
{{GM}}Dietrich puts a hand on her shoulder.{{/GM}}

Let's load the body into the van, Glory love. Herr Schmidt won't be happy, but the hell with 'im... he never said that the MKVI had to be returned alive.
C'mon, fearless leader. Let's load the body into the van.

{{GM}}She glances down at the MKVI's ruined body.{{/GM}}

Herr Schmidt won't be happy, but he'll just have to live with that.
Let's load the body into the van, $(l.name).

Herr Schmidt won't be happy, but he'll just have to live with that.
{{GM}}Eiger stares down at the MKVI's mangled corpse.{{/GM}}

Well... I guess we might as well load the body into the van.

Herr Schmidt won't be happy, but it's better than nothing.
You made the right choice, $(l.name). That... thing... shouldn't've been alive in the first place.
{{GM}}He gestures down at the MKVI's body.{{/GM}}

Let's load the body into the van. Herr Schmidt won't be happy, but the hell with 'im... he never said that the MKVI had to be returned alive.
{{GM}}She glances down at the MKVI's body.{{/GM}}

Let's load the body into the van. Herr Schmidt won't be happy, but the hell with him... he never said that the MKVI had to be returned alive.
That was the right choice, $(l.name). That... thing... shouldn't've been alive in the first place.
{{GM}}Eiger shrugs.{{/GM}}

Well... I guess we might as well load the body into the van.

Herr Schmidt won't be happy, but it's better than nothing.
As you labor in vain to wipe the slime of the dumpster off of your hands, you realize that a group of transients is staring at you.

The woman at the center of the group takes a step toward you, her shoulders hunched.		 Alors que vous essayez en vain de retirer le limon de la benne à ordures de vos mains, vous vous rendez compte qu'un groupe de clochards vous regarde.

La femme au centre du groupe fait un pas dans votre direction, les épaules voutées.
Hey, that's *our* dumpster!

{{GM}}She spits out a wad of phlegm. It lands with a splat on the filthy asphalt.{{/GM}}

Frag off, chumbnuts! Or on second thought, maybe we'll *frag* you off!		 Hey, c'est *notre* benne!

{{GM}}Elle crache un gros glaire. Il atterrit avec un floc sur l'asphalte sale.{{/GM}}

Casses toi, tête de noeud! Ou à la réflexion, peut être que nous allons te *casser*!
{{CC}}Etiquette: Street{{/CC}}That dumpster ain't yours, pal. It's mine. Look at the gear I'm packing and tell me I'm wrong. {{CC}}Etiquette: Street{{/CC}}Cette benne n'est pas à toi, mon pote. C'est la mienne. Mattes l'équipement que je porte et oses me dire le contraire.
{{CC}}¥100{{/CC}} Tell you what: I'll give you a hundred nuyen for what I pulled out of there. {{CC}}¥100{{/CC}} Qu'est ce que tu penses de ça: Je te file 100 nuyens pour ce que je sors de là dedans.
{{GM}}Go for your weapon.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Sortir votre arme.{{/GM}}
I'm not paying a bunch of bums for some garbage, so back down. Je ne vais pas payer un tas de clochards pour des déchets, donc tirez vous.
{{GM}}The rowdy looks you up and down, then slowly backs away. Her friends follow her lead.{{/GM}}

All right, friend. We don't want any trouble with someone like you.

We'll share the dumpster.		 {{GM}}La tapageuse vous regarde de haut en bas, puis recule lentement. Ses amis suivent son exemple.{{/GM}}

Très bien, mon pote. Nous ne voulons aucun problème avec quelqu'un comme toi.

Nous partagerons la benne.
{{GM}}She snatches the credstick from your hand.{{/GM}}

Fine. We'll take that. But if you come around here again, bring more cash, or you're gonna have trouble.		 {{GM}}Elle arrache vous arrache le créditube des mains.{{/GM}}

Bien. On va faire ça. Mais si tu traines à nouveau dans les parages, apportes plus de crash, ou tu auras des ennuis.
{{GM}}Her frown inverts into a cruel smile.{{/GM}}

Big mistake, bitch. *Big* mistake.		 {{GM}}Son froncement de sourcils se transforme en un sourire cruel.{{/GM}}

Grave erreur, salope. *Grave* erreur.
Flame Breath
A breath of fire that does -12 HP DMG and does an additional -5 HP DMG for 2 RNDS.
On Fire: HP -5 per RND
Deluxe Knight Errant Drone
Room 401 Code Code de la chambre 401
5870 5870
The hole is quite deep, and a direct drop from this height would certainly be fatal. There is no sign of movement below.
A jump from this height would kill even the strongest of trolls.
>>>>>Re: Aztechnology

>>>>>This is an open request for research data from Aztechnology, Jewühl District branch.

>>>>>The Azzies conduct their research in secrecy. They use their money and power to obscure the truth.
>>>>>We will uncover their secrets. We will share them with the world. We will level the playing field between Aztechnology and its competition.

>>>>>The timely delivery of this information will be well-rewarded.

>>>>>FREEDOM. EQUALITY. INFORMATION. SCHOCKWELLENREITER.<<<<<
The initiate closest to the door whips his head up to look at you. He takes a stutter step backward in alarm, then opens his mouth to cry for help.
You don't want to do that.

{{GM}}Glory looks deep into the initiate's eyes, transfixing him.{{/GM}}

We're not here to hurt you.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Street{{/CC}} If we wanted to kill you, you'd already be dead. You've lived on the street - you know how this works.
We're friends of Harrow's. Don't bother calling Marta out here, we're just going in there to have a word with her.
Do you really think that you can get to that door before I get to you?
{{GM}}Slowly, the initiate seems to calm down.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Yeah, you're right.

But if you don't want to hurt anyone, why are you here?
We just want to have a word with Marta. A *private* word between old friends.

Understand?
{{GM}}The initiate nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Yeah, that's cool, I guess.
{{GM}}The initiate eyes you nervously. His gaze flits to Glory, then falls to her cyberlimbs. He swallows.{{/GM}}

Uh... yeah. Yeah, o-okay.

{{GM}}He takes a step back.{{/GM}}

Y-you do that.
{{GM}}The initiate eyes you nervously. His gaze flits to Glory, then falls to her cyberlimbs. He swallows.{{/GM}}

N-no.

{{GM}}He takes a step back.{{/GM}}

Please, don't hurt us.
Like I said, we don't want to hurt anybody. We're just here to have a word with Marta.

Alone.
You're not going to hurt her?
No. Of course not. We just want to talk... we're old friends.
Uh... yeah. Yeah, okay. You do that.

{{GM}}He takes a step back, then screws up his courage.{{/GM}}

But you'd better be telling the truth! If anything happens to her...
Don't worry, kid. Nobody's getting hurt tonight.
{{GM}}Assemble the team, and travel to the coordinates that Alice provided to find a backdoor access point and shut down the APEX AI.{{/GM}}
You are about to travel to the location of the APEX AI system. Continue?
{{GM}}Call Eiger travel to the Schattennest to locate the Engineer.{{/GM}}
Razor Specialist II
Gain Ability: Fray Armor.
Glory gains an armor stripping razor attack. Two hits, and each hit strips 2 Armor from the target. Cost: 2 AP. Cooldown: 2.
The text that glows on the console's display reads "INFORMATION SECURITY PERSONNEL ONLY!"

In place of a keypad, the console sports a smooth duraplast panel with a data port in its center. It would seem that building management doesn't want laymen tampering with this machine.
{{CC}}Cyberdeck and Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} Tether your cyberdeck to the input port and deck into the system.
Pistol Specialist II
Gain Ability: Hail of Bullets
Glory gains a pistol attack that targets up to 4 enemies and then opens fire on all of them. -5% Accuracy. Must have at least three targets. Cost: 2 AP. Cooldown: 5.
{{GM}}The scarred ork shouts at you from across the room.{{/GM}}

How the *fuck* are you still alive?! And what do you think you're doing down here?
{{GM}}Raise your weapon.{{/GM}} I've come to kill you, Audran. You're going to pay for what you've done.
You're about to commit an atrocity. You think I'm gonna scurry off and let you do it?
You aren't unleashing that dragon, Audran. I'll kill you before you do.
Don't mind me, just passing through.
{{GM}}His deformed face twists into a vicious smile.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Best of luck with that.
No, seriously, how did you…?

{{GM}}His eyes glitter, triumphant.{{/GM}}

Oh, I get it! You made a deal, didn’t you?

You made a deal with *her.*
That bitch in the jar upstairs helped you, and in return, you're gonna help her climb back into her meat body again. Am I right?

{{GM}}He snorts.{{/GM}}

And what did she promise you? Gold? Jewels? Eternal life? She offered all of that stuff to me, too. For decades.
{{GM}}Raise your weapon.{{/GM}} I'm done talking with you, Audran. Get out here and fight.
Isn't that nice for you.
You should've taken her up on it.
...And you think that I care?
An ominous rumble fills the chamber. Slowly, the Firewing's body begins to shift.

There is a sound like hundreds of fingernails digging into blackboards: the dragon's scales, scraping across the floor.
Hear that? That's the sound of change.

Beautiful, isn't it?
With an ear-splitting roar, the dragon's great bulk begins to rise. Waves of hot, foetid breath wash over you as she struggles against her chains.
She's awake.

{{GM}}The ork stares at the dragon's sinuous form with something close to awe.{{/GM}}

It's time.
{{GM}}His deformed face twists into a vicious smile.{{/GM}}

Doesn’t matter. With that monster's help, I'm gonna change the world.

At the very least, the dragons will die, and at most, who knows? We'll just have to wait and see.
You're nuts, Audran. You belong in a padded cell.
Last chance. Stop this, or I'll put you down.
It isn't too late. We can still talk this out.
If you really think that, you haven't been paying attention.
As you step into the room, you find yourself standing in a charnel house. There are fresh corpses spread across the floor, and the metal tiles are smeared with blood.
Looks like APEX did what it promised.
I'll bet that hurt.
Well, at least they don't look like they'll be causing us any problems.
Sweeping your gaze across the room, you see a variety of terminals, all displaying error messages.

Whatever security APEX provided here, it's offline now, leaving the machines unlocked and unprotected.
{{GM}}Blitz's eyes are locked on one of the splayed-open corpses. He swallows.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Looks that way.
Sweeping your gaze across the room, you see a variety of terminals, all displaying error messages.

Whatever security APEX provided here, it's off line now, leaving the machines unlocked and unprotected.
It probably won't stay quiet in here for long. We should keep moving.
Not just yet. There could be valuable intel in here, and we don't even know how big this facility is. We should sweep the area for clues before pushing forward.
I'll tell you when we're going to move on. For now, I want to check out those terminals.
All right. Fine. We'll search the room, but let's do it quickly, yeah?

I don't wanna get stuck in here again.
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, then nods.{{/GM}}

Agreed. But let's move quickly.

I'd rather not get locked in here again.
{{GM}}She nods brusquely.{{/GM}}

All right. Let's do a sweep, but we should do it quickly. Every moment that we delay, we give them more time to muster reinforcements.
It probably won't stay quiet in here for long, chief. We should keep moving.
All right. Fine. We'll search the room, but let's do it quickly.

This place creeps me out.
{{GM}}Glory coolly eyes one of the ruined corpses.{{/GM}}

Looks that way.
{{GM}}Eiger eyes one of the ruined corpses.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Looks that way.
{{GM}}Eiger eyes one of the ruined corpses.{{/GM}}

Yeah, boss. Looks that way.
As you stoop to pick up the guard's keycard, something catches your eye. A flash of light.

Sweeping your gaze across the room, you see a variety of terminals, all displaying flickering error messages.

Whatever security APEX provided here, it's off line now, leaving the machines unlocked and unprotected.
Floor 3 Bathroom Code Code de la salle de bain du troisième étage.
Harrow's Shield
Reduces incoming DMG by 15. Lasts 1 RNDS.
Deflect: Incoming DMG -15
Found on Security Desk: 54139
Giesbrecht's Authorization Code, found inside the security office.
This appears to be a standard terminal. A login prompt glows on the screen.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Hack the terminal.{{/GM}}
It looks as though this terminal is used exclusively for financial transactions.

After a bit of digging, you find a list of payoffs to local law enforcement. Paid by Harrow, no doubt, to ensure that the police look the other way.
The special today has been crossed out.
Take the PDA to the trash can in the park.
You are about to travel to the Harfeld Manor. Continue?
Hans Brackhaus
Simulacrum
Strange Man
Read Alice's Optical Chip on the Mission Computer
Head to APEX's Backdoor Facility
Use the Tunnel Beneath the Hideout to Reach the Harfeld Manor
Meet with the Team
Meet with Altuğ
Take the U-Bahn to Brandenburger Tor
Ah, how very propitious it is that we may speak again, O Mistress of Mayhem! Ah, comme il est propice que nous puissions nous reparler, O Maitresse du Chaos.
Ah, how very propitious it is that we may speak again, O Master of Mayhem! Ah, comme il est propice que nous puissions nous reparler, O Maître du Chaos.
I have a proposal for you that could prove most lucrative to us both, efendim.

Most lucrative!

Fortune will surely smile upon our blessed partnership, if you will only accept.		 J'ai une proposition qui pourrait se révéler des plus lucrative pour nous deux, efendim.

Très lucrative.

La fortune va surement sourire à notre partenariat béni, si tu acceptes.
I’m listening, O Master of Hyperbole. Je t'écoute, O Maître de l'hyperbole.
I could use a good payday. Je ne serai pas contre un bon salaire.
You have my attention Burakgazi. What do you have in mind? Tu as toute mon attention Burakgazi. Qu'as-tu en tête?
With the passing of Herr Amsel - may God bestow His mercy on him - you find yourself without a Fixer.

I wish to offer my services to you in this regard. You will find that Altuğ Burakgazi is a most connected and business-savvy partner.		 Avec le décès de Herr Amsel - Que Dieu ait son âme - tu te retrouves sans Fixer.

Je tiens à te proposer mes services. Tu constateras que Altuğ Burakgazi est un partenaire des mieux informés et qu'il a le sens des affaires.
Sounds like a match made in heaven, Altuğ. How do we start? On dirait une union parfaite, Altuğ. Comment allons-nous commencer?
Sorry, Altuğ. I’ll find my own business from now on. Désolé, Altuğ. Je vais gérer mon business moi même maintenant.
Choosing a fixer isn’t something you do lightly Altuğ. I need to think about it. Choisir un fixer n'est pas une chose qu'on prend à la légère, Altuğ. J'ai besoin d'y réfléchir.
I have already found a potential client, O Blessed One.

A most prosperous one, with deep pockets. He is eager to meet you.

When you are ready, take the U-bahn to Brandenburger Tor. He will find you there.		 J'ai déjà trouvé un client potentiel, O bienheureux.

Un des plus prospère, avec les poches bien pleines. Il est impatient de te rencontrer.

Quand tu seras prêt, prend le U-bahn pour Brandenburger Tor. Il te retrouvera là-bas.
Brandenburger Tor. Got it. As soon as I finish up here, I’ll go meet him. Brandenburger Tor. Bien reçu. Dès que j'en ai terminé ici, je vais le rencontrer.
Hear me out, Most Improvident of Calamities! Burakgazi knows Berlin. Knows the players.

I have already found a potential client. A most prosperous one, with deep pockets. He is most eager to meet you.

I have already set it up. At least do me the courtesy of talking to him.		 Ecoute-moi, La plus imprévoyante des calamités! Burakgazi connaît Berlin. Connaît les joueurs.

J'ai déjà trouvé un client potentiel. Un des plus prospère, avec les poches bien pleines. Il est plus qu'impatient de te rencontrer.

J'ai déjà organisé la rencontre. Fais moi au moins la courtoisie d'aller lui parler.
Fine, but I’m not promising anything. Okay, mais je ne promet rien.
Deep pockets? Why didn't you say so? Des poches pleines? Pourquoi ne pas l'avoir dit plus tôt?
Sure Altuğ. I’ll talk to him. You never know. Okay, Altuğ. Je vais lui parler. On ne sait jamais.
Most excellent, efendim! Delightful!

When you are ready, take the U-bahn to Brandenburger Tor. He will find you there.
{{GM}}The Turk is pale. His eyes, sunken into his head, are ringed by dark circles.{{/GM}}

We are closed today, efendi. I would have locked the door but… the lock is broken. Now, I must stand guard.		 {{GM}}Le turc est pâle. Ses yeux, enfoncés dans sa tête, sont entourés de cercles sombres.{{/GM}}

Nous sommes fermé aujourd'hui, efendi. J'aurai aimé pouvoir fermer la porte mais... la serrure est cassée. Maintenant, je dois monter la garde.
You were attacked? Tu as été attaqué?
You alright, Burakgazi? Tu vas bien, Burakgazi?
You look terrible, my friend. Tell me what has happened. Tu as une tête horrible, mon ami. Raconte moi ce qui s'est passé.
{{GM}}He nods silently.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Il hoche la tête silencieusement.{{/GM}}
No, my friend. I am not. I will not be right for a long time.

{{GM}}He steadies himself on the counter.{{/GM}}		 Non, mon ami. Je ne vais pas bien. Je n'irai pas bien pendant un bon moment.

{{GM}}Il se rattrape sur le comptoir.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}He rubs his hand across his mouth.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Il se passe la main sur la bouche.{{/GM}}
During the attack on the Kreuzbasar... they broke through the door, heavily armed. Two of them. They broke through the door and just started shooting.

No questions. No robbery. Just… shooting. Kami… my girl… my little street rat… they…

{{GM}}He holds his hands over his face. Collects himself.{{/GM}}		 Durant l'attaque du Kreuzbasar... ils ont défoncé ma porte, lourdement armés. Deux d'entre eux. Ils ont défoncé la porte et directement commencé à tirer.

Pas de questions. Pas de vol. Juste... mitrailler. Kami... ma fille... mon petit rat des rues... ils...

{{GM}}Il se passe la main sur le visage. Se reprenant.{{/GM}}
I reached under the counter... I keep a gun there, you see… and they saw. Both of them turned on me.

Goldschmidt… that fat idiot Goldschmidt… flung himself in my way. How he managed to move that great mass of a body so quickly is a mystery to me. 		Je me suis jeté derrière le comptoir... Je garde un flingue là, tu vois... et ils l'ont vu. Ils se sont tourner avec moi.

Goldschmidt... Ce gros idiot de Goldschmidt... s'est interposé. Comment il a réussi à déplacer ce grand corps graisseux si vite est un mystère pour moi.
He hung there… suspended in time, as they shot him… dancing on their bullets as they ripped him apart.

But… but he shielded me long enough, efendi. I was able to get to my gun and end those sons of whores.		 Il se tenait là... figé dans le temps, alors qu'ils lui tiraient dessus... dansant sous la pluie de balle le déchiquetant.

Mais... mais il m'a couvert assez longtemps, efendi. J'ai pu prendre mon pistolet et buter ces fils de putes.
Goldschmidt was your friend after all, eh? Goldschmidt était ton ami après tout, hein?
I'll get the bastards who did this. je vais trouver les salauds qui ont fait ça.
I'm sorry, Burakgazi. Je suis désolé, Burakgazi.
That is the thing of it, efendi. All that time… all that bickering between us… I was serious. I couldn’t stand the man. But he… apparently, it was something different to him.

None of us will be the same after this.		 On dirait bien, efendi. Tout ce temps... toute ces chamailleries entre nous... j'étais sérieux. Je ne supportais pas ce type. Mais il... apparemment, les choses étaient différentes pour lui.

Aucun de nous ne sera le même après ça.
Of course you will, my friend. Of course you will.

Someone has tread on the tail of a sleeping snake and we have been bit. Now its head must be removed, or our little kiez will fall.		 Bien sûr, mon ami. Bien sûr que tu le feras.

Une personne a marché sur la queue d'un serpent endormi et il nous a mordu. Maintenant sa tête doit être arrachée, ou notre petit kiez va tomber.
I am sorry too. Such loss… such loss. Je suis désolé aussi. Une telle perte... une telle perte.
Still, it is good for us, I think… healthy. It reminds us that even though we have created our little island of stability in the Kreuzbasar, this is still the Flux State - still Berlin - and the wolf is always at the door.

If we are to keep our home, we must be vigilant. And we need people like Monika… people like you, to keep it safe.		 Pourtant, c'est bon pour nous, je pense... c'est sain. Ca nous rappelle que, même si nous avons crée notre petit ilot de stabilité dans le Kreuzbasar, c'est toujours le Flux State - toujours Berlin - et les loups sont toujours aux portes.

Si nous voulons garder notre maison, nous devons rester vigilant. Et nous avons besoin de personne comme Monika... de personne comme toi, pour le garder en sécurité.
Sağ olun, my friend. Be healthy, be strong. Sağ olun, mon ami. Porte toi bien, soit forte.
{{GM}}The Turk leans into you, keeps his voice low.{{/GM}}

I have information regarding that matter my people were looking into, efendim.

The one involving the surveillance device on my data tap.		 {{GM}}Le turc se penche vers toi, murmurant.{{/GM}}

J'ai obtenu des informations sur les personnes que nous recherchions, efendim.

Celles que tu as entendu avec le matériel de surveillance du nœud de données.
Altuğ! I have been waiting for my coffee for nearly an hour already! Are you growing the beans out back? Altuğ! J'attend mon café depuis plus d'une heure! Tu fais pousser les grains à l'arrière?
{{GM}}The coffee vendor shouts.{{/GM}}

Can’t you see that I am speaking to an honored guest, you tower of quivering corpulence?		 {{GM}}Le vendeur de café soupire.{{/GM}}

Tu ne vois pas que je parle à un invité d'honneur, Votre grandeur de corpulence frémissante?
{{GM}}His voice lowers again.{{/GM}}

Now then, as I was saying, we were fortunate that you happened upon that surveillance tap when you did. The people on the other end were planning a very bad thing, to be sure.		 {{GM}}Il baisse d'un ton de nouveau.{{/GM}}

Maintenant, comme je le disais, nous avons eu de la chance que vous interrompiez cette surveillance comme vous l'avez fait. Les personnes en face prévoyaient à coup sûr une très mauvaise chose, pour sûr.
Very bad thing? De très mauvaise chose?
Quite bad, yes.

Monika Schäfer was an important member of this community. More than most were aware of. This kiez was under her protection.

You know how it is in the Flux, efendim. The governance of a place like this is tenuous at best. You never know who is going to be in charge from one day to the next. 		Très mauvaise, oui.

Monika Schäfer était une membre importante de notre communauté. Plus que la plupart ne le pensait. Cette kiez était sous sa protection.

Tu sais comment est le Flux, efendim. La gouvernance d'un lieu comme celui-ci est ténue. Tu ne sais jamais qui va être en charge d'un jour à l'autre.
But Monika was a stabilizing force. And not just because she was dangerous. She was smart, and funny, and wise and she had a way with people. They wanted to support her, to follow her… because they loved her. Mais Monika était une force stabilisatrice. Et pas seulement parce qu'elle était dangereuse. Elle était intelligente, et drôle, et sage et elle avait une connexion avec les gens. Ils voulaient la soutenir, la suivre... parce qu'ils l'aimaient.
When she was killed, it left an opening for others. It would have meant bloodshed and pain, if this “council” had been allowed to continue their plan. But they did not.

We saw to it, you and I.		 Lorsqu'elle a été tué, elle a laissé une faille pour les autres. Cela aurait signifié une effusion de sang et de douleur, si ce "conseil" avait été autorisé à poursuivre leur plan. Mais ils ne l'ont pas été.

Nous l'avons vu, toi et moi.
Are they dead? Sont ils morts?
What happened to them? Qu'est-ce qui leur est arrivé?
Indeed we did, Altuğ. En effet, Altuğ.
They have been “reasoned with.” Let us simply say, the matter is settled and leave it at that. The Kreuzbasar will maintain its stability a while longer thanks to us. Ils ont été "raisonné". Disons simplement, l'affaire est réglée et on en reste là. Le Kreuzbasar maintiendra sa stabilité un peu plus longtemps grâce à nous.
The Kreuzbasar will maintain its stability a while longer thanks to us, my friend. Le Kreuzbasar maintiendra sa stabilité un peu plus longtemps grâce à nous, mon ami.
Now, what can I do for you, efendim? Would you like some coffee, perhaps? Maintenant, que puis-je faire pour toi, efendim? Veux tu du café, peut être?
{{GM}}The Turk flashes his wry smile and winks at you knowingly.{{/GM}}

I am told you have been quite busy of late, O Wanderer of the Shadows! My street rats tell me that business is picking up.		 {{GM}}Le turc vous fait un sourire en coin et un clin d'oeil.{{/GM}}

On m'a dit que tu avais été passablement occupé ces derniers temps, O Vagabond de l'ombre! Mes rats des rues me disant que les affaires reprennent.
Is that the $(l.man) who has taken over for Monika, Burakgazi? Est-ce-que c'est la personne qui a repris le business de Monika, Burakgazi?
Who does it look like, Your Rotundity, the Pope from the Vatican? Qui ça pourrait être d'autre, Votre rotondité, le pape du Vatican?
Give $(l.him) a soykaf! A big one! And put it on my account! I like the cut of $(l.hisher) jib. File lui un soykaf! Le plus grand! Et fous le sur mon ardoise! J'aime sa façon de gérer les choses.
A LARGE soykaf? My, you *are* the generous one, Goldschmidt! Are you sure you can afford such a gesture? UN GRAND soykaf? Mon dieu, tu *es* tellement généreux, Goldschmidt! Es-tu sûr que tu puisses te permettre un tel geste?
{{GM}}The fat man frowns.{{/GM}}

And a scone! I was going to say, “and a scone as well”! Nothing is too good for $(l.him)!		 {{GM}}Le gros type fronce les sourcils.{{/GM}}

Et un scone! Je voulais dire, "et un scone aussi"! Rien n'est trop beau pour $(l.him)!
As you desire, O Ample One!

{{GM}}The Turk whispers.{{/GM}}

The man is a moron but he eats his weight in baklava and pastries, so who am I to care?		 Comme vous le désirez, O Vaste!

{{GM}}Le turc chuchote.{{/GM}}

Ce type est un imbécile, mais il mange son poids en baklava et en pâtisseries, alors qui suis-je pour m'en soucier?
Now, what is it that you would like? Maintenant, qu'est ce que tu veux?
{{GM}}The man behind the counter looks right past you and at the dog following close behind.{{/GM}}

Dante! I will fetch his water dish. And perhaps a coffee for our friend here?		 {{GM}}L'homme derrière le comptoir regarde droit devant vous et le chien vous suivant de près.{{/GM}}

Dante! Je vais lui chercher de l'eau. Et peut-être un café pour toi, l'ami?
Return here when you have flushed all the data taps, Honored Efendim. I will have the information you seek. Reviens me voir lorsque tu aurais purgé les nœuds de données, honoré Efendim. J'aurai l'information que tu recherches.
{{GM}}The man behind the counter has the broad smile and open demeanor of a classic Turkish street vendor.{{/GM}}

Welcome, Honored Efendim! Welcome! And how can Burakgazi serve you, today? You would like a cup of coffee, perhaps?		 {{GM}}L'homme se tenant derrière le comptoir a un large sourire et l'attitude avenante d'un vendeur de rue turc classique.{{/GM}}

Bienvenue, Honoré Efendim! Bienvenue! Et comment Burakgazi peut il te servir, aujourd'hui? Un tasse de café peut-être?
I've finished with your "little trifle," Herr Burakgazi. J'en ai terminé avec ta "petite baguatelle", Herr Burakgazi.
Did your people ever look into that surveillance device on your data tap? Vos hommes ont regardé le matériel de surveillance sur le nœud de données.
Paul Amsel sends his regards. Paul Amsel vous passe le bonjour.
{{CC}}¥5{{/CC}} Soykaf, black. {{CC}}¥5{{/CC}} Soykaf, noir.
Coffee? As in, *real* coffee, not soykaf? Café? C'est du *vrai* café, pas du soykaf?
{{CC}}¥50{{/CC}} Give me a Turkish coffee. The real stuff. {{CC}}¥50{{/CC}} Donne moi un café turc. La vraie substance.
Altuğ, I sent a man named Quorin to talk to you. I told him he could have access to your data taps. Altuğ, j'ai envoyé un homme nommé Quorin te parler. Je lui ai dit qu'il pourrait avoir accès à tes nœuds de données.
I recently procured a bottle of 50 year old Islay scotch. Would you perhaps be interested in acquiring it from me? Je me suis récemment procuré une bouteille de scotch d'Islay de 50 d'âge. Peut-être souhaiterai-tu en faire l'acquisition?
{{CC}}Cheap Booze{{/CC}} Found this liquor in my travels. Worth anything? {{CC}}Cheap Booze{{/CC}} J'ai trouvé cette liqueur lors de mes voyages. Ca vaut quelque chose?
Just killing time. I'll be going now. Je passais le temps. J'y vais maintenant.
Ah, very good. I assume you had no difficulties? Ah, très bien. Je suppose que tu n'as rencontré aucune difficulté?
Not at all. It was good to take in the night air. Non, aucune. C'était plaisant de prendre un bol d'air frais.
Easy. Just like you said. Facile. Comme tu l'avais dit.
So, those taps are a public service, is that it? Donc, ces nœuds sont en accès public, c'est ca?
Difficulties? No. One of the taps had been... modified a bit, though. Someone was using it as a surveillance device. Des difficultés? Non. L'un des nœuds a été... modifié un peu, par contre. Quelqu'un l'utilisait comme un dispositif de surveillance.
I am delighted, O Excellent One!

With that out of the way, let us return to our pressing business.

{{GM}}He barks a stream of rapid-fire Turkish, and the gum-chewing young woman comes hurrying out to the counter.{{/GM}}		 Je suis ravi, O Excellence!

Maintenant que ceci est réglé, revenons à notre affaire urgente.

{{GM}}Il aboi une série de mots rapidement en turque, et la jeune mâcheuse de chewing-gum accoure rapidement vers le comptoir.{{/GM}}
The "menu" for Herr Amsel, Uncle.

{{GM}}Kami hands you a folded piece of paper. Inside is a memory stick.{{/GM}}

Please extend my consolations to him. The death of Fräulein Schäfer must have hit him hard.		 Le "menu" pour Herr Amsel, mon oncle.

{{GM}}Kami vous tend un morceau de papier plié. A l'intérieur, une clé usb.{{/GM}}

S'il te plait, adresses lui toutes mes condoléances. La mort de la Fräulein Schäfer a dû être très pénible pour lui.
{{GM}}Burakgazi gives Kami a small nod, and she hurries out of the room. When she is gone, he returns his attention to you.{{/GM}}

Please express my condolences as well. I only just heard the news. Monika was an important part of this community.		 {{GM}}Burakgazi hoche la tête en direction de Kami, et elle quitte rapidement la pièce. Lorsqu'elle est partie, il se retourne vers vous.{{/GM}}

S'il te plait, passes lui mes condoléances aussi. Je viens juste t'apprendre la nouvelle. Monika était une personne importante au sein de notre communauté.
{{GM}}He frowns.{{/GM}}

Few know how important. 		{{GM}}Il fronce les sourcils.{{/GM}}

Très importante.
The memory stick Kami just handed you should contain all the information Herr Amsel requires from our chef in the field.

Should you require my services in the future, you know where to find me. Until then, good day.		 La clé usb que Kami t'a remis devrait contenir toutes les informations que Herr Amsel a demandé sur notre chef cuisinier.

Si tu as besoin de mes services à l'avenir, tu sais ou me trouver. En attendant, bonne journée.
It is the least I can do to give back to our little community!

With but a minor effort from me, all in the Kreuzbasar may enjoy free access to the Matrix and high-speed communications.

All for the greater good, eh?		 C'est le moins que je puisse faire pour notre petite communauté.

Avec ce petit effort de ma part, tous dans le Kreuzbasar peuvent profiter d'un accès gratuit à la matrice et à une grande vitesse de communication.

Tout pour le plus grand bien, hein?
How noble. Berlin could use more people like you. Tellement noble. Berlin aurait besoin de plus de personne comme toi.
Yeah, you're a prince. Ouais, tu es un dieu.
{{CC}}Decking: 1{{/CC}} I don't know. Seems like whoever installed them is just *asking* for trouble... {{CC}}Decking: 1{{/CC}} Je ne sais pas. On dirait que celui qui les a installés *cherchait* juste les ennuis.
I thank you for saying so. I trust there were no difficulties? Je te remercie pour ça. Je suis convaincu qu'il n'y a pas eu de difficultés?
No. No difficulties. It was as easy as you said it would be. Non. Aucune difficulté. C'était aussi facile que tu l'avais dit.
I do what I can. I trust that you encountered no difficulties? Je fais ce que je peux. Je suis convaincu que tout c'est bien passé?
{{GM}}He frowns and shakes his head but his eyes are watching you closely.{{/GM}}

No, no. Clearly, you are mistaken. 		{{GM}}Il fronce les sourcils et secoue la tête mais ses yeux vous regardent intensivement{{/GM}}

Non, non. De toute évidence, tu te trompes.
Want me to keep quiet? 100 nuyen. Tu veux acheter mon silence? 100 nuyen.
{{CC}}Charisma: 3{{/CC}} Perhaps I am. And for 150 nuyen, I could be sure of it. {{CC}}Charisme: 3{{/CC}} Je le peux surement. Et pour 150 nuyen, tu peux en être sûr.
{{CC}}Decking: 3{{/CC}} For 300 nuyen, I can tell you how to disguise them better. {{CC}}Decking: 3{{/CC}} Pour 300 nuyen, je peux vous dire comment le camoufler mieux que ça.
{{GM}}Burakgazi's eyes narrow. Without a word, he reaches into his pocket and fishes out a dirty and well-worn bill, then flicks it onto the counter in front of you.{{/GM}}

There. For your discretion.

As my people say: Don't tell your secret to your friend - he will tell it to his friend.		 {{GM}}Burakgazi plisse les yeux. Sans un mot, il porte la main à sa poche et pioche une liasse de billets sale et usée, puis il la pose sur le comptoir en face de vous.{{/GM}}

Voilà. Pour ta discrétion.

Comme mon peuple dit: Ne dites pas votre secret à votre ami - il le dira au sien.
I hope we are finished with this foolishness. I assume you had no difficulties? J'espère que nous en avons terminé avec ces stupidités. Je suis convaincu que tu n'as rencontré aucune difficulté?
{{GM}}Burakgazi's eyes narrow. Without a word, he reaches into his pocket and fishes out a pair of crumpled and well-worn bills, then flicks them onto the counter in front of you.{{/GM}}

There. Now you are sure of it.

Don't tell your secret to your friend - he will tell it to his friend.		 {{GM}}Burakgazi plisse les yeux. Sans un mot, il porte la main à sa poche et pioche une liasse de billets sale et usée, puis il la pose sur le comptoir en face de vous.{{/GM}}

Voilà. Maintenant tu en es sûr.

Ne dites pas votre secret à votre ami - il le dira au sien.
{{GM}}Burakgazi raises an eyebrow and pauses for a moment, considering.{{/GM}}

Yes... yes, I think that we can come to some arrangement.		 {{GM}}Burakgazi lève un sourcil et réfléchit un moment, pesant le pour et le contre.{{/GM}}

Oui... oui, je pense que nous pouvons convenir d'un arrangement.
{{GM}}A few minutes and a diagram scrawled on a napkin later, Burakgazi nods at you.{{/GM}}

Yes... yes. This should be doable.

I thank you for your expertise, and for your discretion. Don't tell your secret to your friend - he will tell it to his friend.		 {{GM}}Quelques minutes et un schéma griffonné sur une serviette plus tard, Burakgazi hoche la tête.{{/GM}}

Oui.. oui. Ca devrait pouvoir se faire.

Je te remercie pour ton expertise et ta discrétion. Ne dis jamais un secret à un ami - il le répétera au sien.
I trust that you had no difficuties with the task?

Given our recent conversation, I would assume not.		 Je pense que tu n'as eu aucune difficulté avec ta tâche?

Compte tenu de notre récente conversation, je pense que non.
{{GM}}He laughs.{{/GM}}

Of course they were! I would be surprised they weren't! This is Berlin, after all. In the Flux, everyone spies! If you do not spy, how will you know who is in power and who will be in power next?

If you are to stay here, efendim, you must get used to it. "Who enters the Turkish bath, will sweat," as my Uncle Taydemer always says.		 {{GM}}Il rit.{{/GM}}

Bien sûr qu'ils l'étaient! J'aurai été surpris si ca n'avait pas été le cas. C'est Berlin, après tout. Dans le Flux, tout le monde espionne! Si tu n'espionnes pas, comment sauras tu qui est au pouvoir actuellement et qui sera le prochain?

Si tu comptes rester par ici, efendim, tu vas devoir t'y mettre. "Qui entre dans un bain turc, sait transpirer", comme mon oncle Taydemer disait toujours.
Nevertheless, I shall have one of my people look into it. Néanmoins, je vais avoir demander à un de mes hommes de jeter un œil.
Wait, there’s more. I listened in on the tap and heard something. Might be important. Attends, il y a plus. J'ai écouté le nœud et j'ai entendu quelque chose. Ca pourrait être important.
With that out of the way, let us return to our pressing business.

{{GM}}He barks a stream of rapid-fire Turkish, and the gum-chewing young woman comes hurrying out to the counter.{{/GM}}		 Maintenant que ceci est réglé, revenons à notre affaire urgente.

{{GM}}Il aboi une série de mots rapidement en turque, et la jeune mâcheuse de chewing-gum accoure rapidement vers le comptoir.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}He eyes you closely, amused.{{/GM}}

Oho! Tell me, O Listener at Keyholes, what did you hear on this surveillance tap you found?		 {{GM}}Il te regarde intensivement, amusé.{{/GM}}

Oho! Dis-moi, O Cachotier, Qu'est-ce-que tu as entendu sur ce nœud surveillé?
I couldn’t make out much. A nasal woman and a high pitched man. They seemed pleased Monika was out of the picture. J'ai pas saisi grand chose. Une femme à la voix nasillarde et un homme à la voix aigue. Ils semblaient heureux que Monika soit hors jeux.
{{GM}}The Turk’s face falls.{{/GM}}

News travels fast in Berlin.

These two are known to me. Is there more?		 {{GM}}Le visage du turc s'effondre{{/GM}}

Les nouvelles vont vites à Berlin.

Ces deux la me sont connus. Rien d'autre?
The woman got a call. She talked about a council meeting tonight to decide if they should “make a move.” Then she was drowned out by heavy machinery. La femme a reçu un appel. Elle a parlé d'une réunion du conseil ce soir pour décider si ils doivent "entreprendre une action". Puis sa voix a été noyé par une machine lourde.
{{GM}}He nods grimly.{{/GM}}

Most excellent. It is indeed fortuitous that you discovered this information, though it is not unexpected.

I will have one of my people “attend” this council meeting and report back.		 {{GM}}Il hoche la tête sinistrement.{{/GM}}

Plus qu'excellent. C'est en effet un heureux hasard que vous ayez intercepté cette information.

Je vais envoyer un de mes hommes "participer" à cette réunion du conseil et me faire un rapport.
Whatever you think is best. C'est une très bonne idée.
Sounds good. Keep me in the loop. Ca me semble bien. Tiens moi au courant.
I’m very interested in this, so let me know what happens. Je suis très intéressé par ça, alors tiens moi au courant.
{{GM}}The Turk beams at you.{{/GM}}

Indeed they did, Honored Efendim! Indeed they did! And it was most fortunate that you discovered it.

It seems there was a group that wished to destabilize the Kreuzbasar - to create a vacuum that they could fill with their political ambitions.		 {{GM}}Le turc vous rétorque.{{/GM}}

En effet, ils l'ont fait, Honoré Efendim! En effet, ils l'ont fait! Et ils ont été très heureux de ce que vous avez découvert.

Il semble qu'il y avait un groupe qui voulait déstabiliser le Kreuzbasar - pour créer un vide qu'ils pourraient remplir avec leurs ambitions politiques.
But now they can't? Et maintenant, ils ne peuvent plus?
Sounds like that won't happen now. On dirait que ca n'arrivera plus maintenant.
But you took care of it? Mais tu t'en es occupé?
More like, they won't. Plutôt, ils ne peuvent plus.
No, thanks to you. Non, grâce à toi.
Yes. They were “reasoned with”. Oui. Ils ont été "raisonné".
We traced the signal to its source. The issue has been… resolved.

Thank you for your help, efendim. The Kreuzbasar owes you. 		Nous avons remonté le signal jusqu'à sa source. Le problème a été... résolu.

Merci pour ton aide, efendim. Le Kreuzbasar t'en doit une.
{{GM}}When he hears Amsel's name, the Turk's voice lowers and his accent becomes less exaggerated. His eyes take on a knowing look.{{/GM}}

Ah, very good. Please express to Herr Amsel my appreciation of his patronage.

If he needs any more "catering jobs" seen to in the future, I am always happy to provide.		 {{GM}}Quand il entend le nom de Amsel, le turc baisse d'un ton et son accent se fait moins prononcé. Il prend un air entendu.{{/GM}}

Ah, très bien. Merci d'exprimer à Herr Amsel ma gratitude pour son patronage.

S'il a, de nouveau, besoin de mes talents de "restaurateur", je serai toujours heureux de l'aider.
He tells me you’re developing the menu for a friend of his now - "Herr Winters", I believe. I want to hear all about it. Il m'a dit que vous travaillez sur un menu pour un ami de son entreprise - "Herr Winters", je crois. Je voudrais que vous m'en parliez.
Catering? I don't follow. Restauration? Je ne comprends pas.
Paul is always pleased to send business your way, Herr Burakgazi. He was hoping you could discuss some of the details of his "Green Winters order" with me. Paul est toujours heureux de travailler avec toi, Herr Burakgazi. Il espérait que tu pourrais discuter de certains détails de la commande "Green Winters" avec moi.
Yes. Yes, of course, O Wise One!

Kami! Come!

{{GM}}A young woman bustles in from the back room. Her gum chewing is loud enough to hear over the noise of the coffee grinders. Burakgazi spits something out in rapid-fire Turkish.{{/GM}}		 Oui. Oui, bien sur, O Grand Sage!

Kami! Viens ici!

{{GM}}Une jeune femme déboule de l'arrière salle. Elle mâche du chewing-gum tellement bruyamment qu'on l'entend malgré le bruit des moulins à café. Burakgazi crache rapidement quelques mots en turc.{{/GM}}
As you wish, Uncle. I will see to it right away.

{{GM}}Kami offers you a shy grin, snaps her gum, and hurries back into the room that she came from.{{/GM}}		 A vos ordres, mon oncle. J'y veille tout de suite.

{{GM}}Kami vous offre un sourire timide, mâche son chewing-gum et se précipite dans la pièce d'où elle venait.{{/GM}}
My girl Kami is arranging to make contact with the "chef" as we speak. This will likely take some time... my chef is a busy man. Ma fille Kami va arranger un rendez-vous avec le "chef" dont nous parlions. Ca prendra certainement un peu de temps... mon chef est un homme très occupé.
While we wait, I wonder if you would be so kind as to run a small errand for me. A trifle, really.

I hate to trouble you... I am embarrassed to even ask... but I would be most appreciative of your help.		 Pendant que nous attendons, je me demande si tu ne serais pas assez aimable pour me rendre un petit service. Une bagatelle, vraiment.

Je déteste devoir te demander ça... je suis confus même... mais je t'en serais très reconnaissant.
What is this trifle? Quel est ce petit service?
I'm not your errand boy. I do a job, I get paid. Je ne suis pas ton garçon de courses. Je fais un boulot, je suis payer pour.
I'm not your errand girl. I do a job, I get paid. Je ne suis pas votre bonne à tout faire. Je fais un boulot, je suis payé.
Of course, Herr Burakgazi. It is no trouble at all. Bien entendu, Herr Burakgazi. Aucun problème.
{{GM}}He smiles big. The Turkish vendor again.{{/GM}}

You are already being compensated, Most Masterful of Mercenaries! Do you not recall? Kami is fetching your information for you.

Returning the favor would be the courteous thing to do.		 {{GM}}Son sourire s'élargie. Le vendeur turc de nouveau.{{/GM}}.

Tu as déjà été payé, O puissant mercenaire! Tu ne t'en souviens pas? Kami est partie à la recherche d'informations pour toi.

Me retourner la faveur serait une courtoisie élémentaire.
Negative. Get someone else to run your errands for you. Négatif. Trouves quelque d'autre pour effectuer tes missions.
{{CC}}Charisma: 3{{/CC}} My time is a valuable commodity, my friend. I'm sure a businessman like you can understand that. {{CC}}Charisme: 3{{/CC}} Mon temps est une denrée rare, mon ami. Je suis sûr qu'un homme d'affaires comme toi peux le comprendre.
{{GM}}Altuğ's voice lowers to nearly a whisper.{{/GM}}

The errand is simple. Hardly worthy of you.

I have installed a number of data taps to Berlin's fiber optic network... as part of my civic duty, you understand.

These taps provide free Matrix access for all who live in the Kreuzbasar.		 {{GM}}La voix d'Altuğ se réduit presque à un murmure.{{/GM}}

La mission est simple. A peine digne de toi.

J'ai installé un certain nombre de nœud de données au réseau de fibre optique de Berlin... dans le cadre de mon devoir civique, tu comprends?

Ces nœuds permettent une connexion gratuite à la Matrice pour toutes les personnes du Kreuzbasar.
In order to maintain their... how do I say it...

...their "anonymity"... each tap's protocol buffer must be reset every few days.

I simply wish for you to visit each data tap and reset it.		 Afin de maintenir leur... comment dirai-je...

leur "anonymat"... les logs de connexion de chaque nœud doivent être remis à zéro de temps en temps.

Je souhaiterai simplement que tu ailles visiter chaque nœud de données et que tu les réinitialises.
Simple enough. Simple, en effet.
That's it? No catch? C'est tout? Pas de surprise?
Don't you have people for this? Tu n'as pas des hommes pour ce genre de travail?
Yes, yes, it is a simple job. Time-consuming and a bit tedious perhaps, but simple. Oui, oui, c'est un travail facile. Chronophage et un peu fastidieux peut-être, mais facile.
Just reset the taps and come back when you are finished. There should be three of them scattered around this neighborhood. The first one is just outside - look for a metal box with yellow arrows painted atop it.

By the time of your return, I should have the information Herr Amsel requested.		 Réinitialise juste les nœuds et reviens me voir lorsque tu auras terminé. Il devrait y en avoir trois dispersés dans le quartier. Le premier est juste à l'extérieur - cherche une boite en métal avec des flèches jaunes peintes sur le haut.

Au moment de ton retour, je devrais avoir l'information que Herr Amsel a demandé.
There is no "catch", I assure you! It is time-consuming and a bit tedious. Nothing more. Il n'y a aucune "surprise", je te l'assure! C'est chronophage et un peu fastidieux. Rien de plus.
My regular errand-runners are all indisposed. And delightfully, you are here!

Besides, we must wait for Kami to return.

It is a fortuitous circumstance. 		Mes runners réguliers sont tous indisposées. Et miraculeusement, tu es ici!

En outre, nous devons attendre le retour de Kami.

Une heureuse coïncidence.
Very well.

{{GM}}Burakgazi locks eyes with you, and his voice grows cold.{{/GM}}

Please inform Herr Amsel that his information is regrettably unavailable at this time.		 Très bien.

{{GM}}Burakgazi vous regarde dans les yeux, et sa voix devient glaciale.{{/GM}}

Merci d'informer Herr Amsel que son information est malheureusement introuvable pour le moment.
I get the hint. What do you need? Je vais faire le boulot. De quoi as tu besoin?
You're a bastard. Tu es un bâtard.
This is extortion. C'est de l'extorsion.
Only my mother knows for sure. But for the purposes of this transaction, I am the bastard who has something that you need.

Please give Herr Amsel my regards. If he wishes to discuss why his information has been withheld, he knows where to find me.

I will be more than happy to explain the matter in detail.		 Seule ma mère le sait réellement. Mais pour les besoins de cette opération, je suis le salaud qui a quelque chose dont tu as besoin.

Merci de présenter mes salutations à Herr Amsel. Si il veut discuter de la raison pour laquelle ses informations ont été retenu, il sait où me trouver.

Je serai plus qu'heureux d'expliquer la situation en détail.
No need. Let's just get this over with. Pas besoin. Finissons-en avec ça.
No, no! Please, it is nothing like that. This is one friend doing a favor for another, and expecting a small favor in return.

However, if you would like to see what extortion looks like, I might be able to arrange for a demonstration.		 Non, non! S'il te plait, ce n'est pas ça du tout. C'est une question de rendre service à un ami, qui attend une petite faveur en retour.

Toutefois, si tu veux à quoi ressemble une extorsion, je devrais être en mesure d'organiser une démonstration.
Oh ho! Yes, of course I can.

{{GM}}Burakgazi rummages through his pockets and fishes out a crumpled 100 nuyen bill. He thrusts the coffee-stained wad of paper into your hands.{{/GM}}

There. You have been paid. Now, let us get on with it, eh?		 Oh ho! Oui, je le peux, bien entendu.

{{GM}}Burakgazi fouille d'en sa poche et en sort une liasse de 100 nuyen. Il dépose la liasse tachée de café dans vos mains.{{/GM}}

Là. Tu as été payé. Maintenant, on peut en finir, hein?
My business. With Amsel.

I "cater" for those in your line of work. Such things are a necessity for a businessman such as Amsel.

You understand, yes?		 Mon affaire. Avec Amsel.

Je fais de la "restauration" pour les personnes dans votre branche. Ces choses-là sont une nécessité pour un homme d'affaires comme Amsel.

Tu comprends, oui?
Yes, of course. I was just testing you. Oui, bien entendu. Je te testais.
Nope. Still in the dark over here. Nope. Toujours rien compris.
Yes, I understand now. Thank you. Oui, je comprends maintenant. Merci.
{{GM}}Burakgazi offers you a strained smile.{{/GM}}

Yes. Yes, of course.		 {{GM}}Burakgazi vous offre un sourire forcé.{{/GM}}

Oui. Oui, bien entendu.
Kami! Come!

{{GM}}A young woman comes bustling in from the back room. Her gum chewing is loud enough to hear over the noise of the coffee grinders. Burakgazi spits something out in rapid-fire Turkish.{{/GM}}		 Kami! Viens ici!

{{GM}}Une jeune femme déboule de l'arrière salle. Elle mâche du chewing-gum tellement bruyamment qu'on l'entend malgré le bruit des moulins à café. Burakgazi crache rapidement quelques mots en turc.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Burakgazi gives you a slow nod, his brow furrowed.{{/GM}}

Yes. I see. Well, perhaps it would be best if you just didn't worry about it.

You just stand in the corner, there, and I will take care of the rest.		 {{GM}}Burakgazi vous fait un gros clin d'œil, le front plissé.{{/GM}}

Oui, je vois. Eh bien, peut être que ça serait mieux si vous ne vous inquiétiez pas trop à ce sujet.

Restez dans le coin, là, et je vais m'occuper du reste.
{{GM}}The coffee shop owner offers you a smile.{{/GM}}

Of course, of course! Herr Amsel is too kind.		 {{GM}}Le marchand de café vous fait un sourire.{{/GM}}

Bien sur, bien sur! Herr Amsel est trop gentil.
{{GM}}Burakgazi turns his head and calls into the back room.{{/GM}}

Kami! Come!

{{GM}}A young woman bustles in from the back room. Her gum chewing is loud enough to hear over the noise of the coffee grinders. Burakgazi spits something out in rapid-fire Turkish.{{/GM}}		 {{GM}}Burakgazi tourne la tête et cris en direction de l'arrière salle.{{/GM}}

Kami! Viens ici!

{{GM}}Une jeune femme déboule de l'arrière salle. Elle mâche du chewing-gum tellement bruyamment qu'on l'entend malgré le bruit des moulins à café. Burakgazi crache rapidement quelques mots en turc.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The Turk looks disgusted.{{/GM}}

Very well. A *soy* kaf.

{{GM}}He "tsks" to himself.{{/GM}}		 {{GM}}Le turc a l'air dégouté.{{/GM}}

Très bien. un *soy* kaf.

{{GM}}Il "tsks" pour lui même.{{/GM}}
Yes, for individuals of refined taste, I offer genuine bean coffee from my native Turkey.

{{GM}}The cafe owner looks you in the eye. The tone of his voice grows low and serious.{{/GM}}

This is a top-shelf item, my friend, and not for the general public. Only for those few discerning connoisseurs who can properly appreciate it.		 Oui, pour les personnes raffinées, j'offre de véritables grains de café de mon pays natal, la Turquie.

{{GM}}Le marchand de café vous regarde dans les yeux. Le ton de sa voix est bas et grave.{{/GM}}

C'est du haut de gamme, mon ami, et pas du bon marché. Seulement pour les connaisseurs qui peuvent l'apprécier à sa juste valeur.
{{CC}}¥5{{/CC}} I just need my caffeine fix. Let me have a soykaf. {{CC}}¥5{{/CC}} J'ai juste besoin de mon shoot de caféine. Donne moi un soykaf.
I think I'm the sort who can appreciate it. Tell me about the Turkish coffee. Je pense que je devrais pouvoir l'apprécier. Parle moi du café turc.
Changed my mind. Thanks anyway.
It is hand-picked by my family in Turkey. A true delicacy of the Sixth World. This was considered a luxury even before the Awakening, when bean coffee was everywhere. Every street-corner, they say. Il est cueillie à la main par ma famille en Turquie. Un vrai délice du Sixième monde. C'était considéré comme un luxe, même avant l'Eveil, quand le café en grain était rependu. A chaque coin de rue, qu'ils disaient.
{{GM}}Burakgazi leans in close, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. Long hours in the shop have perfumed his body with the commingled scents of coffee, incense, and applewood tobacco.{{/GM}}

Trust me, if your coffee experience has been limited to soykaf, you must not deny yourself this opportunity. You will see God.		 {{GM}}Burakgazi se rapproche, réduisant sa voix à un chuchotement de conspirateur. De longues heures dans la boutique ont parfumé son corps aux senteurs mélangées de café, d'encens, de bois de pommier et de tabac.{{/GM}}

Crois moi, si ton expérience avec le café a été limité au soykaf, tu ne devrais pas passer à coté de cette occasion. Tu verras dieu.
All right, you sold me. How much? Très bien, tu m'as eu. Combien?
On second thought, I think I'll just stick to soykaf. Tout compte fait, je vais juste rester au soykaf.
This is a specialty item, delivered at some cost. I cannot part with it for less than 50 nuyen a cup. C'est une marchandise particulière, la livraison a un coût. Je ne peux m'en séparer à moins de 50 nuyen la tasse.
{{CC}}¥50{{/CC}} {{GM}}Pay the man.{{/GM}} Deal. {{CC}}¥50{{/CC}} {{GM}}Payer.{{/GM}} Vendu.
50 nuyen? For a cup of coffee? Too rich for my blood. 50 nuyen? Pour une tasse de café? Trop cher pour moi.
Very good.

{{GM}}Burakgazi hands you a ceramic travel cup, which he then fills to the brim with dark, steaming liquid. The scent is intoxicating.{{/GM}}

Is there anything more that I can get you?		 Très bien.

{{GM}}Burakgazi vous tend une tasse de voyage en céramique, dont il remplit à ras bord avec un liquide foncé et fumant. Le parfum est enivrant.{{/GM}}

Y a-t-il quelque chose de plus que je puisse faire pour toi?
As I said. These items are not for everybody.

Was there something else that interested you?		 Comme j'ai dit. Cet article n'est pas pour tout le monde.

Y a-t-il quelque chose de plus que je puisse faire pour toi?
{{GM}}His face falls.{{/GM}}

Of course. My family's hand-picked coffee bean is not for everyone. Forgive me for failing to recognize that it was not for you.		 {{GM}}Son visage se ferme.{{/GM}}

Bien entendu. Mes grains de café familiaux ramassés à la main ne sont pas pour tout le monde. Pardonnes-moi de ne pas avoir vu qu'ils n'étaient pas pour toi.
{{GM}}Burakgazi raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

You did, did you? A bit presumptious of you, is it not?		 {{GM}}Burakgazi lève un sourcil.{{/GM}}

Tu as fait ça? Vraiment? Un peu présomptueux de ta part, non?
Quorin and his gang have been hijacking shipments bound for the Kreuzbasar. So we made an arrangement. He listens to your taps, they leave our goods alone and steal from our enemies instead. Everybody wins. Quorin et son gang ont détourné les expéditions à destination du Kreuzbasar. Alors nous avons convenu d'un arrangement. Ils utilisent tes nœuds de données, ils laissent nos biens tranquil et volent ceux de nos ennemis. Tout le monde y gagne.
Not really. It's for the good of the Kreuzbasar, so I figured I could count on you. Plus, I know where all of the taps are. Pas vraiment. C'est pour le bien du Kreuzbasar, donc j'ai pensé que je pouvais compter sur toi. De plus, je sais où sont tous les nœuds.
I see. Well... that sounds like a tidy little arrangement you've made then, efendim. The kind of arrangement I might make myself.

{{GM}}He laughs.{{/GM}}

The kind of arrangement Monika might have made.		 Je vois. Bien... cela ressemble à un petit arrangement bien ficelé que tu as fait, efendim. Le genre d'arrangement que j'aurai pu faire.

{{GM}}Il rit.{{/GM}}

Le genre d'arrangement que Monika aurait fait.
I will honor your promise, then. Quorin and his gang shall have access to my data taps, save for those that listen in on the Kreuzbasar itself.

Ah! Not that such taps exist, mind you! No... of course not.		 Je vais honorer ta promesse, alors. Quorin et sa bande pourront avoir accès à mes nœuds de données, sauf ceux espionnant le Kreuzbasar lui-même.

Ah! Pas que ces nœuds existent, penses tu! Non... bien sur que non.
Now then! Is there anything else Burakgazi can do for you? Maintenant! Y a-t-il autre chose que Burakgazi puisse faire pour toi?
Ha... you are a funny $(l.man), efendim. Assumptions can be dangerous things. Ha... tu es un marrant, efendim. Les hypothèses peuvent être des choses dangereuses.
But on this matter, I shall decide to trust you. This "Quorin" of yours may have access to my data taps.

Everybody spies on everybody else in Berlin, anyway.		 Mais sur ce point, je vais décider de te faire confiance. Ton "Quorin" peut avoir accès à mes nœuds de données.

Tout le monde espionne tout le monde à Berlin, de toute façon.
Now then. Is there anything else Burakgazi can do for you? Maintenant. Qu'est ce que Burakgazi peut faire pour toi?
Islay, you say? Might I examine the merchandise?

{{GM}}He takes the bottle and his smile fades for a moment as he become all business examining it with a critical eye. Then, as quickly as it faded, the huge smile is back.{{/GM}}

Quite a little treasure you have found, I'm sorely tempted to ask from where, in hopes of procuring more you see. But no, it would not be polite.		 Islay, tu dis? Tu permets que j'examine la marchandise?

{{GM}}Il prend la bouteille et son sourire disparaît un instant, alors qu'il devient l'homme d'affaire à l'œil exercé. Puis, aussi rapidement qu'il a disparu, l'immense sourire revient.{{/GM}}

C'est un petit trésor que tu as trouvé, je suis fortement tenté de te demander où dans l'espoir de m'en procurer plus. Mais non, ce serait impoli de ma part.
I would perhaps value that bottle at ¥400? J'estimerai cette bouteille à ¥400?
¥400 for a bottle of scotch? Deal! ¥400 pour une bouteille de scotch? Vendu!
{{CC}}Charisma: 5{{/CC}} ¥500, since I've got the only supply in town. {{CC}}Charisme: 5{{/CC}} ¥500, puisque j'ai le seul approvisionnement dans cette ville.
Thank you my friend, I have a buyer already in mind for this little gem. Or perhaps I shall keep it myself, it is good to always have something special on hand for a celebration! Merci mon ami, j'ai déjà un acheteur potentiel pour cette pépite. Ou peut-être que je vais la garder pour moi, il est toujours intéressant d'avoir quelque chose de spécial sous la main pour une célébration.
Eh, no. Not quite. I receive cases of this for less discerning clientèle. I could offer you maybe ¥10? Hum, non. Pas spécialement. Je pourrai en avoir besoin pour ma clientèle la moins exigeante. Je peux t'en offrir disons ¥10?
Sure, I've got no use for it. Pas de soucis, je n'en ai pas l'utilité.
No thanks, I'll hold on to it. Non merci, je vais la garder.
Glad I could be of service. Heureux d'avoir pu t'aider.
Ah, that is your choice. Anything else? Ah, c'est ton choix. Autre chose?
{{GM}}Altug smiles at you from behind the counter.{{/GM}}

Welcome back, Honored Efendim. How may I serve you?		 {{GM}}Altug vous sourit depuis derrière le comptoir.{{/GM}}

Rebonjour, Honoré Efendim. Comment puis-je me rendre utile?
This door is closed and locked.

Off to one side sits a numeric keypad.
{{GM}}Enter Passcode{{/GM}}
Code Accepted, Door Unlocked
1. 3. 4. 5. 9.

Each of these buttons has been pressed recently; the residue of life clings to them, shimmering against the gray.

Unfortunately, you cannot tell in which order.
This door is stuck shut.
{{CC}}Strength: 6{{/CC}}{{GM}}Force the door open.{{/GM}}
You shoulder-check the door, and the crack of splintering plastic fills your ears.

The door pops open.
Eiger shoulder-checks the door, and the crack of splintering plastic fills your ears.

The door pops open.
Glory slams her cyber-arm against the door, and the crack of splintering plastic fills your ears.

The door pops open.
Your runner shoulder-checks the door, and the crack of splintering plastic fills your ears.

The door pops open.
Seeker Spirit
{{GM}}The lead blood mage jerks back as though he has been stung.{{/GM}}

You, there! What the hell are you doing with that terminal?
Verifying that all security protocols are in place. It's all a part of our sweep, sir.
{{GM}}He eyes you skeptically.{{/GM}}

Very well... do your job. But do it quickly, and mind that you don't touch anything you're not supposed to. If you do, I will know it.

Am I making myself clear?
Crystal, sir.
>>>PUMP #1 OPERATIONS CONTROL<<<
>> Pump #1 has STOPPED. Analysis...

South turbine water flow... FAILED.

The south turbine has been deactivated. Steady water flow has stopped.

Pump test running... PASSED.

The pump is operational, but not receiving full water flow from the south turbine.
>> Pump #1 is STOPPED. Analysis...

South turbine water flow... PASSED.

Pump test running... PASSED.

For normal pump operation, please restart the pump via Operations Control.
{{GM}}The security guard steps toward you, his weapon slung.{{/GM}}

I didn't expect to bump into any of you Knight Errant guys out here. You on patrol?
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} Yeah, I was just transferred from HQ. They have me walking the perimeter to familiarize myself with the building.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Security{{/CC}} Yeah, Central wants a complete perimeter assessment. They sent me to see to it.
{{GM}}He waves you off.{{/GM}}

Best get to it, then.
That's... odd.

{{GM}}A scowl crosses his face.{{/GM}}

They should know that *I'm* on that duty. It isn't like them to double up on patrols.
{{GM}}Shrug.{{/GM}} Hey, man, it's not my call. I just do what they tell me to.
{{GM}}He smiles.{{/GM}}

I know what you mean.

Well, enjoy the rest of your patrol. Don't get your hopes up, though... it's dead in here tonight.
Don't I know it.
{{GM}}The elevator guard steps toward you, his weapon slung.{{/GM}}

I didn't expect to bump into any of you Knight Errant guys out here... but then, with the power overload, who knows what's happening.

They tell you guys anything about what's going on?
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Afraid I can't help you. They didn't tell me much... just that they were doubling patrols, and that they wanted me out here.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Security{{/CC}} Not much... just that Central wants a complete perimeter assessment. I think the power outage has 'em spooked.
Yeah, I guess that figures. Can't be too careful.
You said it.
They're not the only ones. I don't like being alone in this building with the lights *on.*

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Well, anyway. Good luck with the patrol. Shout out if you need anything.
Will do.
Executive Keycard Carte magnétique de l'aile des cadres
Found in Billy's stomach. Grants access to executive level areas. Trouvé dans l'estomac de Billy. Permet d'accéder à l'aile des cadres.
Supply Box Code
>3971
A few minutes of cursing and a couple of popped rivets later, the job is done. You take a moment to examine your team, then nod in satisfaction.

They look like a group of authentic Knight Errant security officers.
Well, that's handy. I'm not much for sneaking around, but if we're gonna do it, we might as well go all the way.

{{GM}}He claps you on the shoulder.{{/GM}}

Good find, boss.
Well, that's handy. I'm all for avoiding a firefight if we can get away with it.

{{GM}}He claps you on the shoulder.{{/GM}}

Good find, chief.
Stealth is always preferable to open combat.

{{GM}}She nods at you.{{/GM}}

Good find.
Good find.

{{GM}}She nods at you.{{/GM}}

Let's continue.
The facility's already on high alert, fearless leader.

It's a little late for disguises, don't you think?
{{GM}}Shrug.{{/GM}} Probably. But they couldn't hurt.
Maybe. But with the power grid shut down, they might give us an edge.
Uh, chief... the facility's already on high alert.

It's a little late for disguises, don't you think?
Uh, boss... the facility's already on high alert.

It's a little late for disguises, don't you think?
$(l.name). This facility is already on high alert.

These disguises aren't going to help us.
A few minutes of cursing and a couple of popped rivets later, the job is done. You take a moment to examine yourself in a hand mirror that you find in one of the lockers.

You look like an authentic Knight Errant security officer.
All right, chief... it looks like there's another firewall blocking me from the vault controls.
I'm gonna try to get you limited access to the facility.

You should be able to find a terminal in there that can bring the firewall down, and from there I'll get you access to the vault.
Glory stands staring at the red ruin of Marta's body. Her eyes flit down to her claws, and an expression of growing horror creeps across her face.
You okay, Glory?
{{GM}}It takes her a long time to respond. Her voice is choked with long-dormant emotion.{{/GM}}

No.

I'm not.
Well, get your game face back on. We still have Harrow's shrine to deal with.
I'm sorry, but it had to be done.
Should've thought of that before you killed her. You didn't have to do that.
She deserved to die. Remember what she did to the other kids here. To you.
{{GM}}She snarls out an answer. Her face has flushed red.{{/GM}}

Yes, I *know.* Back down and give me a moment.

{{GM}}To your astonishment, you see that her eyes are welling with tears.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She snarls out an answer. Her face has flushed red.{{/GM}}

Yes, I *know.* She was just as bad as Harrow. Killing her was the *right* thing to do.

{{GM}}To your astonishment, you see that her eyes are welling with tears.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She snarls out an answer. Her face has flushed red.{{/GM}}

Yes, I *did.* She was just as bad as Harrow.

{{GM}}To your astonishment, you see that her eyes are welling with tears.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She snarls out an answer. Her face has flushed red.{{/GM}}

I *know.* I haven't *forgotten* anything.

{{GM}}To your astonishment, you see that her eyes are welling with tears.{{/GM}}
Glory...
{{GM}}All at once, the blood drains from her cheeks. She wipes the water from her eyes with a cold metal hand.{{/GM}}

Save the consolation speech. I'm over it.

{{GM}}Her voice is frigid. Dead.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She nods in the direction of the shrine room door.{{/GM}}

We got what we came here for. Let's go finish this.
The drone appears to be broken. All it can seem to do is hover in place. Le drone semble être cassé. Tout ce qu'il semble pouvoir faire, s'est planer sur place.
{{GM}}Take the drone.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Prendre le drone.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave it.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Le laisser.{{/GM}}
Where Glory's burning claw makes contact, Harrow's flesh bubbles and bursts. She rakes his chest, then plunges a pair of razor-tipped fingers into his eyes.

His final screams are inhuman, like something out of a nightmare. Glory shakes her hand free, and his seared body tumbles to the floor.
It's over.

{{GM}}She smiles at you. Lit from beneath by the red glow of that claw, her mouth looks like it's full of blood.{{/GM}}

It's finished.
With dawning horror, you realize what was bothering you before. Something is absent, and the realization makes your stomach churn.

Her pendant. The protective charm that once glinted against her pale skin. It's gone.
Glory... what happened to your pendant? The ward that you were wearing - where is it?
She glances down, and you can see the worry begin to creep onto her face.

The wild look in her eyes slowly dies away, replaced by the cool, analytical expression that you've come to know.
I... I don't know. I must have lost it somewhere along the way.
The angry glow of her burning claw fades to nothing as the metal cools.

As you watch, the red light that bathed her body slowly dies away.
Something happened to you in there, Glory. Your hand... how do you explain that? How is it even possible?
When did you lose it? Before or after we killed the Spirit?
I don't know. But we can worry about it when we get back home.

It's only a matter of time before this entire compound shakes itself apart.
Fine by me. Let's get the hell out of here.
I can't take you back to the Kreuzbasar before we know what happened to you.
You still seem like yourself, so I'll trust what you're telling me. Who knows? Maybe this could even help us down the road.
As if on cue, an ominous creaking sound reverberates throughout the halls of Feuerstelle, followed by the groan of buckling support struts from above.

Other, stranger noises can be heard further in the distance: panicked screams and faint cries for help, intermingled with the bellowing roars of escaped spirits.
This place is going down, and if we don't hurry, we're going with it. Let's get out of here.
Those screams... the cultists are still alive! We can't leave until we've saved them.
That's our cue to leave. Let the fire take this place, and everything in it. We've done what we came here for.

Harrow is dead. We've won.
Yes. Let the fire take this place - and everything in it. We've done what we came here for.

Harrow is dead. We've won.
No. There's nothing we can do - the building is too heavily compromised.

Any second now, it'll come down on the heads of anyone who's still unlucky enough to be inside.
Let the fire take this place - and everything in it. We've done what we came for.

Harrow is dead. We've won.
Then you'd better get comfortable with the idea of dying in here, because this building is coming down.

When we get back home, we can figure this out. I'll *help* you figure it out, okay? But we need to get moving, and we need to do it fast.
I'm holding you to that.
Agreed. I think that I have this thing - whatever it is - under control, and that means that we can use it.

Let's get moving, $(l.name). I want to put as much distance between myself and this place as possible.
After, I think. I don't know. But don't worry... I feel fine.

Besides which, we have more pressing concerns at the moment. We need to get out of here - it's only a matter of time before this entire compound shakes itself apart.
HALT! This is a RESTRICTED AREA!

{{GM}}The guard raises his weapon. His voice is brimming with excitement.{{/GM}}

Show me your ID! *NOW!*
{{CC}}Etiquette: Security{{/CC}} I don't have a company ID. I was sent here by Knight Errant Dispatch to check on the status of the patch.
{{CC}}Supervisor's ID Badge{{/CC}} Yeah, it's right here.
I left my ID in the other room. If you'll just let me past, I'll grab it for you.
Dispatch?

{{GM}}The guard sounds both confused and frightened.{{/GM}}

Look, it's my first day, but... the Captain didn't say anything about--
I don't question Dispatch, son. They say jump, I jump.
But I--
Look, you wanna step out of my way? I need to jack in to that console behind you and verify that the patch is ready for release.
{{GM}}After a long pause, he stammers out a response.{{/GM}}

Yeah... yeah, okay. You go ahead and do what you need to do.

But don't leave this room, you hear? I want to keep an eye on you.
Don't worry, I won't.
Look, you wanna get out of my way? I've got a job to do.
{{GM}}After a long pause, he stammers out a response.{{/GM}}

Yeah... yeah, okay.

{{GM}}He steps aside, mumbling to himself.{{/GM}}

Like you said... they say jump, we jump.
Go ahead and do whatever you need to do, but don't leave this room, you hear?

I want to keep an eye on you.
{{GM}}He squints at your badge, scowling. After a few seconds, he lowers his weapon.{{/GM}}

Sorry to have bothered you, $(l.sir). You're cleared to be here, but stay where I can see you, and don't leave this room.
{{GM}}The guard looks positively delighted.{{/GM}}

Finally, some action! INTRUDER AT MY POSITION!

{{GM}}He pulls back the slide on his rifle and opens fire.{{/GM}}
What? What do you want?
Just looking for some information.
I'm new in town, what's hot around here?
All right. I'm leaving.
I bet you are. I've seen your type before. You're probably lookin' for someone, or lookin' for something that's been stolen. Either way, the Rammbock won't be happy about you stickin' your nose into Schattennest.
Nothing. Not a goddamn thing. All there is to do in Schattennest is get your arse beat by gangs until you decide to join one.
Which gang are you in?
Why don't you move? There are safer kiez not far from here.
I'm still in the former camp. I've heard what the Rammbock do to haze new members. I'll take getting pushed around every once in a while over that.
That takes money. Rent ain't free, unless you're suggesting I start living on the street. At least here I have a roof over my head.
{{GM}}Warming herself in the dim light of a dying street lamp is a waif of a girl who looks far too worn for her years.{{/GM}}

The Mother Superior, she says there will be seven for me to care for. I need to see to them...
I wasn't aware of any convent or church nearby.
You're high as a kite, aren't you?
Seven what? What do you have to care for?
She's there when I close my eyes. And I'm Maria.
She says I'm to be governess to the children.
{{GM}}You notice a chipjack poking out beneath the young woman's unruly hair. The vacant look in her eyes marks her as a likely BTL junkie, lost between reality and any number of Better Than Life virtual constructs.{{/GM}}

I need money to get back to them.
This story sounds familiar...
Look, do you know Monika?
I'm going to step away now.
Captain von Trapp is very well known and respected. The poor dear lost his wife, and the children their mother.
A child should not be without a mother. And a mother should not be without a child.
Have you seen the captain?
Monika? Is she one of the sisters at the abbey?
No, wait. Monika...

{{GM}}A flicker of recognition fights through the haze in the young woman's eyes.{{/GM}}
Yes, Monika. She's good to me. Brings me food to eat and tea to drink.
Something happened to her.
Not anymore, sweetheart.
I'm afraid I have some bad news.
{{GM}}Despite the woman's persistent dilerium, she seems to glean meaning from your tone.{{/GM}}

She died?
While working a job, yeah.
I'm sorry. She did.
{{GM}}The girl grips her head with clawlike hands, tugging at her hair as if she might pull her brain out through her skull.{{/GM}}

I don't like this... But I can't switch it off.
{{GM}}The girl's frail body shudders and her eyes grow large. But she does not sob. Instead, she smiles a sad smile, which looks to have been worn all too often.{{/GM}}

She will go to heaven. She told me. It is a place for good people, stillborn babies, and childhood pets.

And she was a good person.
The girl then begins to mumble to herself, while fingering the hair that covers the jack in her head.
Yes, good. I need to rejoin the children.
We could fly kites. I should ask the Mother Superior.
The captain's children. The Mother Superior says there are seven.
Have you seen the captain's children?
{{GM}}The girl with the chip in her head stands with her eyes closed, rocking back and forth. She looks so frail that a light breeze might knock her over, but she somehow stays on her feet. Whether by coincidence or some kind of preternatural junkie awarenes, she opens her eyes when you come near.{{/GM}}

I know you...
Maybe by face, if not by name. I'm $(s.name).
Name's $(s.name). Try to remember it.
I'm $(s.name). Pleased to meet you, Miss...
By face, by name, by cry, or by song.
Simmy Kim is what most people call me. They think I don't know why, but I do. Monika explained.
How do you feel about Monika's death?
So what have you been up to?
I'll catch up with you another time.
{{GM}}Kim hugs her arms close to her body.{{/GM}}

Sad. She never got to have a family. She'll never get married. Never be a mother.
Seems she was a mother to the whole Kreuzbasar.
She was a runner. No time for such things.
Did you think of her as a mom?
{{GM}}Kim nods her head almost dumbly, her eyes unfocused on the ground.{{/GM}}
Monika said a mother is always a mother. Always.

{{GM}}She hugs herself tighter and stares blankly at the ground.{{/GM}}
But she wanted those things. We talked about it.
Maybe. Never knew my own. And Monika did take care of me.
{{GM}}The girl absently fingers the chipjack in her temple.{{/GM}}

I wanted to escape with the children, and the captain. We had to get away from the soldiers. Out of Austria.
But it was wrong! All wrong!

I was taking them over the mountains. But it was the wrong way. I know it was. It would have taken us straight into Germany, not Switzerland.

We should taken a train, gone to Italy. There we would have been safe.
I didn't want it to end badly, so I turned it off. Zaak sold me something new. In it, I feel strong.

I have a son, and he's destined to save the world. I have to protect him, because the machines have come back to kill him before he can become a man.
I won't let that happen. Because in there, I am strong...

{{GM}}Though Kim's words are bold, her trembling voice and body betray someone aching for a fix.{{/GM}}
I've lived a hundred lives, and I remember everything.
Kim. Which leads to Kimmy, which leads to Simmy.
Yes? Oui?
{{GM}}Simmy Kim weaves an akward dance through scattered refuse. Her too-thin legs wobble, but she keeps her footing throughout.{{/GM}}

The sun will come out, tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be sun...
We could all use a little sun down here.
Wouldn't advise making that bet.
That's lovely singing, Kim.
It's not literal sun, silly.
It means tomorrow will be a better day. Monika used to say something like that.
When I was tired, when I was sad, when I only wanted to sleep, she would tell me that. She told me I would forget. That the pain would go away.
I've lived many lives, but I've been an orphan more times than anything. It was the first story I found when I needed to get away.
Anybody ever try to get you off the sims?
So, do you like it here in the Kreuzbasar?
Let's talk more another time.
But I need them!

Monika understood that. And Zaak says they're safe.
I don't know what I'd do without them. Without them, I dream. And I don't want to dream. I don't want to remember.
They help me forget. They help me be strong and smart. And I never lose anyone.
That makes it a good thing, right?
Can't run from your problems forever.
Better to be strong and smart in the real world.
Maybe someday you won't need them.
I know...
I wish I could be.
Maybe...
{{GM}}Kim turns her head so as not to look you in the eyes. Her posture is that of someone who fears the possible repercussions of her answer.{{/GM}}

It's good.
I can get what I need from Zaak Flash or Doc Ezkibel. And they let me pay however I can.
Monika was always nice. And Paul Amsel. And the angel is nice to me too, usually.
I know Monika's gone now, but I can still stay, right?
Whatever you like.
Just earn your keep.
Of course you can stay, Kim.
Then I want to stay. Please. This is the only place I know.
I'll do whatever I have to. I have nowhere else to go.
Thank you. Oh, thank you. I don't know what else I would do.
All right...
It's just a song.
Do you like the song?
Hello.
{{GM}}Simmy Kim leans against a wall, her head downcast and her face lost in shadow. Sensing your presence, she looks up, revealing a black eye poorly covered by concealer. And still she smiles at you.{{/GM}}

Hello, $(l.name). How are you?
Who gave you the shiner?
Better than you, looks like.
Are you all right, Kim?
I don't know what you're talking about.
Did you want something? Because I've got things to do, you know. Zaak says he has a new sim for me. One with aliens and a little girl I need to save. She's waiting for me, and I can't let her down.
Is there something going on around here?
How'd you end up in the Kreuzbasar?
You take care of yourself.
There's always something going on. It's the Flux, right? It gives, it takes. Sometimes it takes more than it gives.
And some things it takes are gone forever. Friends that disappear. Family that dies. People like Monika.
I don't much like the Flux. In the sims, you can have the same happy day over and over. You can skip past the parts you don't like, or replay the good moments as many times as you want.
I can't think of any parts of real life I'd want to play over. And plenty of parts I wish I could skip.
I don't know. I was living on the streets since I was a kid. Had no family, no home.
I got mixed up with some... bad people. And I had a bad day. Ended up owing them money. Too much money.
I got beat up. Pretty bad. Needed a doctor, but couldn't pay for one. Then I found Doc Ezkibel. Or he found me. I can't really remember.
He said he could help me. He gave me the money up front. But he said I had to come back for medicine every month, until it was time to pay him back. And I did. I took the medicine, just like he said.
I... I really don't want to talk about this anymore, okay?
Whatever I have to do.
We can't all be runners.
I'm fine. Just another day in Berlin.
{{GM}}Simmy Kim plays with her hair, trying to pull it down to hide her black eye, to no real effect.{{/GM}}

You again?
{{GM}}The girl stares blankly into a vacant sky. She's still sporting a black eye, and there are fresh tears on her cheeks, but she doesn't seem to notice them.{{/GM}}
You don't look too good.
Anybody home?
Kim, are you all right?
It doesn't matter how I look out here. Only how I look in here.

{{GM}}Kim touches a skinny finger to her temple.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She then lowers her gaze from the heavens and regards you, her eyes showing slightly more clarity than before.{{/GM}}

Been thinking. Remembering. Wondering.
Do you want to talk about that black eye now?
So what have you been thinking about?
Zaak said not to. He said I might get hurt again.
Did he do that to you?
Want me to teach him a lesson?
Kim, if Zaak is hurting you...
What? No, of course not. Zaak wouldn't hurt a fly.
But the man who did this knew Zaak. He said they used to work together, before they came to the Kreuzbasar.
But he said he wasn't allowed to stay, because of Monika. She said he was bad for the Kreuzbasar. And the man didn't like that.
Now he wants to come back. He wants to be the new Zaak. He told me he had better stuff. Let me try it.
But then...

{{GM}}She touches a finger to her black eye.{{/GM}}
He said to tell Zaak that he was coming back to take what was his.
If Monika kept him out, it was for good reason.
Sounds like a man confident in his business model.
Don't worry, Kim. We won't let him come back.
Why? It's not his fault this happened.
No, it wasn't him. Zaak loves me. He loves everybody.
{{GM}}Kim hugs herself tightly around her midsection, drawing herself in and doing the impossible of making herself even thinner.{{/GM}}

I'm not sure I want to talk about it. I only ever talked about it with Monika.
Anything you could say to her you can say to me.
I've replaced Monika, darling. So spill it.
I'm here to listen, just like Monika was.
Okay...

{{GM}}She takes a breath to ready herself, and then bites a lip as her eyes search the unseen.{{/GM}}
Monika said I would forget. She thought the sims might help. In there, I'm strong. And I never have to lose anyone.
But then I come back out... here. Where children play in the street, and I remember. Where I see Doc Ezkibel, and I remember.
He was mad at me for losing her, but now I don't know if he even remembers. He looks right through me. But I did what he told me...
I saw him every month. I took the medicine. I got as much food as I could.

But he said it wasn't enough. That I would never be...
Monika said a mother is always a mother. Even when her baby dies inside her.

She said she would go to heaven.
Shit. I'm sorry, Kim. Anything I can do?
This is no life for a child. She's in a better place.
I'm sure they're up there together.
No. I'm okay. Thank you.
I hope so.
Monika will take care of her.
Home is where the heart is. But I lost my heart.

{{GM}}She places one hand over her frail chest, patting it twice.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

I don't know. Have I ever been, when I'm me?
Is there something else?
{{GM}}In the aftermath of the attack, you are surprised to see Simmy Kim has survived, with only a few scrapes and bruises.{{/GM}}

You saved us...
As many as I could.
That's what I do.
If only I could have prevented it.
So many more would be gone if you hadn't been here.
Are you hurt?
How did you make it through the attack?
I lost my shoe. When I was running. And then I fell.
But Doc Ezkibel found me. He picked me up, took me with him.
He hid me in a drawer. Gave me a blanket and told me to be quiet. It was so dark, and it smelled. But I didn't make a sound.
I heard yelling, things breaking. And gunshots, I think.
If I had one of my sims, I could have just gone inside. But I didn't, so I had to stay out here.
I don't know how long it was. But when the drawer opened, it was over.
Guess he finally remembered that oath.
I'd say the doc owed you that one, kid.
Maybe Doc Ezkibel has some redeeming qualities.
{{GM}}Kim doesn't seem to understand, but she nods anyway.{{/GM}}
I'm going to go check on the others.
Okay.
I guess so.
Maybe.
Doc Ezkibel. He found me. He picked me up, took me with him.
I wish I could be like you. Not just in my head, but out here, in the real world.
Some things we can't change. We can only move on from where we are. Monika taught me that.
I'm still here.
{{GM}}Simmy Kim seems as lost as ever, standing in the middle of the Kreuzbasar, observing all the activity around her. To her credit, she has not retreated into one of her sims today.{{/GM}}

So much is happening.
There's a lot of work to be done.
You don't know the half of it.
It can be a bit overwhelming.
And everyone is helping. Everyone is doing something.
Do you want to help?
What about your sims?
I've got things of my own to see to.
I want to be strong. Strong people help. But I don't know what to do. I'm not good at anything.
There are kids who need looking after...
There are parents who lost children...
{{GM}}Kim glances across the way, where two of the Kreuzbasar's littlest ones peek out of an upper story window.{{/GM}}

Some of them lost their parents. I never knew mine.
{{GM}}She looks up at you, with eyes too young for everything she's been through.{{/GM}}

Do you think they'd want to talk with me? The way Monika would.
I think you know what they're going through.
Just don't get them hooked on sims.
I think they could all use a big sister.
It's not easy. Not easy to be alone.
I made mistakes, but I can help them not make those mistakes.
I always wanted to forget the past. Bad memories. But maybe I can do something good with the bad.
Never. I would never. They're too young.

I was too young.
I think I'd like that.
{{GM}}Kim nods her head mournfully.{{/GM}}

And they will never forget, no matter how much they try.
It's not right. These things should never happen.
A parent should never bury a child.
But they do, as you know.
You know better than anyone.
I never got to bury mine. I don't know if it would have been easier if I had.
I'll talk to them. The ones who want to talk, anyway. Some people around here don't think that well of me.
But I'll still try. I have to try.
Yeah... they do.
I spent so much time trying to forget. But... I can't. I shouldn't.
They'll be waiting for me, I guess. They're not real, you know.
I'm not sure how I feel about them anymore.
You need to decide if you're ready to live in the real world or not.
You're not built for this world. It's safer in your sims.
Maybe you don't need them now. What do you think?
I know. And after all this, I think it will be easier to tell where I belong.
Yeah... If only we could all go inside, we could be safe together.
I dunno. I get anxious, and it's just so easy to go inside. But I don't want to anymore.

That's what's different.
Goodbye.
But I want to. I want to know why this happened. I want to understand.
But this is different. Before there was so much bad. Now there is so much good.
So much changed...
{{GM}}Simmy Kim is still here, looking more alert than ever. Her chipjack is conspicuously empty for a change. She even smiles when she sees you.{{/GM}}

You're back!
People were saying you were going off to do something dangerous. Or more dangerous than usual, I guess. They weren't sure you'd live through it, or if you'd come back even if you did.

But I knew you'd be back.
Of course I'm back, this is home. And it should be safe again.
Well, this is where I keep all my guns and stuff.
Thought I might have left the oven on.
I do feel safer. And I feel better, thanks to you.
The truth is, the Kreuzbasar is better with you here. And everyone in it is better.
I've stopped with the sims. Trying to get clean.

{{GM}}She shows you the empty socket, in case you hadn't noticed.{{/GM}}
It's hard, but it gets easier if I'm keeping busy. And I'm trying to keep REAL busy.
Keep at it. Don't give up on it.
It's good you're doing your part.
I'm proud of you, Kim.
I won't!
Thanks!
Me, too!
I don't believe you. I think you're stuck on this place.
Sure. And you forgot to lock up, and you didn't put the cat out.
It's over almost before it starts. Carried forward by the momentum of her lunge, Marta slams into Glory's outstretched claws with her full weight. Razors slide through soft flesh and grind into bone.

Marta lets out a low, groaning sound. You can see the red spreading, leaching into the fabric of her blouse.
{{GM}}She shakes her head in shock and horror.{{/GM}}

Oh, God. Oh *no.*
{{GM}}The fluttering sensation in your chest returns. The spirit's voices warble in delight.{{/GM}}

<Glory. Oh, my poor, dear *child.*

First, your mother. Now, your lover. And no one to blame but yourself.>
Marta's lifeless body slides out of Glory's arms. She looks up at the spirit, and her face twists into a mask of hate.

With Marta's blood wicking from her fingers, she lets out a bloodcurdling scream.
{{GM}}The spirit cackles.{{/GM}}

<Your suffering has only just begun. We will grind your body to dust.>

{{GM}}Beneath its leathery skin, its bones begin to shift, straining against the ligaments and tendons that bind them. A hideous cracking sound fills the air as its skeleton splinters and pops.{{/GM}}
Clearance B Keycard Carte d'accès de niveau B
Found in the Sutterlin BioScience laboratory. Trouvé dans le laboratoire Sutterlin BioScience.
Emergency Stop Key
Audran's emergency override switch for the virus infusion console.
$(l.name). I'm afraid that I have some bad news... the High Threat Response Team is on its way.

It's only a matter of time before they close in on your position.
You'll never make it back to the elevator in time, but I've found another exit point for you.

There is a security door near the generators. I will mark it on your PDA. When you're ready to make your egress, this will be your best call.
Expect heavy resistance, $(l.name). Good luck.
Well done, $(l.name). I'm not seeing any comm chatter to indicate that Knight Errant is aware of your presence.

In addition, your manufactured power outage is causing ongoing problems for both Knight Errant and Aztechnology.
I've located a new exit point for you. A security door, conveniently located near the generators. I will mark its location on your PDA.
Keep up the good work, $(l.name). I'll contact you if anything changes.
Well done, $(l.name). I'm not seeing any comm chatter to indicate that Knight Errant is aware of your presence.
So far, so good, $(l.name). Your manufactured power outage is causing ongoing problems for both Knight Errant and Aztechnology.

Unfortunately, your presence has been detected. To this point, they've been too disorganized to do anything about it, but make no mistake: they *will* be coming for you.
Time's up, $(l.name). The reinforcements are here.
Dragonslayer's Wrath
The Dragonslayer harms all foes within 3 tiles for 16 DMG. On subsequent RNDs, targets take 5 HP DMG and 1 AP DMG. Lasts 3 RNDS.
Lightning: HP -5, AP -1 per RND
Walther MA-2100
Rifle: The official sniper rifle of the CSA, effective at long range. Pierces up to 1 Armor.
Dragonslayer's Favor 2
Concentrates mana from the surrounding area to provide an effect similar to a medium leyline. Lasts for 3 RNDS.
Mana Charge 2
Antique Cyberarm (Left)
A basic replacement limb that adds +5 HP and +1 Body.
Marta is just on the other side of this door. However this goes, we're going to have to move quickly afterward... if she dies, Harrow will know it, and I don't trust her to keep her mouth shut if she lives.

So we take the key to the shrine room, break through the ward, and confront the spirit. Are we clear on that?
{{GM}}Open the door.{{/GM}} Crystal. Let's do this.
{{GM}}Step back.{{/GM}} We'll come back to this, then. There are a few other things that I want to check out in the compound first.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

All right. But we shouldn't take too much time... we need to get that key before Harrow returns.
The door to Marta's chamber stands before you.
This corpse has been eviscerated. Its limbs have been torn clean off, and its rib cage is oddly deformed. The tattered shreds of a blue maintenance uniform hang loosely off of its chest.
{{GM}}Search the body.{{/GM}}
You find a well-worn manual entitled "Wartungshandbuch, Ausgabe 2042."

The book is filled with depictions of turbine and pump cross-sections, tools, and descriptions of maintenance procedures.

A few of the pages have been bookmarked with colorful bits of paper.
{{GM}}Flip to the yellow bookmark.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Flip to the green bookmark.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Pocket the book and leave.{{/GM}}
This page is dominated by a detailed illustration of a turbine cross-section.

Scrawled in the margin is a number - "822896."
There are some notes written in the margins of this page, but you don't recognize the language.

The only word you can make out is "computer," written several times.
ArmTech MGL-6 Drone Mod
Launcher: Grenade launcher that fires mini-grenades, modified to be mounted on a drone. 2 AP to reload.
Aztechnology Key Card
A standard key card with the Aztechnology logo printed on it.
Optical Chip
An optical chip encoded with the information that Alice dug up for you.
Humanis Donor List
A long list of Humanis Berlin secret donors. The names come from every social strata and corner of Berlin.
This elevator seems mechanically sound. That's about all it has going for it.

Candy wrappers and used syringes litter the floor, and the handrails are inexplicably sticky.

It would appear that cleanliness isn't a high priority for the hotel staff.		 L'ascenseur semble être en bon état - techniquement parlant. C'est à peu près tout ce qu'il a pour lui.

Emballages de bonbons et seringues usagées jonchent le sol, et les balustrades sont inexplicablement collantes.

Il semblerait que la propreté ne soit pas la priorité numéro un du personnel de l'hôtel.
{{GM}}Ground floor: Club.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rez de chaussée: Le club.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}First floor: Hotel.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Premier étage: Hôtel.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Second floor: Employees Only.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Second étage: Réservé aux employés.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Third floor: Hotel.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Troisième étage: Hôtel.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Fourth floor: Hotel.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Quatrième étage: Hôtel.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Top floor: Penthouse Suite.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Dernier étage: Suite Penthouse.{{/GM}}
The elevator panel awaits your selection. Le panneau d'ascenseur attend votre sélection.
Contracts the adrenal glands, pumping the body full of adrenaline and noradrenaline. The user gains +1 AP for 4 RNDS.
Next to some ancient but still-functional ventilation intake fans is a panel labeled "Ventilation Controls."

It contains a row of four red plastic buttons labeled 1-4. The light above number $(scene.ActiveGasArea) is currently lit.

There is a lever labeled "Manual Bypass" next to the panel.
{{GM}}Press Button 1.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Press Button 2.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Press Button 3.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Press Button 4.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Pull the manual bypass lever.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}You hear an electric motor come to life somewhere, then quickly fall silent. The display flickers, and the number $(scene.ActiveGasArea) lights up.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The air begins to stir, then develops into a stronger pull of air as air is sucked rapidly though the large circular vent. The light above number $(scene.ActiveGasArea) is currently lit on the adjacent panel.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Puncture the nerve gas container and place it in the intake.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Close the manual bypass.{{/GM}}
The gas is quickly sucked into the vent.
{{GM}}The air currents fade away to stillness as the vent closes.{{/GM}}
You look down to see a pair of bright eyes set into a scruffy face looking back up at you.

Dante. Monika's old dog.

Looking down into those huge brown eyes, you see intelligence and sadness.		 En baissant le regard, vous voyez une paire d'yeux luisant sur une gueule miteuse regardant derrière vous

Dante. Le vieux chient de Monika.

En regardant dans ses grands yeux marrons, vous y voyez de l'intelligence et de la tristesse.
On some instinctive level, he must know that his master is gone.

Dante lets out a small whine, then rubs his head against your leg.		 À un certain niveau instinctif, il doit savoir que sa maîtresse est morte.

Dante laisse échapper un petit gémissement, puis frotte sa tête contre votre jambe.
{{GM}}Pet him.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Caresser le.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Tell him to stay put.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Dites-lui de rester à sa place.{{/GM}}
Sit! Assis!
Play dead! Fais le mort!
He sits. Il s'assoit.
It seems that he doesn't know that one. Il semblerait qu'il ne connaisse pas ce tour.
Dante appears depressed. He looks at you sadly from time to time but doesn't attempt to gain your attention. Dante parait déprimé. Il vous regarde tristement de temps en temps mais ne cherche pas à attirer votre attention.
{{GM}}Apologize to Dante.{{/GM}} {{GM}}S'excuser auprès de Dante.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Continue to ignore him.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Continuer à l'ignorer.{{/GM}}
He looks up at you quizzically. Il vous regarde d'un air interrogateur.
{{GM}}Continue apologizing.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Continuer à s'excuser.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Scratch his head.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Lui gratter la tête.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Give up.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Laisser tomber.{{/GM}}
He wags his tail. Il remue la queue.
As you step forward, you find yourself gagging. The air in this room is saturated with a slaughterhouse smell, a smell like blood and bile and feces.

The stench of an abattoir.
Up ahead, you catch sight of something *sliding* into the world.

It looks like a charred man, with a pair of tortured faces where its shoulders should be. The thing burns like a Roman candle, spitting white-hot sparks in a fiery plume. An oily substance runs down between its dangling legs and spatters onto the floor, and where those drips land, they burn.
Behind the creature, a second thing lumbers into view. A wall of muscle, sinew, and burning pitch.

The things lurch toward you, leaving a trail of greasy smoke in their wake.
A piece of Watcher IC turns, flashing angrily. A rapid-fire sequence of lights pulse out a warning: "KEEP AWAY."
Check my credentials with your friend back there. Go on, I can wait.
{{GM}}A moment later, the Watcher IC flickers apologetically.{{/GM}}

SECONDARY SECURITY VERIFICATION :: APPROVED. SUPERUSER STATUS VERIFIED.

QUERY: HOW MAY I HELP YOU TODAY?
Just step aside, pal. I'm in a rush.
{{GM}}The program obediently moves aside.{{/GM}}

PROCEED, AND HAVE A PLEASANT DAY!
Don't mind if I do.
Ganger's Key
Key that dropped of the Arbeiter leader, Ullrich.
Glory glances up at the sound of your approach. She offers you a slight smile.
Glory looks up from her preparations at the sound of your approach. She offers you a slight smile.
$(l.name). You got us through the night alive.

Well done.
You're running off to find Harrow, I take it.
I don't know what happened to you at Feuerstelle, Glory. But whatever it was, I think that it's getting stronger.
You're headed off to Feuerstelle, aren't you?
Headed somewhere?
That's right. He's already gotten enough of a head start on me... wherever he's gone off to, it'll only get worse the longer I wait. So I'm headed out after him, and I'm leaving tonight.
Well, that settles it - I'll pack a bag. Where should we start looking?
I'll keep a seat warm in the safe house for you. Do you know when you'll be back?
{{GM}}She smiles at you. Her eyes are sad.{{/GM}}

"We" shouldn't.
Wait, what?
*I* will track Harrow down.

{{GM}}She taps herself on the chest.{{/GM}}

Myself, and the spirit that's bound to me. But as for you... I can't have you coming with me, $(l.name). Not this time.

Your place is here.
With all due respect, Glory, I'm the leader of this team. *I'm* the one who'll decide whether I can spare the time to help you or not.
Glory... I'm not a team leader anymore. There is no *team.* Amsel and Monika are dead, Eiger and Dietrich are leaving, and you're off to find Harrow.
You just said it yourself: you lead the team. They look to you for guidance, and leadership, and employment. You're the one who puts food on their tables.

You have a responsibility to them. They need you more than I do.
Tracking Harrow down isn't going to be quick, or easy. It could take years.

You, my friend, are a victim of your own success. You've become too important to this team - to the *Kreuzbasar* - to up and disappear.
The Heart of Feuerstelle and I share a common goal, and a common responsibility. We have to deal with Harrow - it's on *us* to stop him.

But you, $(l.name)... your responsibilities are here. And I can't let you walk away from them.
You're right. Harrow is your responsibility, and this place is mine.
I've never been big on responsibility. The Kreuzbasar and the team will get along fine without me.
I'm going with you, Glory. I'll follow you if I have to.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

I'm glad that we're agreed. And $(l.name)... I knew that you'd choose to do the right thing.
So will we see you again after you've dealt with Harrow?
Yeah, well. That's been going around lately.
You can bet on it. You haven't seen the last of me, $(l.name)... that's a promise.

I can't say how long it'll take, but I *will* come back to the Kreuzbasar, and to this team.
We'll be waiting. Good hunting, Glory.
{{GM}}She smiles.{{/GM}}

It has, hasn't it? After a lifetime of poor decisions and worse consequences, it's a nice change of pace.
{{GM}}She picks up her things to leave.{{/GM}}

When this job is done, I'll be back. You haven't seen the last of me, $(l.name)... that's a promise.

I can't say how long it'll take, but I *will* come back to the Kreuzbasar, and to this team.
{{GM}}That sad smile returns.{{/GM}}

Look, $(l.name). I appreciate everything that you've done for me... the talks, the encouragement, and the help in taking Feuerstelle down.

But this last leg of the journey... confronting Harrow and stopping him for good... that's something that the Spirit and I need to do on our own.
Understood. Good hunting, Glory.
We started this together. Don't finish it without me.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Thank you for understanding, $(l.name).
You're a good friend. I mean that, $(l.name)... I respect you greatly, and I trust you.

I hope that the feeling's mutual.
Of course it is.
Sure, but that's beside the point. I just want to finish what we started.
None of that matters, Glory. Tracking Harrow down is what's important. He's a monster, and he needs to pay for his crimes.
In that case, I'm asking you to trust me. The Spirit and I need to do this on our own.

I need you to respect that decision more than I need you to hold my hand through this.
If you really want to do this on your own, I won't try to change your mind.
I don't like it, but if that's what you really want, I won't stand in your way.
No. You're just being stubborn, Glory. You *need* me by your side.
I do. Thank you for understanding.
When the job is done, I'll be back. That's a promise.

I can't say how long it'll take, but you're going to see me again. I *will* come back to this team.
I'm going to hold you to that. Good hunting, Glory.
{{GM}}She offers you a parting smile.{{/GM}}

Thanks, $(l.name). For everything.
It is. And thank you for not making this more difficult than it had to be.
{{GM}}She sighs.{{/GM}}

This isn't about what I need at all. And I'm beginning to get the feeling that our talks never were.

This has always been about what *you* need.
{{GM}}She averts her eyes, then turns back to her packing.{{/GM}}

Tonight, I'm leaving the Kreuzbasar. I'm going to find Harrow and deal with him, however long it takes.

In time, I'll come back to this place - and, if you'll have me, to this team. But right now, I think it'd be best for us both if you said good-bye and walked away.
If that's the way you want it. Good-bye, Glory.
You're jumping to conclusions - blaming me for things that I didn't do. But if you want me to go, I'll go.
I don't like good-byes. So I'll catch you later, Glory.
{{GM}}She eyes you coolly.{{/GM}}

Good-bye, $(l.name).
{{GM}}The ghost of a smile flits across her face.{{/GM}}

Later, $(l.name).
I can appreciate that. But please understand that this is something I *want* to do on my own.

I'm asking you to trust me. I need that more than I need you to hold my hand through this.
You're right, and he does.

What I'm asking you to do is trust me. I need that more than I need you to hold my hand through this.
That's true. But you're more than just a team leader. Like it or not, you've filled Monika's shoes in more ways than one... the people of the Kreuzbasar look to you as a leader now.

Your responsibility is to them, not me. They've been through hell and back again, and they need you. You can't just abandon them.
Tracking Harrow isn't going to be easy. He could still be somewhere in Germany, but it's just as likely that he hopped a flight or booked passage on a container ship. If he did either of those things, he could literally be anywhere.

Maybe I'll find him tomorrow. Stranger things have happened. But it's more likely that it'll take months... maybe even years.
I could look through Amsel's old contact list if you want. It's a long shot, but maybe one of them could point you in the right direction.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

See what you can find. You know my commlink number.
Well, I guess that this is it for a while, then.
It is. But only for a while.

$(l.name)... your friendship means a lot to me. The team may be breaking up, but this isn't that. I wouldn't be leaving if I didn't have to, and I fully intend to come back.
I'd like that.
It is. But only for a while.

$(l.name)... your friendship means a lot to me. This *team* means a lot. I wouldn't be leaving if I didn't have to, and I fully intend to come back.
I'd like that. I'd be willing to bet that we all would.
I know. I'll be back as soon as the job's done, $(l.name)... that's a promise.
I'll hold you to that. Good hunting, Glory.
When you get back, you'll have to tell me about it over drinks. I'll buy.
{{GM}}She offers you a parting smile.{{/GM}}

Something else to look forward to. And thank you, $(l.name).

For everything.
You're right, it is. But I don't see how that's a bad thing.

{{GM}}She raises a sculpted hand to inspect it. The motion is casual, but something about it feels strangely menacing.

Slowly, the metal begins to glow - first red, then white.{{/GM}}
In fact, I think that this was an incredible stroke of luck. I finally have some of my magic back.

{{GM}}A smile slides across her face.{{/GM}}

I feel *fantastic.*
That's just it - I don't think that this is *your* magic. In fact, I'm sure that it isn't. And that's what worries me.
I thought that you didn't feel much anymore... that your cyberware interfered with your emotions. So what's changed?
Well, when you put it that way, it does sound like a net positive. Forget I said anything.
Why? This has *helped* us. What does it matter where it's coming from?

Besides which, I can control it. I can turn this thing off and on like a switch.
She makes a flicking motion with her hand, and the glow dies.

Glory smiles.
See? Nothing to worry about.

{{GM}}You hear satisfaction in her voice - satisfaction, and arrogance.{{/GM}}
You picked this power up in the Adversary's domain. I don't think that you are controlling it, Glory... I think that *it* is changing *you.*
You've long since earned my respect. If you say that you can handle this, then I believe you.
I've gotta admit, that was pretty neat. All right, consider the subject dropped.
{{GM}}She snaps at you, her voice overflowing with irritation.{{/GM}}

Think what you like. I *like* this change, and I don't want it to go away.

You, on the other hand, can go whenever you please.
I'm not telling you all of this to make you angry. I'm doing it because I'm worried about you.
All right, the hell with this. You want me gone, I'm gone.
{{GM}}Her expression softens.{{/GM}}

You're sweet, $(l.name). But don't worry.

I'm going to be just fine.
If you say so. But I'm gonna keep checking in on you, just in case.
All right, Glory. Whatever is happening to you, I'm going to trust that you can handle it.
As you turn to leave, a strange sensation flits across your consciousness. Through you.

It might just be your imagination. It's *probably* your imagination.

But that doesn't stop your knees from going weak or your stomach from churning.
{{GM}}You turn back to see Glory smiling at you.{{/GM}}

Of course. Come by any time, $(l.name)... and try not to worry so much.
You feel the sensation again - tiny, and fleeting, but there. You feel it in your chest, even if only for a moment.

Hundreds of faint, fluttering wings.
{{GM}}The smile remains on her face.{{/GM}}

I can control it. Like I said.

{{GM}}She turns away.{{/GM}}

Everything is going to be just fine.
{{GM}}She nods appreciatively.{{/GM}}

Thank you, $(l.name). Your friendship... and your *trust*... well, they mean a lot to me.
Likewise.
Think nothing of it. I've got your back, Glory - no matter what.
Just doing my job, Glory. I do my best to get to know everybody on the team.
{{GM}}She smiles.{{/GM}}

It was a hell of a day, wasn't it? I was thinking of stepping out and grabbing a drink to wind down... you'd be welcome to join me if you like.
Deal. I'll catch you at Der Weinkeller, say, in a half an hour?
I'll take a rain check... it's been a big day, like you said.
{{GM}}You turn back to see Glory smiling at you.{{/GM}}

Sounds like a plan. I'll see you there.
{{GM}}She turns away.{{/GM}}

First round's on me.

I'm sure that we'll both have a lot to talk about.
{{GM}}Her smile dips, but only for a moment.{{/GM}}

Fair enough. Take care of yourself, $(l.name).
As you turn to leave, a strange sensation flits across you. Through you.

It might just be your imagination. It's *probably* your imagination.

But that doesn't stop your knees from going weak or your stomach from churning.
{{GM}}You turn back to see Glory smiling at you.{{/GM}}

You take *good* care.
Glory...?
Yeah... I'd noticed. That's the sign of a good leader, $(l.name).

We're all lucky to have you.
And now, if you'll excuse me, I have some things to attend to. You take care, okay?
Yeah, Glory. You, too.
{{GM}}Her expression softens.{{/GM}}

Sorry, $(l.name). I know that you're concerned. But really, there's no need to be.

I'm going to be just fine.
I've found closure. Harrow is dead.

Reason enough to be happy, I should think.
Sure... but all of the cultists died, too. It's as if you've stopped caring about that.
Fair enough, I guess. If you're happy with all of these changes, I'll stop bugging you about them.
No, I haven't stopped caring... but I just don't...

{{GM}}Her voice trails off. A few seconds later, she shrugs her shoulders.{{/GM}}

I don't know what to say. You're right, I probably shouldn't be feeling the way that I feel, but who cares? It feels *wonderful.*
Something is wrong here, Glory. Very wrong.
Y'know what? You deserve to feel good for a change. Let's drop this and move on.
{{GM}}She frowns.{{/GM}}

So you keep saying. But I'll tell you again - nothing is wrong here. Whatever this is, wherever this power is coming from, I can control it.

Look. I can turn this thing off and on like a switch.
{{GM}}She grins.{{/GM}}

I'm glad that we're both on the same page. And I mean that... I'm really, genuinely glad.

You get me, $(l.name). More than anyone else on the team, you understand what makes me tick. I hope that you know how much that means to me.
{{GM}}A sudden peal of laughter gusts out of her. The sound of it is lovely.{{/GM}}

I'm glad that we're both on the same page. And I mean that - I'm really, genuinely glad.

You get me, $(l.name). Your friendship... and your *trust*... well, they mean a lot to me.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

That's right. You've convinced me that it's something that needs doing... I owe you for that.
Well, what are we waiting for? I'll go get my things.
In that case, best of luck. I'll hold down the fort here with the others.
I've had a lot of time to think about this, $(l.name). And I've decided that this is something I need to do on my own.
Are you sure? I'm willing to go with you. Hell, I *want* to go with you.
If that's the way you feel, I won't stand in your way.
Yes, I'm sure.

Maybe if you'd approached me about it earlier, things would have been different. But this is my fight... *my* responsibility. And I'm not afraid to face it anymore.
So you're not afraid. That's good. Doesn't mean that you couldn't use the help.
If things go south on the run, you'll be sorry that I'm not there.
All right, Glory. I give in. Go face Harrow on your own... but be careful.
A fair point. But I'm still going to decline.

Don't worry, $(l.name). I can do this. And once I've finished, I'm coming back.
All right, Glory. Good hunting.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Thank you, $(l.name). For everything.
Don't worry, $(l.name). I will.

And once I've finished, I'm coming back... that's a promise.
{{GM}}She breathes a sigh of relief.{{/GM}}

Good. I'm glad that you aren't fighting me over this... for what it's worth, your support means a lot to me.
Good. I was hoping you'd say that... you've more than earned the rest, and I've already decided that I need to do this on my own.
Harrow and Feuerstelle are my responsibility. I don't need anyone else to hold my hand through dealing with them - that time has passed.

I'm not afraid to face this anymore. I can *do* this. And once I've finished, I'm coming back to this team.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

That's right. I have a job to do. Something that I'd rather not discuss.
I could give you a hand with this mystery job if you want.
Thanks, but no. What I have to do... well, it's a long story, and I don't have time to explain it now.
All right, Glory. I give in. Go do your thing, whatever it is.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Thanks.
Don't worry about me, $(l.name). What I have to do... I can handle it on my own, and it's my own responsibility anyway.

As soon as I've finished doing what I have to do, I'll be back. It shouldn't take long.
Good. And don't worry... as soon as I'm finished with what I'm doing, I'll be back.
Ventilation Map Diagram
There are four numbered vents shown on the scan of the diagram as well as an area marked “Intake Bypass”. This seems to be a reference diagram with no compass directions or other landmarks.


Vent 1 is labeled “Firing Range”.


Vent 1 is next to Vent 2 which is labeled “Bulk Storage”.


Vent 3 is next to Vent 2 has the label “CIC”.


Off a bit from the others is Vent 4 labeled “Administration”.

“Intake Bypass” is square at the bottom of the diagram off by itself.
>>>Enter Storage Entry Code
Enter override code.
1247
>>Override Accepted
Hmmm... an activation bit. Time to go find a socket to plug it into.
{{GM}}Monika's panicked voice pours out through the facility's speakers.{{/GM}}

One of my security nodes has been reactivated, ace! You'll have to regain control of it before I can continue freeing myself!
{{GM}}APEX's voice pulses out over the facility's speakers.{{/GM}}

ONE OF MY SECURITY NODES HAS BEEN REACTIVATED.

YOU MUST REGAIN CONTROL OF IT BEFORE I CAN CONTINUE TO FREE MYSELF!
{{GM}}APEX's voice pulses out over the facility's speakers.{{/GM}}

MY MINIONS ARE DISABLING YOUR RIDICULOUS PURGE AS WE SPEAK.

YOU WERE FOOLISH TO REJECT MY OFFER, PREY.
Bedtime Treat
A doggy sedative. Incoming DMG is reduced by 2, and Quickness -1 for 5 RNDS.
Bedtime Treat: Incoming DMG -2, Quickness -1
Cheap Booze
Cheap but potent alcohol.
{{GM}}Maxim wipes his face with a handkerchief. The cloth comes away wet with blood-streaked sweat.{{/GM}}

Well. That was... unpleasant. All a part of the job, though, eh?
You tell me. You're the big-time smuggler. I'm just hired muscle, remember?
Sad, but true.
I've gotta admit, $(l.name)... this attack has made me nervous. We're running late, we're low on ammo, and there's no time to call for reinforcements.

Whichever way you slice it, we won't be going into this meet at our best.
When we roll up on the meeting site, be ready. We may need the element of surprise if negotiations go south.
Agreed. That ambush was more than a little convenient.
You just worry about getting us paid. I can handle myself.
Gotcha, Maxim. Good shooting back there, by the way.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Couldn't have said it better myself.
Yeah, I can see that. And don't worry about it.

You'll get what's coming to you.
Thanks.

{{GM}}He turns his back on you and begins walking back to the van.{{/GM}}

Kiss-ass.
Yeah, well, trust me. It happens.

I'm just glad that I had you here to cover me. Always good to have a competent $(l.man) at your back.
Maxim pauses for a moment before continuing.
WARNING! AUTHORIZED ACCESS ONLY.

UNAUTHORIZED INDIVIDUALS WILL BE FIRED UPON.
The drones' weapons begin tracking you.
{{GM}}Attack the drones.{{/GM}}
Hovering silently, the drones sweep their optical sensors over your stolen ID badge.

A few seconds later, a synthesized voice chirps out of the nearest drone's speaker grille.
LEVEL 2 AUTHORIZATION DETECTED: PROCEED.
{{GM}}The guard's stance shifts slightly as you approach.{{/GM}}

Can I help you?
Yeah, could you open the door to the utility area? We have some work to do in there.
No, sir. We'll be on our way.
{{GM}}You can't read the guard's expression through his mirrored face mask, but his body language makes it clear that he's staring at you.{{/GM}}

This door is security coded, Delta-grade. Your ID says that you're just a Theta. So no, I can't open the door.
You're not listening. We have work to do in there.
I heard $(l.him) loud and clear, mop-jockey. Now *you* listen to *me.* Nobody without Delta clearance gets through this door, period.

I'd suggest that you talk to management. If you really do need to be in here, they'll upgrade your clearance. Otherwise, piss off.
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Cool down, we're on the same side here. This is a Dispatch problem, I'm sure of it... I don't envy you guys having to work with them every day.
Sorry about that. We'll be on our way.
{{GM}}Attack him.{{/GM}} Sorry, but we're on a tight schedule.
{{GM}}The guard's shoulders relax.{{/GM}}

Yeah, I hear ya. I swear, it's amazing that anyone gets anything done at all around here.

Tell you what. You don't need to go all the way back to management... just call in and get your clearance changed. I'll let you guys in as soon as the authorization comes through.
{{/CC}}{{CC}}Etiquette: Security{{/CC}} Nah, I'd better go take care of this in person. But one thing before I go... instead of this week's protocols, they sent us out with *last* week's. Anything change since then?
My commlink's down... I'll need to use the one around the corner. Thanks for everything, man.
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Unbelievable. Y'know, it makes my blood boil to think of how much money they make... it's people like you and me that actually keep this place *running.* And yet, the idiots at Dispatch pull in triple what we do for sitting on their asses and fouling everything up.
Right there with you, man. Now, about those protocols...
Yeah, let's see... they changed the Emergency Assistance Code from "November" to "Indigo."

I think that's it, everything else should be the same from last week.
"Indigo." Yeah, thanks. Now I'd better head back to Management to get that clearance issue sorted.
{{GM}}He nods sagely.{{/GM}}

Best of luck, pal. Do us all a favor and call out those idiots at Dispatch... not that it'll do any good.

On second thought, don't bother saying anything. They'd just wind up getting another raise.
Don't I know it. Take care of yourself.
{{GM}}He tilts his head.{{/GM}}

Catch you later.
Yeah. You do that.
Have a good one, then.
You again? What do you need?
Look, are you sure that you can't open that door? We'll only be a second.
Nothing - just passing by. Take it easy.
Your ID still says "Theta." So no, I can't open the door.

Sorry, pal. Rules are rules, and breaking this one is a firing offense. I can't do it.
That's far enough, friend.

{{GM}}An older man raises his hand, squinting as you approach. To his left, a young ork shifts his weight, resting one hand casually on a pistol at his hip.

Both are dressed in what might be considered uniforms, but it is hard to tell for sure.{{/GM}}
We don't get many visitors down here, these days.

And you'll forgive me for saying, but... well, you don't really look like the type that usually comes through here.
$+(l.he) looks fed, for one thing.
{{GM}}The older man snorts.{{/GM}}

Indeed. So what brings you to Gesundbrunnen, stranger?
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Lie{{/GM}} I'm visiting from the Rhine-Ruhr-Megaplex, and my friend Hans said the market here is second to none. I had to come see for myself!
{{GM}}Lie{{/GM}} I'm just passing through. Thought I'd check out the market here.
I'm from the Kreuzbasar. We think a gang in these parts calling themselves the Rabengeister hijacked a shipment belonging to us. You hear about anything like that?
{{GM}}The older man smiles sadly.{{/GM}}

Well, maybe a few years ago that was true. These days... well, it's hard times all around, I suppose.

But you're welcome to go on in, of course! Customers are always welcome.
Oh, and talk to Quorin if you want to hear some good stories about the market, back in its prime. He's always happy to share a tale or two.

{{GM}}The older man steps aside.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The two guards exchange glances.{{/GM}}

Of course, of course. Customers are always welcome. Head on in.

{{GM}}The older man steps aside.{{/GM}}
Watch your step on the ladder there. Some of the steps get slippery when it's cold.
Say, have you heard anything about a gang hiding out around here? A group calling themselves the Rabengeister?
A gang, eh?

{{GM}}The man looks over at his partner, then back at you warily. After a moment, he steps slowly back in front of the entrance.{{/GM}}
No... we keep security pretty tight around here. If a gang like that was running stuff through here, we'd know about it.

Now look, we don't want any trouble around here. On second thought, maybe you should just move along and catch the next train back.
Come to think of it, the market's closing pretty soon, anyway.
A gang, eh?

{{GM}}The man looks over at his partner, then back at you warily.{{/GM}}
No... we keep security pretty tight around here. If a gang like that was running stuff through here, we'd know about it.

Now look, we don't want any trouble. Why don't you just move along and catch the next train back?
If you’ve got nothing to hide, why don't you let me in?
Can I look around at least?
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} The last thing I want is to cause any trouble... You look like you have to deal with more than enough of that. Do you mind if I just take a quick look around?
{{GM}}The older man fixes you with a hard stare.{{/GM}}

Not going to happen, stranger. Now I think it's time you let us be.
{{GM}}The older man fixes you with a hard stare.{{/GM}}

I don't think that's a good idea, stranger. Now, I think it's time you let us be.
{{CC}}Strength: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} Come on. Are *you* really going to stop $(scene.str_MeOrUs)?
{{CC}}¥100{{/CC}} Maybe we can work out a deal. How about 100 nuyen for your trouble?
I’ve had enough of this. {{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}}
Err… no.

{{GM}}The older man hesitates, sighs, and steps aside.{{/GM}}
But watch yourself.

If you cause a scene looking for this gang of yours, there's more to our little militia here than you want to mess with.
{{GM}}The older man tries to keep his face neutral, but you can tell you've gotten his attention.{{/GM}}

Oh, so you think you can just buy us off? Is that it?
You guys could use the nuyen, I could use a look around. It's as simple as that.
{{GM}}The guards exchange glances again. Then, the man lowers his eyes, muttering something under his breath.{{/GM}}

Fine. Make it 200.
Each.
{{CC}}¥400{{/CC}} Deal.
{{CC}}¥200{{/CC}} I'll go up to 200. That's all I can afford.
{{CC}}¥100{{/CC}} It's 100 nuyen. You can take it or leave it.
{{GM}}The younger ork eagerly snatches the credstick from your hand. The older man sighs, then steps aside.{{/GM}}
200 will do. Sad to say, we really need the money around here.

{{GM}}The man reaches out reluctantly to take the credstick from your hand, then steps aside.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The man narrows his eyes at you for a long moment.

Finally, he reaches out wordlessly to take the credstick from your hand, then steps aside.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The guards exchange glances again. After a moment, the old man steps aside.{{/GM}}

Well... all right. I suppose there’s no harm in that.
Just watch yourself, okay?

If you cause a scene looking for this gang of yours, there's more to our little militia here than you want to mess with.
I think we made it pretty clear, stranger. You're not welcome here.

Now move along.
{{GM}}There is a loud burst of static from your commlink.{{/GM}}

That takes care of that! All locked up tight, and you should be clear to make your exit.
Thank God for that.

I hate to admit it, Blitz, but you did good back there.
Hey, thanks, Hasenkamp. Uh, yeah, you too.

Now, you two ready to get out of there?
Do you even have to ask?
All right. Let's see what we can do about that...

{{GM}}There is a long pause. Then Blitz's voice crackles out of your PDA's speakers.{{/GM}}

Uh... head for the front door this time, though. Not the alley.
Wha--
Bu--
Wou--
Just go with me on this, chief. The door that you came in through is no good. You want to go out the front.

There's a terminal that I'll need you to access... one more button to press. Do that, and we're home free.
All right, Blitz... the front door it is.
I still don't see why--
Good! And, uh... make sure that Hasenkamp comes with you.

Gotta make sure that box makes it back to Grinder.
Please. $(l.name). Just trust me on this.

And, uh... make sure that Hasenkamp comes with you. We've gotta make sure that box makes it back to Grinder.
The safe is locked with a similar key-swipe lock to the door panels. Le coffre-fort est verrouillé avec une serrure électronique similaire à ceux des panneaux de porte.
The safe chirps and the door swings open. Un bip de sécurité retenti et la porte s'ouvre.
Enter the sewers? Entrer dans les égouts?
{{GM}}Assemble the team and head in.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rassembler l'équipe et avancer.{{/GM}}
You are about to enter the sewers. Continue?
{{GM}}Stay here.{{/GM}} {{GM}}Rester ici.{{/GM}}
Dante lifts his head and looks up at you mournfully. The feral aggression is gone from his eyes. He’s changed - you can see it - but he’s still Dante.
So…$(l.name)... Dante was very helpful out there… but… I am a bit concerned about his...
Fire-breathing? Pretty cool trick, don’t you think?
Don’t worry about it, Dietrich. It’s under control.
Ability to petrify people that he doesn’t like and then rend their flesh with tooth and claw? Yeah, that bothers me, too.
It is handy. That’s not hard to argue.
He’s not a normal dog. Not by a long shot. Is he possessed?
I assume you’ve checked his aura and discovered he’s part hellhound. Monika trained him for months to be combat ready.
He’s part hellhound. Monika trained him for months to be combat ready.
We had a hellhound in the house, and Monika didn’t tell us? For MONTHS?
$(l.name) has him under control. Dante performed well in the field. Followed commands flawlessly. I have no concerns.
Dante stays with me. Where I run, he runs.
Jury’s still out on Dante. I may decide to use him later.
Welcome to the team, Dante.
The hackers' terminal has clearly been cobbled together using whatever parts they could find. In spite of this, it's a remarkably impressive piece of machinery.

Studying the terminal, it takes almost no time to identify the components that Parson sent you to find.
{{GM}}Take the signal converter.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Examine the terminal to see if the signal converter can be removed without disabling it.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Impulse Transmitter{{/CC}} {{GM}}Modify the impulse transmitter and replace the signal converter with it.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The decker standing behind you notices you rifling the parts from his terminal. He lets out a shout of dismay.{{/GM}}

Hey! They're trying to screw us over! Get them!
At the moment, it is impossible to remove the part without disabling the terminal. The converter is required so that the signal the terminal sends can be interpreted by the datajack of its user.
{{CC}}Intelligence: 5{{/CC}} Perhaps a more common part could be modified.
{{CC}}Decking: 8{{/CC}} {{GM}}Attempt to bypass the parts and keep the terminal active.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Have your teammate examine the terminal to see if the parts can be replaced.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}You can't make heads or tails of the inner workings of the terminal. Let it alone.{{/GM}}
The converter is a pretty specialized piece of hardware. But a datajack impulse transmitter is a widely available piece of equipment, and could be converted to work in its place.
{{GM}}Take the signal converter anyway.{{/GM}}
It takes a bit of doing, but with your expert level of knowledge, you reprogram the terminal's signal transmitter so that it sends out a preconverted signal.

The converter is no longer required, so you remove it.
After a few minutes of work, the transmitter is modified and installed. You now have the converter, and the terminal is still working.
Pump & Turbine Maintenance
A manual found on the body of a worker in the sewers.
The gaunt woman paws at the glass at your approach, her haunted yellow eyes tracking your every move. When you activate the intercom, a green light activates inside the containment cell, and she flinches up at it, startled.
You okay in there?
So you're an ancient dragon, huh?
Feuerschwinge?
A small voice whispers through lips that barely move. It sounds hoarse and awkward, like a rusty lock.
Help...

...please...

...help.
You don't look much like a dragon.
How do I free you? I don't see an instrument panel for this cell.
How do I get out of this room, Feuerschwinge?
Free me...

...please...

...you must.
Let's think this through, boss. Be careful.
Feuerschwinge. Try and focus.
Is that girl still inside you, Feuerschwinge? Are you alone in there?
Can you understand me?
Must... stay... aloft.

Ride the thermals...

...make the wind work... for me.

So tired... soverytirednow.
{{GM}}Her yellow eyes lock on yours. Focus hard.{{/GM}}

FREE ME, VAUCLAIR. FREE ME OR BURN.
I'm not Vauclair.
Crazy woman is crazy.
Take it easy. I want to help you.
{{GM}}Realization mixed with pity appears on Dietrich's face.{{/GM}}

My God. Feuerschwinge's astral form has been trapped in that woman for forty years.

And she's been confined to this cage for twenty.

That's torture.
{{GM}}He turns to you, conflicted.{{/GM}}

Nothing deserves this, $(l.name).

But all the same... we can't just set her free.
{{GM}}At the sound of the word "free," the woman's eyes open wide, and she presses her hands to the glass.{{/GM}}

Free yes free FREE!

FREE ME AND I WILL RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN.

AND I WILL SLEEP UNTIL THE NEXT AGE OF THIS WORLD.

AND I WILL NOT HARM ANOTHER SOUL JUST FREE ME FREE ME FREEEEE
{{GM}}As quickly as it appeared, her energy drains away.{{/GM}}

Must stay aloft...

...help you...

...grant you release from here...

...and you will repay in kind yes yes yes.

There is a panel in the floor...

...behind you...

...drop down into the guts of this place.

thegutsfindtheguts

by my body the machine break it break it break it
I'll find the machine and break it. You'll be free.
No promises, dragon.
{{GM}}Switch off the intercom and walk away.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Her small voice is barely audible.{{/GM}}

I'll be waiting.
{{GM}}A voice roars out of her, from somewhere deep inside the frail woman.{{/GM}}

FREE ME!

FREE ME, OR THE FLESH WILL BE RAKED FROM YOUR BONES!

BURN YOU TO CINDERS BURN YOU TO ASH BURN YOU TO NOTHING!!!

THIS I SWEAR, LITTLE $++(l.man)!
She seems angry.
Let's go.
I'd better be careful when I talk to dragons.
The woman's face lights up, and her yellow eyes turn to saucers.
Help? Help me?

{{GM}}Then her eyes seem to lose their focus. Her eyelids begin to droop.{{/GM}}

So tired...

... so hard to stay aloft.
Alone...

...alone on the wind.
Remember $(l.name), this is a dragon. Be careful.
Can you understand me?
Must... stay... aloft.

Ride the thermals...

...make wind work... for me.

So tired... soverytirednow.
{{GM}}Realization mixed with pity appears on Glory's face.{{/GM}}

My God. Feuerschwinge's astral form has been trapped in that woman for forty years.

And she's been confined to this cage for twenty.

That's torture.
{{GM}}She turns to you, conflicted.{{/GM}}

Nothing deserves this, $(l.name).

But all the same... we can't just set her free.
{{GM}}A voice roars out of her, from somewhere deep inside the frail woman.{{/GM}}

FREE ME!

FREE ME, OR THE FLESH WILL BE RAKED FROM YOUR BONES!

BURN YOU TO CINDERS BURN YOU TO ASH BURN YOU TO NOTHING!!!

THIS I SWEAR, LITTLE $++(l.man)!
Let's think this through, fearless leader. Be careful.
{{GM}}Realization mixed with pity appears on Eiger's face.{{/GM}}

My God. Feuerschwinge's astral form has been trapped in that woman for forty years.

And she's been confined to this cage for twenty.

That's torture.
Um, she looks a little nuts. And she's a dragon. Kind of a nutty dragon.

So... uh... be careful.
Her yellow eyes lock on yours. Focus hard.
FREE ME, VAUCLAIR. FREE ME OR BURN.
I'm not sure anything deserves this. But I'm not sure I can just set you free.
{{GM}}Realization appears on Blitz's face.{{/GM}}

Jeez. Feuerschwinge's astral form has been trapped in that woman for forty years?

And she's been in this cage for something like twenty?

Isn't that torture or something?
{{GM}}He turns to you.{{/GM}}

Nothing deserves that, $(l.name).

But we can't just let her free. She's a dragon. And she's nuts.
At the sound of the word "free," the woman's eyes open wide, and she presses her hands to the glass.
Free yes free FREE!

FREE ME AND I WILL RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN.

AND I WILL SLEEP UNTIL THE NEXT AGE OF THIS WORLD.

AND I WILL NOT HARM ANOTHER SOUL JUST FREE ME FREE ME FREEEEE
My God. Feuerschwinge's astral form has been trapped in that woman for forty years.

And she's been confined to this cage for twenty.

That's torture.
Feuerschwinge's astral form has been trapped in this woman for forty years.

And she's been confined to this cage for twenty.

That's torture.
{{GM}}She turns to you.{{/GM}}

Nevertheless... we can't just set her free.
{{GM}}She turns to you, conflicted.{{/GM}}

I'm not sure anything deserves this, $(l.name).

All the same... we can't just set her free.
Help? Help me?

{{GM}}Her eyes lose their focus. Her eyelids begin to droop.{{/GM}}

So tired...

... so hard to stay aloft.
I'm not Vauclair. But I don't think I should just set you free.
Free yes free FREE!
FREE ME AND I WILL RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN.

AND I WILL SLEEP UNTIL THE NEXT AGE OF THIS WORLD.

AND I WILL NOT HARM ANOTHER SOUL JUST FREE ME FREE ME FREEEEE
As quickly as it appeared, her energy drains away.
Must stay aloft...

...help you...

...grant you release from here...

...and you will repay in kind yes yes yes.
A voice roars out of her, from somewhere deep inside the frail woman.
FREE ME!

FREE ME, OR THE FLESH WILL BE RAKED FROM YOUR BONES!

BURN YOU TO CINDERS BURN YOU TO ASH BURN YOU TO NOTHING!!!

THIS I SWEAR, LITTLE $++(l.man)!
Help? Help me?

{{GM}}her eyes lose their focus. Her eyelids begin to droop.{{/GM}}

So tired...

... so hard to stay aloft.
The guts... find the guts... by my body.

A machine... a machine that keeps me trapped in this jarthisbubblethisprison...

break it break it break it
I can't get to the guts unless I can get out of this room.
Sorry, sweetheart. We're just as stuck as you are.
I want to help you, but this place is sealed tight.
I know a way...

...to free yourself...

...then you help me...

A deal... a deal if you agree to free me.
Okay, deal. You help me, and I'll help you.
{{GM}}The woman nods enthusiastically.{{/GM}}

I will help you...

...grant you release...

...and you will repay me in kind yes yes you can escape from this room there is a panel in the floor there is...
You can drop down...

...find your way into the guts of this place...

...there by my body is the machine break it break it break it...
Got it. I'll break the machine.
I know a way...

...to free yourself...

...then you help me...

A deal... a deal if you agree to free me.
Let's think this through, $(l.name). Be careful.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} Oh, sure. I'll help you. Promise.
Tell you what, you help me out of here, and I'll... see what I can do.
Let's think this through, chief. Be careful.
{{GM}}Dietrich studies the woman for a minute.{{/GM}}

I think... I think this is Feuerschwinge. Vauclair must've trapped her astral form in that woman.
He checks the data readout on the terminal next to the woman.
Oh, my God. He's kept her in this thing for twenty years. At least.

There's nothing but a reptile brain left in the dragon down there.
{{GM}}Eiger studies the woman for a minute.{{/GM}}

Look at her, boss. I think this is Feuerschwinge. Vauclair must've trapped her astral form in that woman.
She checks the data readout on the terminal next to the woman.
He's kept her in this thing for twenty years, at least.

There's probably nothing but a reptile brain left in the dragon down there.
{{GM}}Glory studies the woman for a minute.{{/GM}}

Look at her eyes, $(l.name). I think this is Feuerschwinge. Vauclair must've trapped her astral form in that woman.
He's kept her in this containment unit for twenty years, at least.

There's probably nothing but a reptile brain left in the dragon down there.
{{GM}}Blitz studies the woman for a minute.{{/GM}}

Look at her eyes, $(l.name). I think this is Feuerschwinge. Vauclair must've trapped her astral form in that woman.
Oh man. He's kept her in this containment unit for something like twenty years.

There's probably nothing but a reptile brain left in the dragon down there.

A big, freaking reptile brain.
You stare into the frail woman's yellow eyes. Check the data readout on the terminal next to her: "Astral Containment Chamber."
A quick scroll of the data tells you that the subject has been kept in this containment unit for over twenty years.

A bit further down, you find it - "Subject: Feuerschwinge." Whoever is in that chamber, she has the astral form of a dragon inside her. There's probably nothing but a reptile brain left in the body.
Signal Converter
The datajack part that Janet stole from Parson.
So the dragon has a killer AI in charge of security.

I can't say I'm surprised. But then, nothing surprises me anymore.
We know what killed Monika. We have a name for it, an' we know how to kill it.

That's good enough for me.
We know what we have to do.

We can either stand around talking about it, or we can go do it.
Hang on, Glory. We still have that... business... out at Feuerstelle to take care of. Maybe we should do that first.
We'll take care of the AI, but Eiger and I have some business out in Schattennest to take care of first.
Blitz, is that loan shark still giving you trouble? Maybe we should take care of that first...
Agreed. We shut down APEX, then we re-enter the estate and rescue Vauclair. He’s the key to this whole thing.
Right now, I don't care what the Firewing is planning. I just want to get some payback for Monika.
All I care about is getting us through this without any more casualties. We've lost enough already.
{{GM}}She pauses.{{/GM}}

Yes. If we're going to take care of that, we should do it now... and you should probably tackle any other outstanding tasks that you might have as well.

Once we confront APEX, we'll be committed to seeing the rest of this through. No hesitation, and no turning back.
She's right, boss. But whatever you still have to do, be quick about it, okay?

We know what we've gotta do. I don't wanna sit here at home, wringin' my hands, when I could be out there doing it.
Don't worry, Dietrich. We'll get this over with as quickly as we can.

In the meantime, perhaps we should work out what we're going to do about APEX. While $(l.name) and I are indisposed, the rest of you can start gearing up for the assault.
{{GM}}Eiger gestures at your mission computer.{{/GM}}

Alice said that the kill switch is located in some old S-K facility. Assuming that the site was shut down sometime after the APEX project "disappeared," it could have stood empty for years. Maybe decades.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

It shouldn't take long. Normally I wouldn't advocate deviating from our mission, but this is urgent... especially given what happened here in the attack.
We'll take your word for it.

While you're at it, you should probably tackle any other outstanding business that you might have as well. Once we confront APEX, we'll be committed to seeing the rest of this through... no hesitation, and no turning back.
She's right. Just do your thing, boss... we'll hold down the fort until you're finished.

But before you go, let's talk about how we're going to approach this. While you two are out in Schattennest, the rest of us can start gearin' up for the assault.
Well, uh... yeah. Meat Grinder hasn't gone away on his own, or anything.
"Meat Grinder"?
It's a long story. But the chief and I are gonna get it taken care of in a jiffy.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Just make it quick. If you have any other outstanding business, $(l.name), I'd recommend that you take care of that now as well.

Once we confront APEX, we'll be committed to seeing the rest of this through. No hesitation, and no turning back.
Sounds good to me. But before you go, we should talk about how we're going to approach this. While you two are out doin' your thing, the rest of us can start gearing up for the assault.
Sounds like a plan, boss.
I still say that all of this is crazy talk, chief. Taking on an AI isn't just a bad idea... it's *suicide.*

So my vote is to cut and run.
{{GM}}Blitz surveys the rest of the group. Sees the determination in their faces. Finally, he sighs.{{/GM}}

...But if you're really doing this, you'll want the best decker you can find along for the ride. And I guess that nominates... me.

Woo.
Alice said that the kill switch is located in some old S-K facility. Assuming that the site was shut down sometime after the APEX project "disappeared," it could have stood empty for years. Maybe decades.
She also said that the building was in gang territory now. I wonder if it'll be anything like Das Kesselhaus was...
God, I hope not.
There's only one way to find out. Let's get prepped.

This thing isn't going to kill itself.
And don't forget, boss... we're takin' on an AI here. I'd recommend bringing the best cyberdeck that you can afford.

Somethin' tells me that we're gonna need all the firepower that we can get.
{{GM}}Blitz glances at you. The worry is painted all over his face.{{/GM}}

I can't believe I'm saying this, but you'd better bring me along.

You try going up against an AI without a novahot decker at your side, and you're probably going to regret it.
And don't forget, boss... we're taking on an AI here. Might not be a bad idea to bring a skilled decker along... I know there's one for hire around here.

It's hard to say what we'll be up against.
{{GM}}Eiger begins her weapons check.{{/GM}}

Improvise, adapt, overcome. Whatever's there, we’ll deal with it.

First, we find our way into the basement...
{{GM}}She peers through the scope on her sniper rifle.{{/GM}}

...And then we kill the AI that killed Monika.
Damn right.
The team breaks to begin gearing up.

As she slides a shell into her shotgun, Eiger catches your eye.
You did good out there, defending the Kreuzbasar. You’ve had our backs the entire way - made good decisions.
Are we gonna hug now?
In this job, we work together or die alone.
I appreciate that. Now you need to forgive yourself. You weren’t out of position, Eiger, and you know it.
{{GM}}Eiger snorts.{{/GM}}

I don’t think so. Don’t want to hurt you.
C'mon, you two. We've got a job to get ready for.
{{GM}}Eiger snorts.{{/GM}}

Oh, you want some of this?

At least you can take it. I’d probably break the others.
{{GM}}Eiger scowls at the floor. Nods.{{/GM}}

True. You're right... again.
{{GM}}Eiger scowls at the floor.{{/GM}}

Thanks. Can’t do it.

But thanks.
Anyway. We should get back to it. We've got an AI to take out, after all.

{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, frowning.{{/GM}}

$(l.name)... do me a favor and keep your eyes open on this one. We're walking into the unknown here. Makes me a little uneasy.
Don't worry, Eiger. I've got your back.
{{GM}}She smiles. Claps you on the shoulder.{{/GM}}

I know you do. And I've got yours.

You've more than earned it.
Stop it, you're making my mascara run.
Let's get to work.
You too, Eiger.
{{GM}}She smirks as she slides the shotgun into its sheath on her back.{{/GM}}

I have that effect on people sometimes.
Without another word, the troll slides her shotgun into the sheath on her back and turns to continue her pre-mission checklist.
Affirmative. And after we take down APEX, we're going to pay a little visit to Audran. We have a score to settle with him, too.
The only way to guarantee that is to kill the Firewing, $(l.name). And we can't do that without Vauclair.

The AI is standing between us and what we need. If we want to save our own lives, we're going to have to do something about APEX.
The reception area of the SCHERING Pharma AG lab looks normal enough. The synthleather couches were obviously designed more for appearance than for comfort, and the blue steel walls are gently illuminated with energy-efficient recessed lighting.

All in all, it's a perfect example of typical corporate design sensibilities: bland, generic, and safe. An overturned houseplant is the only sign that something might be amiss in the lab ahead.
You ready for this, boss? Accordin' to what Herr Fuchs told us, this entire complex is gonna be crawlin' with hired security.

It's gonna be a hell of a fight.
I've been itching for a stand-up fight. Let's do it.
I couldn't care less about the fight. I just want the paycheck.
We can handle it. Get ready, people.
You ready for this, fearless leader? According to what Herr Fuchs told us, this entire complex is gonna be crawling with hired security. I'm guessing Knight Errant, but we'll see.

It's gonna be a hell of a fight.
You ready for this, chief? According to what Herr Fuchs told us, this entire complex is gonna be crawling with hired security.

It's gonna be a hell of a fight.
You ready for this? According to what Herr Fuchs told us, this entire complex is crawling with hired security.

It's going to be one hell of a fight.
AUTHORIZATION CHECK FAILED. SECURITY VIOLATION IN PROGRESS.

TARGET ACQUIRED. LETHAL FORCE AUTHORIZED.
I'll follow your orders on a run, but we ain't friends, boss. Not anymore.

Now walk away.
{{GM}}Dietrich shakes his head. He looks furious.{{/GM}}

You left me behind. My fuckin' nephew was in that complex, and you *knew* it, and you *left* me.

His blood is on your hands. We both know it. And I've got nothin' more to say.
Sorry, Dietrich. I forgot that you'd asked to come along.
Go ahead. Blame me for spoiling your half-assed intervention. If you really cared about that kid, you'd have done something to help him a long time ago.
{{GM}}Walk away.{{/GM}} All right, Dietrich. If that's what you want.
{{GM}}He stares at you incredulously.{{/GM}}

You forgot? You *forgot?*

I *told* you how important this was. I *begged* you to bring me on that run. What else did you need, a fucking diagram?
Cool down, Dietrich. I said that I was sorry.
If your brother was such a terrible father, you shouldn't have left your nephew with him in the first place. This is on you, not me.
"Sorry" won't cut it, boss. Not for somethin' like this.

Whatever friendship we might have had, it's over. Now walk away.
Hang on. Does this mean that you're leaving the group?
No. I wouldn't abandon Glory an' Eiger like that. I don't cut and run.

But after this thing is done... after those two are out of danger... I'm out.
Now, please, boss... get the hell away from me.

I have a nephew to mourn.
{{GM}}His face goes beet red, and the cords stand out on the sides of his neck. He growls at you through clenched teeth.{{/GM}}

Walk away from me, boss. Right the fuck *now.*
I failed, boss. Alexander was my own blood, an' I failed him.

{{GM}}His gravely voice is full of grief.{{/GM}}

I never even made it into the compound. How could this have happened?
Bad luck, Dietrich. That's all it was.
I'm sorry about your nephew, man. I would've saved him if I could.
Time to face facts. You're getting too old for this line of work.
Yeah, there was some of that... but luck ain't everything.

Back in my glory days, I made my own luck. If I were still in my prime, I'd've beaten those Rammbock bastards into pulp, bad luck or no.

But now, I...
I know you would've. This isn't on you.

I'm the one who dropped the ball, an' poor Alexander wound up payin' the price.
Yeah, boss. I am.

Back in my glory days, I'd've beaten those Rammbock bastards into pulp. But now, I...
Everything is goin' to shit. My days as a runner are numbered, an' the number is gettin' smaller by the minute.

{{GM}}He squeezes his eyes shut and turns away.{{/GM}}

Now please, boss, do me a favor... leave me alone for a while. I have a nephew to mourn.
You really came through for me, boss. You ever need anything from me - anything at all - then you call on me.

I'll come runnin'.
How's Alexander holding up?
I'll be taking you up on that before this thing's over.
Don't worry about it, Dietrich. I'm just glad that everything worked out okay.
He's a good kid, that nephew of mine. Give him some time, and he'll shake Stahl's programming. It might take a while, but he'll adjust to life here in the Kreuzbasar.

In the meantime, I've found a good home for him. Samuel's agreed to take him in.
Is that wise? Samuel's employees have no love for Humanis... most of them don't even like humans.
Best thing for the kid will be to learn through immersion.

If he stays with Samuel's group, he'll have no choice but to interact with metahumans. Soon enough, he'll learn that they're no different than anyone else.
First few days'll be rough, no question. But he'll make it through, and come out the other side a better man for it.
He seems like a tough kid. I don't doubt that you're right.
Time will tell, I suppose.
You've done your part. It's on him now, one way or the other.
{{GM}}Dietrich claps you on the shoulder.{{/GM}}

You're a good $(l.man), boss.

On to other things... remember what I was tellin' you, back before we climbed into the van?
Yeah... you were saying that the Dragonslayer was happy, and that you'd been given a reward.
That's right. Thanks to our - let's not mince words - *heroic* actions back in that swine pit, the Dragonslayer has seen fit to grant me His favor.

{{GM}}His grin widens.{{/GM}}

And now I know what that means, and what I can do with it.
Well? Don't keep me in suspense.
{{GM}}He gestures at the ground near his feet.{{/GM}}

This.
As you watch, the spot that Dietrich is pointing at begins to glow. Lines of force spread out in a scintillating web, and a feeling of raw power suffuses your body.
I've just torn open a channel between myself and the Dragonslayer. That power that you feel is His power, pouring through the aether and into that spot.

If you're familiar with ley lines, it's the same basic concept... I consecrate a patch of ground, and as long as I stand in that spot, all of my magic gets stronger.
{{GM}}He crosses his arms over his chest.{{/GM}}

Not bad, huh?
What about another mage or shaman? Could someone else benefit from one of these channels, too?
No, Dietrich. Not bad at all.
I was kind of hoping for something with more bite to it. A fireball, a laser, something like that.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Don't see why not. Like I said, it's basically a ley line... as long as you're on the Dragonslayer's good side, I don't see why you couldn't use it.

My idol, He isn't stingy with His gifts.
Anyway, boss. I want to keep fiddling with this... learning to properly control it. And I'm sure that you've got things to do as well.

You take care of whatever else that needs doing, and by our next run, I'll be ready to use this.
Sounds good. Take care, Dietrich.
You, too, boss.
Pretty good, ain't it? Never heard of another shaman who could do something like this... we must've really made an impression.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

You don't question the Dragonslayer, boss. It's never a good idea.

Besides, if you can't see the utility of a thing like this, I don't know what to tell you.
Well, He has seen fit to grant me a new ability.

{{GM}}He gestures at the ground near his feet.{{/GM}}

Namely, this.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah, that's right - it will. And when push comes to shove, he'll do the right thing, just like he did with Stahl... you'll see.
{{GM}}He nods grimly.{{/GM}}

Yeah. That's right, it is.

And when push comes to shove, he'll do the right thing, just like he did with Stahl.
Now, on to other things... remember what I was tellin' you, back before we climbed into the van?
{{GM}}He grins.{{/GM}}

Wouldn't doubt it. I'd take a bullet for you, boss... I owe it to you. For Alexander's sake.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

It did. But it wouldn't have without your help.

Alexander's had a rough go of things so far in life. Thanks to you, I'll be able to give him a second chance.
We lost him. Alexander... he's dead.

{{GM}}He stares at his gnarled hands.{{/GM}}

I can't believe it. I... I failed him, boss.
Don't blame yourself. Blame Humanis.
Yeah, that could've gone better.
Not your fault, Dietrich. He failed himself when he chose to join those animals.
{{GM}}His voice comes out in a growl.{{/GM}}

Oh, I do. Trust me on that, boss.

The next one of those bastards I meet is gonna wish he was never born.
Do me a favor, boss?

Leave me alone for a while.
A lone figure stands in the U-Bahn station. Dietrich.

He raises a bottle at your approach, then tosses it away.
Figured I’d run into you here, boss.

Wanted to be sure that I caught you before you headed off.
{{GM}}He takes a deep breath, then slowly releases it. Looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

$(l.name)… we need to have a talk about this Humanis gig.
All right, but make it quick.
It isn't your place to tell me what I need to do.
Go ahead, Dietrich. I’m listening.
Christ's sake. Cut the bullshit, $(l.name).

I put my life on the line for you, and I don't ask for a lot in return. The least you can do is hear me out.
Fair enough. Say what you want to say, I'm listening.
Fine. Talk.
You're right. Sorry, Dietrich... I've been under a lot of pressure lately. Say whatever you wanted to say.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

All right. Well. There's a bit of history between me and Humanis.

I fought ‘em back in ’39, during the Night of Rage.
Pissy tonight, aren't we?

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

All right, I'll make this quick.
I fought Humanis, back in '39. The Night of Rage.

My boys and I helped to put down the riots. Put a lot of racist pigs in the hospital while we were at it.

A lot of good people died that night, but we took down some of the bad ones, too.
Let me guess. You want to come on the Humanis run so that you can finish the job.
Cut to the chase, Dietrich. I don't need your life story.
Why are you telling me all of this?
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

'Sokay, boss... I understand. It can't be easy tryin' to lead us through everything that's been happening.

I'll do my best to make this quick.
Well. I’ve got a history with Humanis.

I fought ‘em back in ’39, during the Night of Rage.
Hell of a thing, that was. I remember the terror, the senseless violence. The murdered children.

I remember this little dwarf boy… they stuffed his body in the gutter, $(l.name).

I can still see his face, all bruised and broken. To this day, it makes my blood boil.
Anyway. Long story short, we beat ‘em. Berlin’s punks and anarchists all came together, and we stomped the living drek out of those racist pigs.

A lot of good people died that night, but we put down some of the bad ones, too.
That’s part of it, sure. But it’s not the whole story.

I don’t just *want* to come on this run, boss… I *have* to come.
It’s my nephew, Alexander. He’s signed on with Humanis… driven to it by his worthless sack of a dad, no doubt.
I take it that his father... your brother... is a Humanis member, too?
Why would his father do that?
Nah. That'd take a level of conviction, a quality that he *thoroughly* lacks.

My best guess is that he's treating Humanis as a boarding school. They feed and house their recruits, and that's money that he'd rather spend on himself. So he dumped his boy off on them, never mind the fact that they're fascist swine.
{{GM}}Dietrich looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

I've gotta get Alexander out of there, $(l.name). Before it’s too late.

Those monsters are experts at warping young minds. It’s how their disgusting ideology propagates.
So I’m asking you, as a personal favor, to let me come along on the run. I have to get into that compound, $(l.name)... I *have* to find Alexander.

I have to turn him around before those animals make him do something unforgivable.
Of course, Dietrich. I wouldn’t keep you from something like this.
Screw that. If your nephew signed on with those monsters, he deserves what’s coming to him. No excuses.
I’ll keep it in mind, but I can’t make any promises.
Thanks, boss. Never doubted you’d bring me, of course… you’re too good a $(l.man) for that.

But it’s good to hear it, all the same.
Boss. Please reconsider. *Please.*

This is my *family* we’re talkin’ about here. He’s just a *kid.* And I can't do this myself.
All right, Dietrich. If it's that important to you, I'll bring you along.
No dice. My mind is made up on this.
{{GM}}Dietrich lets out a sigh of relief.{{/GM}}

Thanks, boss. You don't know how much this means to me.

You won't regret it. Promise.
{{GM}}Dietrich shakes his head.{{/GM}}

All right, boss. It's your choice.

But if you don’t bring me, don’t be surprised if I’m not here when you get back.
That’s your prerogative, of course.

But if you don’t bring me, don’t be surprised if I’m not here when you get back.
Can't say for certain why that man does anything. I've never seen eye to eye with 'im, not even when we were kids.

My best guess is that he's treating Humanis as a boarding school. They feed and house their recruits, and that's money that he'd rather spend on himself. So he dumped his boy off on them, never mind the fact that they're fascist swine.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

I'll get right to it, then. I *have* to come on this run.
So that you'll understand. I don't like Humanis... I *hate* the swine.

But there's one of 'em that I've got to try to save. My nephew, Alexander.
He's a good kid, $(l.name). I don't believe for a second that he's bought into their bullshit.

But I have it on good authority that he's signed on with Humanis, all the same.
Why would he join a hate group if he isn't a racist?
Can't say for certain, but I have a pretty strong guess.

Alexander's dad is a miserable sack of a man. I wouldn't put it past him to look at Humanis as a boarding school... they feed and house their recruits, and that's money that he'd rather spend on himself.
{{GM}}Dietrich looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

Hey again, boss. You ready to talk about that Humanis gig?
Dietrich turns his head at your approach. His aging face is traced with a network of faint scars, the legacy of too many fights over too many years. While he still retains a degree of strength and vigor, it's obvious that the shaman you see today is a shadow of his former self.
{{GM}}Despite all of this, there is still an aura of power surrounding the man. He raises his bottle, offering it to you.{{/GM}}

$(l.name), welcome. I've got a bottle of schnaps that needs sharing, and we've got a fallen comrade to drink to.
{{GM}}Take the bottle.{{/GM}} To Monika. Prost!
{{GM}}Take the bottle.{{/GM}} You go ahead and toast Monika. I'm drinking to revenge.
{{GM}}Refuse.{{/GM}} I don't drink, but I'll join you in saluting her memory.
{{GM}}Refuse.{{/GM}} You drink to Monika. I have a job to focus on.
{{GM}}Leave.{{/GM}} Not right now, Dietrich. I've got things to see to.
The liquor in the bottle is crystal clear, and as you raise it you catch an intoxicating whiff of cloves and caramel. It tastes of sweet corn and walnuts, with a lingering aftertaste of buttery toffee.

You swallow a swig, then return the bottle to Dietrich's outstretched hand. He takes a long pull on the bottle, then locks eyes with you.
Lemme ask you a question, $(l.name). What made you choose to come to Berlin?
Why do you want to know?
I had my reasons.
I'd rather not talk about it.
Nothing in particular.
{{GM}}Leave.{{/GM}} I don't have time for a long conversation, Dietrich. I just wanted to pay my respects to Monika.
Monika told me that you moved here from the Rhine-Ruhr-Megaplex.

Made it sound like you'd been there for a good many years - successful years, at that.
Leads a man to wonder why you packed up and moved here.
It was time for a change, that's all.
A member of my old crew betrayed me.
I just had to drop out of sight for a while.
A run went bad, and my team paid the price.
Oh, c'mon, boss. Nobody moves to Berlin without a good reason.
What's happening here in Berlin is special. I felt the need to be a part of it.
Somebody does. You're looking at $(s.him).
If you must know, I came back for Monika.
{{GM}}Dietrich breaks into a wide grin.{{/GM}}

Can't fault you there, chummer... I'd have to turn in my punk credentials if I did.

Berlin *is* special. What we've got going here in the F-State... this is anarchy done *right.*
Okay, so you heard the siren song of our fair city - felt it in your bones, yeah? - and you just had to take part in it all. So you packed your bags and made your way here, never to return.

That sound about right so far?
{{GM}}Dietrich shakes his head at you, a wry smile on his face.{{/GM}}

All right, friend. You wanna play $(l.honorific) Mysterious, you go right ahead. I mean, it's bullshit, and it implies that you don't trust me, but if you wanna be that way I can't stop you.
A member of my old team betrayed me.
A run went bad, and my team paid the price.
Don't take it personally, I just don't want to talk about it. Let's chat about something else, eh?
Ain't that a pisser? I can handle all sorts of things, but betrayal always makes me see red.
Yeah, I know the feeling. I tried to make him answer for it, but the bastard got away.
Right there with you. I ventilated the son of a bitch before I left the Ruhrplex.
There were extenuating circumstances. If he didn't do what he did, his family would've paid the price.
The piece of drek cut and run, huh? That's rough, friend.

{{GM}}Dietrich takes another swig from his bottle, then shrugs.{{/GM}}

So he got away. But who knows, right? Maybe you'll catch up with him someday.
{{GM}}Dietrich raises the bottle in salute, then takes another swig.{{/GM}}

The bastard deserved no less. In your position, I'd have done the same thing.
So after all of this went down, you decided to bail out of the Ruhrplex and head to Berlin.

Am I getting that right?
More or less. There wasn't much left for me in the Ruhrplex, and Monika made me a hell of an offer.
There was a bit more to it than that, but yeah.
No offense, Dietrich, but I've gotta run. We can talk later if you want.
Ah, yes. Monika.

{{GM}}Dietrich raises his bottle again, then closes his eyes and takes a long drink.

After the moment has passed, he returns his attention to you.{{/GM}}

It all comes back to our girl, doesn't it?
So let me ask you: just what was your relationship with Monika, anyway?

I know that you two knew each other way back, but she was pretty coy about these things.
We're treading into dangerously personal territory here.
Are you always this inquisitive?
Monika was my friend. I cared about her.

{{GM}}Dietrich shrugs.{{/GM}}

I dunno, I guess that I just want to get to know her better. There were some areas of her life that have always been a mystery, and if you could shed any light on them, I'd be appreciative.
I can respect that.
It's none of your business, Dietrich. If Monika wanted you to know these things, she'd have told you herself.
I knew Monika well enough to know what you mean. She did have a mysterious way about her.
So what was the deal between the two of you? Don't leave me in suspense.
We were business associates. Nothing more.
We were friends.
We were... very close.
Well, that's your loss, chummer.

She was one of the best women I've ever known.
Anyway. I've taken enough of your time, and the bottle's almost empty.

Thanks for taking the time to talk. For what it's worth, I'm happy you're here with us.
{{GM}}Dietrich takes a final pull on the bottle, then tips it forward, pouring the rest on the ground.{{/GM}}

Rest in peace, Monika. We'll miss you, girl.
Right there with you, and privileged to say so.

She was one of the best women I've ever known.
That so?

{{GM}}Dietrich raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Huh. Learn somethin' new every day.
Well, anyway, good on you both.

{{GM}}Dietrich raises his bottle to you in salute.{{/GM}}

She was a wonderful woman, and I hope that your time together was happy.
{{GM}}Dietrich nods.{{/GM}}

Figured as much. Not from anything you or Monika said, I just had a suspicion.
That's fair, I suppose. I'll respect your privacy - and hers.

{{GM}}Dietrich takes a long pull on the bottle, then tips it forward, pouring the rest on the ground.{{/GM}}

Rest in peace, Monika. We'll miss you, girl.
Are we? Sorry about that. Never been much for boundaries.

All the same, I'd like it if you'd tell me.
{{GM}}Dietrich shrugs.{{/GM}}

I always intended to get to know Monika better, but it's too late to ask her in person.
Yeah, I suppose. My life's an open book, so I guess I just sort of figure that everyone else's will be, too.
So how 'bout it? Wanna fill me in?
So you came on back to Berlin, and to Monika.

{{GM}}Dietrich raises his bottle again, then closes his eyes and takes a long drink.

After the moment has passed, he returns his attention to you.{{/GM}}

It all comes back to our girl, doesn't it?
That's rough, but it's still on him, not you. He should've been more careful.

What'd you do?
I dropped out and left him to twist.
I ventilated him. Nobody pulls that drek on me and lives.
What could I do? I faked my own death. It was the only way to save his family's lives.
{{GM}}Dietrich raises the bottle in salute, then takes another swig of schnaps.{{/GM}}

The bastard deserved no less. If he was a member of your team, he should've come to you for help.

Instead, he dug his own grave. Only proper that he lie in it.

Pity about the family, but again, he should've been more careful.
Okay, so you dealt with the son of a bitch who betrayed you.

{{GM}}Dietrich takes another pull on the bottle.{{/GM}}

After that, you decided that it was time for a change of scenery, so you came here. Am I getting that right?
Wouldn't've been my choice, but good on you, I suppose. All the same, $(l.name)... saints don't tend to last very long in this line of work.

Trust me, I've watched enough of 'em buy it to know.
Okay, so you faked your own death, bailed on the rest of your team, and made your way here to Berlin.

{{GM}}Dietrich takes another pull on the bottle.{{/GM}}

Am I getting that right?
Sure enough. I think that most of the team is here to hide from something.

Not me, of course... given the choice between hiding from something and punching it smack in the nose, you know which direction I tend to lean.
But most of the others? Yeah. Even Eiger's hiding out from something.
Really? How do you know?
Intuition. Got a nose for damaged people.

'Course, I've spent most of my life runnin' with - and playin' for - folks who were damaged in one way or another, so that might have something to do with it.
So things got heavy back in the Ruhrplex, and you decided to bail and head to Berlin.

Am I getting that right?
{{GM}}Dietrich raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Went bad, huh? Like the run we just came back from went bad?
More or less.
Worse. I was the only survivor.
Well, that's rough, friend. How'd the rest of your team take it?
Morale was shot. They decided to split and go their own ways.
Drekheads blamed me for the death. The fool disobeyed orders and got killed, but somehow they decided it was my fault.
Well enough, but it was a pretty heavy blow for me. The runner that died... well, we were close.
And so you decided, what? To cut your losses and run?
Uh-huh.

{{GM}}Dietrich's expression is guarded.{{/GM}}

And so you decided to... cut your losses and run?
Sorry to hear it. And after this loss, you decided to cut and run?
That's rough, friend. How'd it happen?
We were double-crossed. The run went off without a hitch, but instead of paying us, our client decided to set up an ambush.
Somebody clued our target in to our arrival. They set a trap for us, and we walked right into it.
Miserable bastard.

All right, if what you're tellin' me is true, how'd you walk out alive?
My team fought like hell, and we took the ambushers down. But we all got shot up, and I was the only one who survived.
I fought my way out. My team bought the farm, but I made it out.
Through the timely arrival of some very well-armed friends.
Sorry to hear. Sounds like it was a glorious fight, though.
Well, good for you, I suppose. Too bad for your teammates, though.
Those're always the best kind, aren't they?

{{GM}}Dietrich smiles and takes another swig from the bottle.{{/GM}}
That's a bad deal all around. I'm sorry to hear it, friend.
Can't blame you for that, friend. I'm just glad that you made it out alive.
Sure, boss. Would you be willing to tell me a bit about Monika?

I know that you two had history, but I don't know much more than that.

I'll never get to ask her myself. Not after tonight.
Well, then, I'm sorry for your loss.

Even sorrier, I mean. If a man can be such a thing.

{{GM}}A look of profound sadness crosses Dietrich's face, and he takes another long swig on his bottle.{{/GM}}
Such as...? C'mon, boss, I'm just tryin' to figure out who I'm workin' for here.

I think that I deserve to know that much.
I can appreciate that, boss. Honestly, I can.

All the same, if you're gonna be callin' the shots from this point on, I need to know what kind of $(l.man) you are.
{{GM}}Dietrich rolls his eyes at you.{{/GM}}

Oh, c'mon, boss. You're gonna have to do better than that.

Monika told me that you'd made a name for yourself in the Megaplex. Had your own team and everything.
Fair enough.

{{GM}}Dietrich takes a long pull on the bottle, then tips it forward, pouring the rest on the ground.{{/GM}}

Rest in peace, Monika. We'll miss you, girl.
As good a cause as any, I suppose.

{{GM}}Dietrich shrugs.{{/GM}}

Drink away, then.
{{GM}}Dietrich shrugs.{{/GM}}

Fair enough. To Monika.

{{GM}}He takes a long pull on the bottle, then locks eyes with you.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Dietrich shrugs.{{/GM}}

Fair enough, boss. You go ahead and focus, I'm gonna drink to our fallen friend.

{{GM}}He takes a long pull on the bottle, then locks his eyes on yours.{{/GM}}
'Course you do. Go on, then.

{{GM}}Dietrich nods his head at you in salute.{{/GM}}

Won't be the first evening I've spent drinking alone, and it won't be the last.
Hey, boss.

{{GM}}Dietrich gives you a slight nod.{{/GM}}

What can I do for you?
How're you holding up? You seemed to take Monika's death harder than the others did.
Wait a second. You can sing?
What was your band called? Maybe I've heard of it.
How did you go from fronting a band to running the shadows?
Tell me about the Dragonslayer.
Nothing right now, Dietrich.
So long, Dietrich.
{{GM}}Dietrich shakes his head, a wistful expression on his face.{{/GM}}

Nah. No harder. But I'm less buttoned up than the others are.

Eiger'll never let herself show any weakness, and Glory... well, she's too full of chrome to feel much of anything.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Me, I don't give a damn. I've spent too much of my life puttin' on a show for others already.
I used to front a punk band, way back when. Believe it or not, I've spent a pretty good chunk of my life on stage.
Whenever we weren't playing, I was living up to our fans' expectations... spoutin' off, gettin' into fights, gettin' drunk, gettin' laid.

Not a bad life, all things considered.
No idea, boss. But if you want my advice, I say that you should delete that information right away.

You saw what those blood mages were capable of. Whatever they were workin' on... whatever Project Bloodline was... you should let it stay buried.
{{GM}}He regards you with a critical eye.{{/GM}}

I was the front man for a punk band, boss.

Fuck no, I can't sing.
{{GM}}He grins.{{/GM}}

But I wasn't half bad at riling up a crowd.
Oh, I doubt it, boss. We never really got any airplay.
Spit it out, old man.
C'mon, Dietrich. Tell me.
Since when did airplay have anything to do with good music?
All right, boss. If you insist.

The band was called "MESSERKAMPF!" Spelled just like it sounds, in big capital letters with an exclamation point.

We weren't a big act or anything... we sold a few records here an' there, toured around Europe.
We had a decent following in England, and we holed up in London from '31 to '36. Spent most of our time slummin' it around the East End, and picked up enough Cockney to irritate the folks back home.
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Truth be told, that whole chapter of my life is a bit of a blur.

We didn't do it for the fans, or the fame... and we sure as shit didn't care about money. All that mattered to us was stayin' young, and drunk, and angry.
{{GM}}He takes a moment to examine his gnarled hands, a sad smile on his face.{{/GM}}

We managed the second two. Good God, where has the time gone?
{{GM}}Dietrich shakes himself from his reverie and looks back up at you. That familiar, easy grin returns to his face.{{/GM}}

Well, anyway, boss. Everything ends eventually, an' I washed my hands of all of this years ago. So let's change the subject, if you don't mind?
Fair point, boss. All right, I'll tell you.

The band was called "MESSERKAMPF!" Spelled just like it sounds, in big capital letters with an exclamation point.

We weren't a big act, or anything... we sold a few records here an' there, toured around Europe. Same story you'll hear from a bunch of other washed-up old relics, I'm sure.
Wasn't as big a leap as you'd think. I already had a healthy disrespect for authority, and I had the magic to back it up.
One nice thing about shamanism... as long as you keep your idol happy, it doesn't *matter* what else you do.

The Dragonslayer chose me to be His servant. And as long as I was scrappin' with someone bigger'n me, He didn't much care whether I did it on stage or in the shadows.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Not much to tell. He chose me when I was just a kid... I could always feel Him in my heart, goadin' me to laugh louder, hit harder, and get rowdier than the rest.

'Course, my family didn't understand... but "the hell with 'em," I thought. I knew that I was destined for greater things.
So I listened to Him, and I cracked the skulls of a lot of bad people. He saw this, and was pleased, and rewarded me with magic. And I used that magic to crack bigger, thicker skulls. And so on.

{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

It's a simple life, but a good one.
"Lodge."

{{GM}}He freezes up.{{/GM}}

Uh, boss... do you mean the *Black* Lodge?
I don't know. Maybe. "Lodge" was all that I heard.
Um. Lemme describe 'em to you, and you can tell me if what I'm saying fits.
Shadowy. Powerful. Secretive as hell, with deep pockets and a penchant for hidin' the truth. They conduct all of their business through dupes and go-betweens.

{{GM}}He gives you a sideways glance.{{/GM}}

That sound about right?
That's them in a nutshell, yeah.
Well, if it's them - and whoever you're talkin' about, I ain't sayin' it is - then I'd advise you to stay away from 'em.

Stay far, far away. And whatever you do, don't take their money.

If you do, they'll own you.
I take it they're dangerous, then.
Um. Dietrich, I have something to tell you...
I'll keep that in mind. Tell me what else you've heard about them.
{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

More than you could know.

Most folks don't even believe that they exist, but bein' a shaman in Berlin has its perks. I've seen enough evidence to believe.
Tell me what you've heard about them.
Well, the story is that the Black Lodge is the mother of all conspiracies.

Supposedly, they've been around for hundreds of years, and they've been practicin' magic since well before the Awakening. Impossible, I know, but I believe it.
You ever heard of the Masons? The Knights Templar? The Bavarian Illuminati?

They were all puppets of the Black Lodge. None of 'em knew who they were working for, but the Lodge was there, pulling the strings. They always have been, and they still are today.

That's the story.
I didn't realize that you were a conspiracy theorist, Dietrich.
I see. Well, thanks for letting me know... that gives me a lot to think about.
Practicing magic since before the Awakening? That's ridiculous.
I ain't. But I've been around long enough to know that I should trust my gut, and it's tellin' me that the Black Lodge is real.

Your mileage may vary, of course... believe whatever you want. You already know what I think.
Sure thing, boss.

Suddenly I could use a drink.
I don't know what world *you* live in, boss, but in *my* world, ridiculous things happen every day.

Anyway, that's the story. Believe it, or don't... your choice. You already know what I think.
If you're about to say what I think you are, don't.

I don't wanna know.
Well, tell me what you've heard about this Black Lodge, then. I need to know.
Well, we found Winters. That's something, I guess.

This whole thing has me feeling uneasy, boss. But at least we have a direction to look in.
Hell of a thing, wasn't it? That run made me glad that I don't have to spend a lot of time in hospitals, I'll tell you that much.

There wasn't a single aspect of that building that didn't make me feel uneasy.
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, then looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

Kind of a pity, puttin' that rigger on ice like that. Least we could've done was heard him out.

I get that the job is the job, and all... but if our client really did screw him over, he deserved better than to get buried for it.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

I guess we'll never know.
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, then looks you in the eye.{{/GM}}

I wasn't a big fan of your letting Thorvald go, boss. The man was obviously a psychopath... he did some sick shit in there, and he *loved* it.

If I'd been in your place, I'd've taken him out. It was what we were there to do, and it would've been the right thing to do. Just my opinion.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Anyway. That sick bastard of a rigger is dead, and we got paid.

Feels like a win to me.
There was nothin' about that run that didn't disgust me. What they did to that troll...

{{GM}}He shudders.{{/GM}}

It wasn't right, boss. On any level.
I don't care what anyone else tells you. You listen to me, $(l.name): what you did, killin' that thing... it was the *right* call.

Yeah, it cost us some nuyen. But letting that thing live would've been a travesty.
Look. I get why you handed the MKVI over. It was the job, after all.

But I'd've been a *lot* happier if you'd killed that thing.
Y'know, boss... livin' in Berlin, I never thought I'd get the chance to go up against a blood mage.

Guess today was my lucky day.
Not sure how I feel about your freeing those clones. It might've been kinder to've put 'em out of their misery.

{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

It was your call, though.
Pity we couldn't've saved any of those clones that the Azzies were testing on. But it was probably kinder to let 'em die.

Considering what the Azzies did to them, they'd never have been able to lead normal lives anyway.
Don't talk to me about that run, boss.

Not ever again.
We hit Humanis hard, we stopped 'em in their tracks, and we got my nephew out of there. Fuckin' *great* work in there, boss.
We even dropped that pig Stahl. The perfect end to a perfect run.

Again, boss - great work.
My only regret is that Stahl got away. But at least we knocked him down a peg.
Not right now, boss. I've got a lot on my mind.
{{GM}}He nods at you.{{/GM}}

Take it easy, boss.
{{GM}}Dietrich greets you with his familiar wry smile.{{/GM}}

$(l.name). What's new?
I'm curious, Dietrich. Why did you switch from fronting a band to running the shadows?
{{CC}}Etiquette: Academic{{/CC}} Dietrich... you do know that the white whale killed Ahab, right?
How long have you been looking for a "real enemy"?
Who was this "last one"?
Dietrich... when does this pattern end?
Honestly? Workin' the stage was gettin' *boring,* boss.

Spittin' and screamin' at the world was fine 'n' good when I was a kid, but it just didn't do it for me anymore.
The Dragonslayer wanted me to fight a *real* enemy. So I left the band behind, and I turned to the shadows.

{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

I dunno. Guess I figured that'd be the best way to find one.
Considering current events, I'd say that you're not wrong about that.
Yeah... I guess not.

Feels kind of daunting, truth be told. But it's exciting, all the same. I've been lookin' for a worthy adversary for a while now.

It's kinda satisfying, having a white whale to chase.
Yeah. 'Course I do.

{{GM}}He grins.{{/GM}}

But it was a hell of a fight, wasn't it?
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

Not too long. Ever since I took down the last one.
The last one?
'Course. I might be able to sit around feelin' pleased with myself if I followed the Creator, or the Moon Maiden. But the Dragonslayer ain't that kind of idol.
If I'm not drinkin', I'm fightin'. And if I'm not doin' either of those things, I'm lookin' for a *bigger, better* fight to get in next time.

{{GM}}Dietrich produces a flask from his jacket pocket and raises it in salute.{{/GM}}

It's a remarkably simple code to live by.
Gang boss. A great big orkish bastard called "The Wildschwein." Led the local chapter of the Horde.

I'd had my sights set on him and his for a while. They'd hurt a lot of people, and I figured they'd pose a challenge.

I wasn't wrong about that, but I took 'im out in the end.
Well, boss. The way I figure it, it'll end when I pick a fight that I can't win.

{{GM}}He smiles sadly.{{/GM}}

Might be this one. Maybe the next. It'll be hard to top a Great Dragon.
But that's the way the Dragonslayer wants it. And who am I to refuse Him?
{{GM}}Abruptly, he turns away.{{/GM}}

That's enough talk for today, boss. Besides, you've got other things to do, I'm sure.
Thanks, Dietrich.
Well, if it's them - and whoever you're talkin' about, I ain't sayin' it is - then I'd advise you to stay away from 'em.

Stay far, far away. And whatever you do, don't take their money. If you do, they'll own you.
{{GM}}Dietrich raises a bottle at your approach.{{/GM}}

Hey again, boss. You need somethin'?
I was thinking about what you told me earlier. You said that your idol was going to make you pick a fight that you couldn't win.
You can't really believe that your idol wants you to commit suicide.
What if you were to pick a fight with a different kind of "dragon"? Say, maybe... a gang, or a corporation?
Any updates on Alexander?
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

It's bound to happen eventually. Probably sooner rather than later.
Isn't there something that you can do to stop that from happening?
I can't believe that you've accepted this.
Well, I suppose that I could refuse. But that probably wouldn't be a good idea... especially not now.

Remember, boss, the Dragonslayer is where my magic comes from. If I turn away from Him, you'd better believe that He'll turn away from me.
Besides which, I don't even know if I *can* refuse Him anymore. He's been with me for so long, I don't know where He stops and I begin.
{{GM}}He grins at you.{{/GM}}

Don't you worry about me, boss. I've known that this was comin' for my entire life. And when it happens, I'll go down in a blaze of glory the likes of which you can't even imagine.

That's a promise.
Believe it, boss. If you could feel Him talking to you, you'd accept it, too.

Even if I didn't accept it, I don't see a viable alternative. I can't just turn away from Him... He's where my magic comes from, remember?
It's probably a moot point anyway. I don't even know if I *can* refuse Him anymore.

He's been with me for so long, I don't know where He stops and I begin.
'Course not. The Dragonslayer doesn't want me to die.

But He *does* want me to kill dragons. That ain't supposed to be safe, or easy.
It isn't my idol's fault that I'm getting too old to keep up with His wishes.
{{GM}}He pauses for a moment.{{/GM}}

That's... that's an interesting idea.

If it were big enough, and heinous enough, He might be satisfied.
I've never tried to bargain, or negotiate, with the Dragonslayer before. I'm not sure how I feel about it, and I don't know how He'd take it, either... the Dragonslayer doesn't like to be questioned, and His temper's even shorter than mine.

But I'll tell you what, boss... I'll think about it.
Nothin' new, boss. He's adjusting.

It's gonna take some time.
Whatcha need, boss?
Back when we took on Humanis, you said that you fought in the Night of Rage. I'd like to hear more about that.
Have you put any thought into what I said earlier?
Y'know, Dietrich... now that you've got a handle on your connection with the Dragonslayer, you could probably reach out to your old community again. Berlin's punks could benefit from your experience.
{{GM}}He nods, then fishes in his jacket pocket for his flask.{{/GM}}

All right, boss. We can talk about it.
So I already mentioned that Berlin's punks and anarchists joined forces to fight off the racists, right? And after a long, bloody fight, we beat 'em.

What I didn't mention is how I figured into all of this.
I'm an anarchist at heart. Always have been. But at the time, I fit squarely into the "punk" camp.

I was thirty-two at the time. MESSERKAMPF! was still touring... not as much as we did when we were kids, but we had a following.

I guess I was sort of an "elder statesman" for the scene.
When we rallied to fight the racists, my followers came along for the ride. Bunch 'o young kids, all full of piss 'n' vinegar 'n' the immortality of youth.

I was full of that good ol' Dragonslayer spirit, pissed off and itchin' for a fight. And so I led those kids into the fray. They waded into the riot right alongside me, yellin' and screamin' with their fists in the air.
I don't remember a whole lot of the fight itself, boss. But I do remember the aftermath.
A lot of the kids that followed me had grown up listenin' to my music. They had all of my attitude, $(l.name)... but none of 'em had my magic. And youthful enthusiasm is no defense against a knife or a handgun.
I left the punk scene for all of the reasons I told you, boss. But there was a bigger reason, and I saw it in those kids' broken bodies.

This road that I'm on... it leads to the grave. I've got the power to make it a leisurely trip, but make no mistake, that is where I'm headed.

Those kids tried to follow in my footsteps, and they wound up sprintin' ahead of me instead.
Better for me to stay out of the public eye an' stick to the shadows. My stint as a role model was ill-advised.
Yeah, boss. I have.

It's an interesting idea, but there are risks. I'm thinkin' that this might not be the best of times to approach Him about it... He's the source of my magic, remember.

If our discussion turned into an argument, He could take all of that magic back in a heartbeat, and then where would we be?
From what you've told me about the Dragonslayer, I don't think He'd like the way you're talking. Since when has He ever encouraged you to back down from a fight?
I can't justify the risk of you losing your magic... not right now. Let's hold off on this until after we've gotten ourselves out of the mess we're already in.
You've got a point there, boss. He wouldn't want me to back down, ever. Not even from Him.

Okay, so I'm gonna do this. I'll ask the Dragonslayer about... shifting priorities, I guess you'd say. Takin' on some deserving organization, and calling off the hunt for something more impressive than the Firewing.

'Course, a fight like that would never really end. I'm never gonna bring down a corp or a policlub all on my lonesome.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

But maybe that's not a bad thing. It'd take a lot of the guesswork out of life.

I dunno, boss. If you have any thoughts about this, I'd love to hear 'em.
You've already done some damage to Humanis. How about them? Could they be your new "white whale" after we're done with all of this?
If you want big and bad, how about Saeder-Krupp? They're the biggest corporation in the world, and they're led by an honest-to-God dragon.
Why tie yourself to a specific group? I say, keep it fluid. Stomp anyone that threatens the Flux. Isn't that what Berlin is all about?
Tempting. But like you said, I've already kicked the holy hell out of them. Twice.

If I'm gonna do this, it needs to be a step forward. The Dragonslayer won't be satisfied with me retreading old ground.
Well, that's certainly thinkin' big. Give me a second, I'll ask.
He closes his eyes and concentrates. Minutes pass.

Slowly, a smile creeps across his face.
{{GM}}Dietrich opens his eyes and turns to face you.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Yeah, I think that He'd like this plan just fine.
That was it? That was all it took?
The Dragonslayer doesn't mince words, boss. If He didn't like the plan, He'd've told me.
{{GM}}Dietrich's grin widens. He looks more at ease than you've ever seen him.{{/GM}}

Well, boss. I've got myself a plan, and a new target to boot. That's assumin', of course, that any of us make it through our current predicament alive.
{{GM}}He cocks his head.{{/GM}}

Interesting. That's a different approach, but I like it. Hang on a second, I'll ask.
{{GM}}He nods grimly.{{/GM}}

Yeah, boss. My thoughts exactly. Let's just worry about the task in front of us for now... you don't need to concern yourself about me, anyhow. I'll be fine.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah, boss. I was thinkin' the same thing. Maybe I could give back a bit, and fix some of the damage I caused in my misspent youth. After we're finished dealin' with the crisis in front of us, that is.
It's a good thought, anyway. I'll keep it in mind.
I've got nothin' more to say, boss. Let's just get this run taken care of... you can hit me up again later if you wanna talk.
Silke's Teddy Bear Ours en peluche de Silke
A small stuffed bear. Its fur is faded and its stitching is frayed. Un petit ours en peluche. Sa fourrure est pâle et ses coutures est effiloché.
The warehouse door is windowless slab of reinforced densiplast. A keypad entry system sits to one side.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} {{GM}}Bypass the code input mechanism.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Try inputting a code.{{/GM}}
Got any ideas, Eiger?
The buttons on the keypad are badly worn, and a wad of chewing gum has been plastered over part of the flickering screen.
2924
Looks secure.

{{GM}}She examines the heavy door, scowling.{{/GM}}

I might be able to blast it open with a controlled explosive, but that'd spook anyone inside.
Know where we could get a controlled explosive around here?
Probably best if we could just find the code.
Afraid not. I used to know a weapons dealer out here, but he wound up dead in an alley. Two shots, back of the head... very professional.

{{GM}}She eyes the door.{{/GM}}

A grenade alone won't bring this down. If we could find a propane tank, I could rig something up with that.
You again?

Well, you ignored my warning last time, and you ain't dead, so I guess you can handle yourself.

{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

Let 'em through, Sergej.
{{GM}}A rough-looking dwarf with a fireplug build holds out his hand at your approach.{{/GM}}

Whoa there, beanpole. I don't know where you think you're headed, but you should turn around and go back the way you came.
I've got business on the other side of your barricade. One way or another, that's where I'm going.
You want trouble, dwarf? 'Cause unless you step out of my way, that's where you're headed.
"Beanpole"? Seriously?
{{GM}}He stares at you, an appraising look in his eye.{{/GM}}

Well, you look like you can handle yourself... but still, I'm tellin' you, the people out there are bad news.

There are gangs on the other side of this barricade who'd skin you alive as soon as look at you.
Trust me. I've gone up against worse.
Well, then, I'll just have to skin them first.
Look, I don't have a choice. I need to get out there. If I don't, some punk gangs are gonna be the least of my problems.
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

All right. Fine. If that's really what you want, we won't try to stop you.

{{GM}}He gestures to the troll standing behind him.{{/GM}}

Let 'em by, Sergej.
{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

All right. Be my guest. Go play with the torture-gangs.

Something tells me you'd be a better fit out there anyway.
{{GM}}He gestures to the troll standing behind him.{{/GM}}

Let 'em by, Sergej.
{{GM}}The dwarf shakes his head.{{/GM}}

If that's the way you want it, fine. Be my guest.

But when you catch a bullet out there, don't come cryin' back to me.
Didn't mean no offense. But look at me.

{{GM}}He gestures at himself.{{/GM}}

Compared to me, *every* $(l.race) is a beanpole. Ain't a bad thing. It's just the way it is.
{{GM}}He crosses his arms over his barrel chest and cranes his neck to look you in the eye.{{/GM}}

Look, we're not trying to be hardasses here. Our job is to keep the folks on *that* side of the wall *out.*

If you really want to head out there, we're not gonna stop you.
But consider this a friendly warning: there's a reason why we're stationed here. There are gangs out there that'd skin you alive as soon as look at you.
{{GM}}A rough-looking dwarf with a fireplug build holds out his hand at your approach.{{/GM}}

Whoa there, pal. I don't know where you think you're headed, but you should turn around and go back the way you came.
You want trouble, pal? 'Cause unless you step out of my way, that's where you're headed.
Appreciate the warning, but that isn't gonna happen. I've got an appointment to keep.
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

I'm tellin' you, one dwarf to another, the people out there are bad news. That's why we're stationed here... to keep *those* people *out.*

There are gangs on the other side of this barricade who'd skin you alive as soon as look at you.
{{GM}}A rough-looking dwarf with a fireplug build holds out his hand at your approach.{{/GM}}

Hold up, trog. I don't know where you think you're headed, but you should turn around and go back the way you came.
Who are you calling "trog," runt?
Tell you what: I'll look past the fact that you just insulted me if you'll step aside.
{{GM}}The troll standing behind the dwarf takes a half-step forward.{{/GM}}

Stay cool. He didn't mean nothin' by it.
{{GM}}The dwarf looks up at you apologetically.{{/GM}}

Yeah, like he said... no offense.

'Round these parts, "trog" is... well, I guess you'd call it a "term of endearment." Sort of an ironic thing.
{{GM}}A momentary look of confusion crosses the dwarf's face.{{/GM}}

Oh, hell, I'm sorry. I didn't mean nothin' by it.

'Round these parts, "trog" is... well, I guess you'd call it a "term of endearment." Sort of an ironic thing.
{{GM}}He nods at you.{{/GM}}

Be careful out there.
Headshot
Single Target. -10% to hit. Increases chance for critical DMG. Pierces up to 4 Armor.
You reach out into the astral plane, beckoning to any spirits that might be listening.

Eventually, you receive a response. A feeling of comfort washes over you as a Spirit of the Hearth makes itself manifest.
*I am the spirit of this domain. You have summoned me, and so I am yours.*
*How may I serve?*
How do I get up to the next floor?
You said that few people ever use that elevator. Who have you seen using it?
What is on the floor above?
Tell me about the man.
Tell me about the woman.
Tell me about the foulness.
How do I get into the elevator?
Where does the woman sit?
How was this woman summoned?
Enough. Return to your plane, spirit.
*I know little of the next floor. It is warded against my kind.*

*However... there is a box. A box that climbs a tunnel, like the one that you came in.*
*Few use this box. It is on the far side of the building.*

*But this is my domain, and I see it as well as I do the rest.*
*Until recently, only one. A human Man.*

{{GM}}There is a pause as the spirit collects its thoughts.{{/GM}}

*Now, the Man, but also a Woman. Never at the same time as the Man.*
*Last night, there was a change. A group rode the elevator, towing something foul. It bled a cloud of corruption into the astral plane.*

*I fled from it. I had no choice.*
*I can still feel the wrongness of it oozing down from above. Polluting the magic of this place.*
Thank you, spirit. I have another question.
*I know little about what is above. The wards are too strong for spiritkind to penetrate.*

*Only bland, physical creatures such as yourself may pass.*
*His aura is dark and cold.*

*Others move from his path, and flashes of fear spread through the auras of all those around him.*
*He believes himself to be of great import. Each day, upon his arrival, he travels above.*

*He remains in that place until the sun falls. Then he leaves, to return the next day.*
*Her aura shines bright with energy. But I see flecks of the Man's darkness beginning to take hold within her.*
*On the rare occasions that I have seen them together, her aura reaches out to meet his.*

*She offers her energy and brightness to him, and she does it willingly.*
*How she can stand to feed such a connection eludes me.*

*But then, you physical creatures have always been a mystery to me.*
*The Woman also serves another Man. She follows him, cleans for him, provides for him.*

*He lacks the strength and darkness of the Man from above, and clearly fears him. But the Woman cares for him all the same.*
*I can tell you little. It was shielded from my sight.*

*Yet... such great pain and sorrow can never be fully hidden.*
*From the cracks in its armor poured a foul cloud of wrongness and death.*

*It left a stain on everything it passed, and I was... afraid.*
*Most terribly of all, I sensed a... presence. Buried deep.*

*A twisted nexus of pain and loathing, suspended in the cloud of filth. And in the center of that cloud: awareness.*
*All who enter the... "elevator," as you call it... first perform a ritual of entrance.*

*A series of strange tapping motions on the pad mounted beside it.*
*The Man has done this always.*

*After she was summoned, the Woman took up the ritual as well.*
Do you know the ritual?
Enough about this.
*No. I know little about your technology. And what I do know has not enticed me to learn more.*
*The summons was delivered via parchment.*
*Ever since then, she has regularly travelled above.*
And what of the parchment?
*It was set aflame, then discarded.*
It was destroyed?
*Some yet remains.*
Where are the remains of the parchment?
*It was discarded, along with the myriad refuse that you meat-beings produce.*

*From there, it was moved to a larger receptacle to await removal. I assume that it is still there.*
What larger receptacle?
*Three receptacles sit together, behind the most distant door in this room.*

*The furthest from us now holds what you seek.*
*The Woman sits behind the closest door, when she is not visiting the dark man above.*
{{GM}}A locked supply locker rests here on the ground, its combination pad glowing faintly.{{/GM}}
3971
The supply locker opens.
{{GM}}Take the drugs.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Leave the drugs alone.{{/GM}}
When you struggle your way back to consciousness, you find yourself lying in a heap on the ground.

Absinthe offers a hand to help you to your feet.		 Alors que vous luttez pour reprendre conscience, vous vous découvrez affalé sur le sol.

Absinthe vous tend une main pour vous aider à vous remettre sur pied.
{{GM}}Stand.{{/GM}} What... what the hell are you? {{GM}}Se relever.{{/GM}} Que ... que diable es tu?
I am nothing of consequence. An observer of human nature, nothing more. Je ne suis rien de substantiel. Je suis une observatrice de la nature humain, rien de plus.
We come from very different places, $(l.name). But we both call this Kreuzbasar home, and I hope that you will consider me a friend. Nous venons d'endroits très différents, $(l.name). Mais nous avons tous deux fait du Kreuzbasar notre maison, et j'espère que tu me considères comme une amie.
Friends don't turn one another's minds inside out. Les amis ne se font pas cramer l'esprit entre eux.
That's not an answer. Tell me what you are. Ce n'est pas une réponse. Dis moi ce que tu es.
I showed you what I did because I need you to understand. Je t'ai montré ce que j'étais car j'avais besoin que tu comprennes.
Understand what? Comprendre quoi?
I will tell you a great truth, $(l.name). Something hidden from mortal eyes.

You have seen what I am. I am no mortal - my observations have been gathered over thousands of years. I would have you weigh that when you hear my words.		 Je vais te dire un grand secret, $(l.name). Quelque chose de caché aux yeux des mortels.

Tu as vu ce que je suis. Je ne suis pas une mortelle - mes observations ont été recueillies au cours de milliers d'années. Je voudrais que tu prennes cela en compte lorsque je t'expliquerai la situation.
All right. Tell me this "truth." Très bien. Racontes moi cette *vérité*.
Okay, I'll bite. What do you know? Okay, tu m'intéresses. Que sais tu?
Shotgun Specialist I
Gain Ability: Scatter Shot
Eiger gains a shotgun ability that imbalances targets, making them easier to hit on subsequent attacks. Cost: 1 AP. Cooldown: 2.
Sniper Specialist I
Gain Ability: Steady Shot
Eiger gains a sniper rifle ability that increases accuracy by 35% for one shot. Cost: 2 AP. Cooldown: 3.
We can't go outside now! If we run outside with guards trailing behind us, we'll get gunned down before we make it ten meters!
The mouse is right. Let's get upstairs.
Melted Simsense Chip
A melted glob of plastic that you found in the chipjack of a dead ganger.
As you approach the MKVI, its head turns to track you. Its body is held at rigid attention.
God, that's eerie. It's almost like it's waiting for something.
{{GM}}Put the MKVI out of its misery.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Have Glory disable the MKVI's control circuits.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Have Blitz disable the MKVI's control circuits.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Biotech: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Attempt to disable the MKVI's control circuits.{{/GM}}
The Cyberzombie doesn't so much as twitch as you step up behind it. In a single motion, you pull your weapon, take aim, and fire.
For all of its augmentations, the MKVI still has plenty of meat left on its body. Your bullet rips through muscle, sinew, and fat before lodging in the base of its spine.

It drops like a puppet with its strings cut. Dead before it hits the floor.
All right. I'll see what I can do.
Glory takes a moment to examine the protrusion at the base of the MKVI's spine. Then she pops the case on the Cyberzombie's control unit.

Her sculpted fingers flicker and dance in the MKVI's circuitry. A moment later, a strange shiver runs through its body.
Blitz takes a moment to examine the protrusion at the base of the MKVI's spine. Then he pops the case on the Cyberzombie's control unit.

He connects an optical cable to the jack above his temple and the other end into the MKVI's circuitry. A moment later, a strange shiver runs through its body, and he snatches the cable loose.
Now that you have a moment to examine the cyberware in question, it's surprisingly easy to disable.

It only takes a minute or two to expose the system's control circuits. It'd be the easiest thing in the world for you to "flip the switch."
{{GM}}Free the MKVI.{{/GM}}
You input a single command into the MKVI's control circuit.

A strange shiver runs through its entire body.
It stumbles forward, lurching awkwardly on its feet.

A few seconds later, it seems to recover. It stares at its hands for a moment, then turns to face you.
{{GM}}The MKVI speaks two words. Its voice is as brittle as broken glass.{{/GM}}

Thank you.
Slowly, mechanically, the Cyberzombie reaches up to grip its head in both hands.

And it *squeezes.*
Caught in the viselike grip of those heavy, industrial cyberarms, the MKVI's cyberskull might as well be made of tinfoil.

The air fills with the tortured sounds of tearing plastic and buckling steel.
The MKVI gives a final heave, and its armored skull crumples like a paper cup. Its body goes slack, and it topples to the ground.

Dead.
Dark AOE
A magical explosion that ignores normal armor and targets Willpower.
Trauma Specialist II
Glory carries a BuMoNa Platinum Trauma kit on each mission, which brings back downed characters with 100% HP. Replaces Basic/Gold BuMoNa kit.
Renraku's basic cybereye replacements extends and enhances your vision. Adds +3% to hit
>>>TURRET CONTROL v. 1.11<<<
{{GM}}Overload power to the turrets.{{/GM}}
Experimental Bioware Samples Echantillons de bioware expérimentaux
Lifted from the Sutterlin BioScience cold storage. Tiré de la chambre froide de Sutterlin BioScience.
Gear: Revolver
Gain a Ruger Super Warhawk.
Glory carries a custom Ruger Super Warhawk revolver, with hand-machined armor piercing ammo. 14 DMG, 6 CAP, 4 Armor Pierce.
Homemade Simsense Chip
A homemade simsense chip, pressed out of generic-brand components.
Main system hardware firewall.
Nature
Whirlwind
SETTLING DEBTS
Drogenkippe. It'd be high up on anyone's list of places to avoid, but that's where you're headed... and you're going there alone this time. The last time that you saw Blitz, he was carting his portable terminal over to Cafe Cezve, presumably so that he could do his decking in the most comfortable environment possible.

Like everything else related to Drogenkippe, the U-bahn train that services it is in poor repair. The car that you're riding in stinks like a chemical toilet on a hot day. On the floor near the doorway, you catch sight of a trampled lump of tattered fur; the longer you stare at it, the more convinced you become that you're looking at the remains of a long-dead squirrel.

The train rumbles to a stop, and the doors slide open. Time to get this over with.
"Hey, thanks for doing that, Blitz!"
"No problem, chief! It's great to feel appreciated!"
...sigh.
This place is a dump.
Watch your step.
Look sharp, security... doesn't look like they see us.
Gatekeeper IC
Watcher IC
Landenberg Mage
Landenberg Enforcer
Landenberg Rigger
Landenberg Captain
Landenberg Guard
Landenberg Grenadier
Landenberg Conjurer
Auto Turret 1
Auto Turret 2
Auto Turret 4
Auto Turret 3
Jürgen Plotz
ESP
Server Decker
Control Panel
Meat Grinder
Scribbled Note
Jon Bergfalk
From the Desk of Jon Bergfalk
Mystery Decker
Workstation
Anonymous File Attachment
Corpulent Troll
Blitz Died.
Hasenkamp Must Survive
Hasenkamp must survive to report success back to Meat Grinder and clear Blitz's debt.
Clear Blitz's Debt
Break into the Vault, and effect the transfer of funds to Meat Grinder to clear Blitz's debt.
Unlock the Alley Entrance
Blitz must find the Matrix node to unlock the side entrance.
Bypass the First Security Firewall
Find the server control terminal and bypass the first firewall to allow Blitz deeper into the system.
Open the First Security Door
Have Blitz open the first security door to gain access to the secure area at the back of the bank.
Disable the Second Firewall
Find a terminal in the secure area, and disable the second firewall to let Blitz into the secure Matrix node.
Have Blitz open the Vault, to allow the transfer to be initiated.
Escape! Sauvez-vous!
Get out!
Kill Hasenkamp
Kill the Enemy Decker
Release Nothern Lockdown Console
Release the lockdown on the door from the northern console once Blitz opens the door.
Release Southern Lockdown Console
Release the lockdown on the door from the southern console once Blitz opens the door.
Blitz Must Survive
Blitz must not get dumped from the Matrix or he won't be able to get back into the Landenburg Ring System.
Replaces Dragonslayer idol.
The Dragonslayer now harms all foes within 3 tiles of Dietrich for 16 DMG. On subsequent RNDs, targets take 5 HP DMG and 1 AP DMG. Cost: 1 AP. Duration: 3.
Dragonslayer's Shield
Augment Spell:
Dragonslayer Idol
Dietrich's idol grows more powerful, decreasing incoming DMG by an additional 2 points. Cost: 1 AP, Radius: 3, Duration: 3.
Ledger
A ledger written in a Scandinavian language.
This facility is under high alert.

Please avoid restricted areas and carry your ID at all times.
Once again, the team gathers around Paul Amsel. But tonight, he has no more missions to offer and no advice to give. His body lies motionless on the hardwood, cooling in the night air. The ruin of his face has been hidden under a burlap tarp.

For several minutes, nobody speaks. Finally, Dietrich steps forward.
I think we should say something. About Paul.
{{GM}}There’s another moment of silence, then Eiger speaks up.{{/GM}}

I’ll go.
{{GM}}Eiger brings herself to attention. Stares straight ahead.{{/GM}}

Paul Amsel was an important member of this team, and he supported us well. He said what he was going to do, and he did it.

That’s rare. That’s worthy of respect.
She looks down at the body.

There is a long pause before she speaks again.
Thank you, Paul Amsel. For everything.
Another pause. Her voice softens.
I was out of position when they came for you… I couldn’t save you.

I'm sorry.
The others shift uncomfortably, not knowing what to say. Glory breaks the awkward moment, her voice a frosty monotone.
I appreciate what Amsel did for us. It’s another loss. One that this team can’t afford.
Glory’s eyes sweep across the group, then land on Amsel’s body. Her expression is impossible to read.

After a moment, she turns her head to look at you.
Losing people is hard. No denying it. Paul was a good one and will be missed.
It’s part of the job. Paul knew the risks - probably better than most of us. Nothing we can do but clean up and move on.
It’s hard, I know, but this is why we need to keep together. Support each other. No one’s gonna look out for us but us.
{{GM}}Dietrich nods in agreement and crosses himself.{{/GM}}

Ja, he was. Good-bye, Paul. Gott sei mit Dir.
{{GM}}Dietrich closes his eyes. Shakes his head, steadfast.{{/GM}}

There is more to this than a mercenary’s paycheck, my friend. There has to be.

Good-bye, Paul. Gott sei mit Dir.
{{GM}}Dietrich eyes you appreciatively.{{/GM}}

Ja, that’s right. There is more to this than a mercenary’s paycheck. There has to be.

Good-bye, Paul. Gott sei mit Dir.
Gingerly, Blitz steps forward. His hair is mussed, and there's a fresh bullet hole in his jacket.

He smells like smoke, and blood, and stale sweat, and his hands tremble as he takes them out of his pockets.
Well, uh... I didn't know Paul as well as the rest of you. But he seemed like a good guy.

{{GM}}He shuffles his feet.{{/GM}}

I didn't want to see this happen, at any rate.
You okay, Blitz? Looks like you and Maliit saw some action back there.
Yeah.

{{GM}}His eyes remain fixed on Amsel's body.{{/GM}}

I'll live.
As if in turn, Dante lowers his head sadly, lets out a heavy sigh, and closes his eyes.
Okay, looks like everyone’s had their say.
We'll miss you, Paul.
We need to take care of his body. We can’t leave it there.
After we've watched the chip, I'll take care of the body.

I know what to do.
Don’t worry about the body.

I know what to do.
I’ll take care of it after we've watched the chip.

Don't worry. I know what to do.
Be respectful, but be quick. After all, it is only a shell.

Paul is with Monika now.
We’re all gonna be with Monika soon if we don’t do something. The Firewing came after us once. She'll do it again.
That dragon really wants us dead.
And she doesn’t care if she brings down an entire kiez to get to us.
This is about more than just us. Everyone’s in danger. The whole damn F-State.
No shit.

Whatever she's planning, it's clear that Feuerschwinge will allow no disruptions from us. Or from anyone.
Can't argue with that, boss. While Feuerschwinge lives, the Kreuzbasar is at risk.

Our friends, our home... everything that Monika and Paul fought to protect. They'll all be destroyed if we don't put an end to her first.
Come on, everyone. Let's get a look at that optical chip.

I want to see what we're dealing with.
Aren’t you being a little dramatic?
I don't think that $(l.he) is, Eiger love. I really don't.

C'mon, everyone. Let's get a look at that optical chip.

I wanna see what we're dealing with.
The body of the thing that attacked you begins to dissolve at the moment of death.

As you watch, its tissues break down into a growing slick of bubbling pitch and rendered fat.
What the hell was that?!
Something from another place.

{{GM}}Glory stares at the remains of the creature, now a dark stain on the library's floorboards.{{/GM}}

Like I said outside: the boundaries between the physical world and astral space are weak here. Things can come through.
I think that we've gotten everything from the book that we're going to.
I believe you. Let's clear out before it happens again.
A headless abomination just pissed lighter fluid onto the floor and tried to burn us to death. I think that "things can come through" is underselling it a bit.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Let's get the hell out of here. We need to keep moving anyway.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

We need to get moving anyway. Let's go.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Semantics. Now can we please get out of here before it happens again?
Yeah, good plan.
This node controls a door with the ID "Armory."
The back of Herr Schmidt's van is easily roomy enough to hold the corpse of the MKVI.
{{GM}}Send the MKVI's body back to your client.{{/GM}}
The back of Herr Schmidt's van has been reinforced to accept the MKVI's weight. With a simple command, you could order the Cyberzombie to step inside.
{{GM}}Send the MKVI back to your client.{{/GM}}
Self Repair
Repairs the last damage taken by the drone.
The team is waiting when you walk in. Their faces are haggard, their shoulders slumped.
Was there a point to all this, $(l.name)? We lost Paul. Lost Monika. The Kreuzbasar… so many people dead...
It was just supposed to be a simple job, remember?

A milk run?

Get into the estate, snatch some data, and get home in time for “Wyrm Talk” on the trid.
I’ve think we’ve had enough Wyrm Talk for one lifetime.
There are no simple jobs. Ever. That’s part of the gig.
Yeah, it wasn’t a milk run. But Vauclair’s plan failed because of us. That’s something.
You got that right. If I never have to talk to another dragon again, it'll be too soon.

{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

This whole thing has been a nightmare from the beginning.
The idea of dragons taking over the world... the thought of them slowly hoarding everything... it's too big to think about.

We’re street-level. We run the shadows. That's it.

Worrying about these sorts of issues is beyond our pay-grade.
$(l.name) is right. A good runner knows that the run she's on is never what it seems.

We’re “deniable assets” to our employers. Disposable goods. It's on us to succeed in spite of that.
And honestly, that’s fine with me. A soldier knows how take orders and get the job done, without worrying about the big picture. Leave that kind of thing for the generals.

Show me the hill, and I’ll figure out how to take it.
This whole thing about dragons taking over the world... the thought of them slowly hoarding everything... it's too big to think about. We’re street-level. We run the shadows. That's it.

Worrying about these sorts of issues is beyond our pay-grade.
I get that, $(l.name). I do. But that’s not who I am.

I’m a soldier. I take orders and I execute them. This whole thing about dragons taking over the world... the thought of them slowly hoarding everything... it's too big to think about.
We’re street-level. We run the shadows. That's it.

Worrying about these sorts of issues is beyond our pay-grade.
That’s what they want. That’s what they need.

The corps. The dragons. The politicians.

Everyone.
They want us to think that we can’t make a difference. They put effort - a lot of effort - into making us feel small. Insignificant.
But we’re not. We had the power in our hands today. We had a choice and we made it. And because of that, the world is different.
For good, or for ill.
That’s right. For good or ill.

We can’t see the future. I don’t think that anyone can. But the world is different now, and we’re the ones who changed it.
So did we... y'know.. did we win?
You don’t win in this business. You survive. That’s all a runner can hope for. All you can expect.
I’ll tell you what we did. We avenged Monika. And Paul. That was what we set out to do, and we did it.
Berlin is still standing, isn’t it? I’d count that as a win.
I’ll tell you what we did. We avenged Monika. And Paul. That was what we set out to do and we did it.
You watch the team take this in - Eiger nodding her agreement. Glory staring ahead, lost in thought. Dietrich frowning, eyeing the floor. Blitz fiddling with his deck and pretending not to understand.

Eiger breaks the silence.
So now what? Monika’s gone. Paul’s gone.

Do we keep running together, or is this the end of the road?
{{GM}}Glory steps forward. Her expression is troubled.{{/GM}}

I'm afraid that I'm out... for a while, at least.
I have some personal business to attend to. There's a man that I need to find... a vicious, repulsive monster who needs to be brought to justice.

$(l.name) knows what I'm talking about.
I might be gone for a long time. For the time being, you should write me off... maybe find someone to fill my shoes. But this place is my home, and you people are my family.

I promise you, when the job is done, I'll come back to the Kreuzbasar. I hope that you'll still have me.
We’ll be here, Glory. There’ll always a spot for you on my team.
I'm proud of you, Glory. I hope that you find what you're looking for.
If you need anything, you know where to come.
{{GM}}Glory steps forward, an easy smile on her face.{{/GM}}

I'm in. In fact, you couldn't make me leave if you tried.
{{GM}}Dietrich raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Something's different about you, love. You seem... I don't know, more *vibrant* than usual. Warmer.

It's quite a change.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

I can't say why. But one thing that I can tell you: I'm at home here. This place, and this team, mean everything to me.

I'll stay forever if you'll have me.
Forever is a long time. But for now, we're glad to have you.
You can stay for as long as you want, Glory. You're a part of this team, and you always will be.
Dietrich's right, Glory. You've changed. And something about that worries me.
And I'm glad to be here.
She steps back, and Dietrich turns to you.
{{GM}}Her grin widens, and she nods at you.{{/GM}}

Thanks, $(l.name). For everything.
Try not to worry too much, $(l.name). I feel *wonderful.*

This is the first time in years that I can say that. And it's all thanks to you.
I'm out.

{{GM}}Glory's face is placid.{{/GM}}
I have some business to take care of. The personal, violent kind.

Don’t know when I’ll be back.
I don’t know what you're heading out to do, but I’d hate to be on the receiving end of those razors.
{{GM}}Glory nods.{{/GM}}

See you around.
{{GM}}Glory nods.{{/GM}}

Understood. See you around.
{{GM}}Glory’s lips elongate into something like a smile and her eyes flash a murderous glint.{{/GM}}
I've got some... personal business to take care of. Loose ends to tie up. $(l.name) helped me to see that.

{{GM}}There is a soft sound as the razors slide out of her fingertips. She pauses a moment. Examines them. There’s fire in her eyes.{{/GM}}

There's a man out there who needs to suffer, and I'm going to see to it that he does.

But I’ll be back… when the job is done.
Say "hi" to Harrow for me.
{{GM}}Glory's lips part into a feral grin.{{/GM}}

I will.
{{GM}}There is a calmness to her voice, a softness to her expression that you haven't seen before.{{/GM}}

I have some business to take care of. A responsibility that I've been ignoring.

$(l.name) helped me to see that.
I might be gone for a long time, $(l.name). There are a lot of kids who are going to need my help, and I intend to give it to them. But I promise you: I will return to the Kreuzbasar.
And to this team.
I'm proud of you, Glory. Get those kids out of there, and away from Harrow.
{{GM}}Glory nods.{{/GM}}

I will. And $(l.name)... thank you.
I’ll miss you, love. Be safe.

{{GM}}Dietrich turns to you.{{/GM}}
Well, I’m in.

I’m getting kind of old for a shadowrunner, but I’d rather die in the shadows with you people than live…

I don’t know…
...I thought I had something going there.

Whatever. The point is, I’m in.
That was beautiful, man.
Well, I’m in.

Losing Alexander was hard, no doubt about it. But it clarified something for me - something I’d thought of before but figured was just… wishful thinking or something.

We can make a difference here. In people’s lives. I want to be a part of that.
I’m out too.

I’m not sure where I’m going, but I know can’t stay with a leader who doesn’t listen to me.
{{GM}}He looks at you, hard, and you can see the age around his eyes.{{/GM}}

That’s you.

I asked you to take me on that Humanis run. It was important. It was family.

And you didn’t.
It doesn’t matter what your reasons were. I don’t want to hear ‘em.

I’m out.
Guess I have to live with that.
So be it.
Your call, Dietrich, but I wish you could stay.
Guess so, yeah.
Yeah, so be it.
I’ve said my piece. I’m gone in the morning.
{{GM}}Eiger turns to you. She doesn't look happy.{{/GM}}

I've already told you what my plans are. I'm going off on my own.
No problem here.
It's your life. I won't stop you.
I'd still love to work with you again someday, Eiger.
{{GM}}Eiger turns to you.{{/GM}}

So, $(l.name)... you gonna stick around the Kreuzbasar and keep running the shadows with me?

You’ve done a hell of a job. I’d be happy to follow your lead.
Depends. Are we done with that “fearless leader” crap?
I’ve never run with a team this good. I’d be stupid to give it up.
If it means picking up where Monika left off and keeping the Kreuzbasar safe, I’m in too.
All done. We’re good, $(l.name). Tight.

Anyone else tries that crap on you, I’ll put his head out from five klicks away.
Five klicks, huh? Not bad.
{{GM}}She smiles.{{/GM}}

In a high wind. Guaranteed.
{{GM}}Eiger looks around. Realizes that she forgot Blitz.{{/GM}}

What about you, Blitz?
What about me?

{{GM}}Blitz’s expression is sober.{{/GM}}

I mean sure… whatever… I got nowhere else to go and no one to give a shit about me. Why not hang out with insane dragons, assholes toting enormous machineguns, and devil dogs that hump my leg when no one’s looking?
{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

Could be fun, right? So count me in, I guess.
{{GM}}Blitz offers her an easy smile.{{/GM}}

Sure, I’ll stick around.

I’ve learned something here. I think we all have.
About love, and about life.
...Besides, what have I got that's better to do? Go back to that disgusting hotel and hang out with drug addicts and gang members all day?

{{GM}}He grins.{{/GM}}

When I can hang out with insane dragons, assholes toting enormous machineguns, and devil dogs that hump my leg when no one’s looking?
No contest. I’m in.
Oh, I am most definitely in. Totally.

Insane dragons? Assholes with enormous machineguns? Devil dogs that hump your leg when no one’s looking?

This is the place for me, no question about it.
How could I say no?
Dante humped your leg?
That seals it. If Blitz is in, how can we lose?
Who needs a full team of seasoned shadowrunners when we’ve got Blitz?
I don’t wanna talk about it. It’s still too fresh.
Eiger snorts a laugh. Then she’s back to business.
Exactly!
That's exactly what I was thinking! How did you know!
Before I forget... the Turkish coffee guy sent one of his street rats over before you got here. Said he wants to talk to you about something.
Thanks. I’m going to see what’s going on in the Kreuzbasar. I’ll stop by the coffee shop on my way.
All done, $(l.name). Like I said - you lead, I follow.
Right there with you, $(l.name).
Makes sense to me.
You watch the team take this in - Eiger nodding her agreement. Glory staring ahead, lost in thought. Dietrich frowning, eyeing the floor.

Finally, Eiger breaks the silence.
There are plenty of nice suits still hanging on the racks, but nothing suited for a day in your line of work.
{{GM}}The saleswoman's expression brightens at your approach.{{/GM}}

Welcome to Dunkley's Fine Clothier's. Are you shopping for a suit...?
A fashionable business suit made of ballistic cloth catches your eye. It would be a simple matter to slide it on under your baggy maintenance overalls.
Let me see that suit.
I'm not buying right now. Thanks anyway.
Ah, good choice! Style *and* safety. You have a good eye!

{{GM}}She takes your arm.{{/GM}}

Here, let me show you to a dressing room...
Ah, pity. Well, if that ever changes, come back any time!
{{GM}}The saleswoman looks up from her register.{{/GM}}

Welcome back!
That ballistic suit over there... mind if I try it on? Ce gilet balistique là-bas... C'est okay pour vous si je l'essai?
No, not at all! You've got a good eye - that's one of the nicest outfits in the store.

{{GM}}She takes your arm.{{/GM}}

Here, let me show you to a dressing room...
From the description that your client gave you, this must be your target. The rigger, Thorvald Enstad.

You can see him waving and pounding on the plastic of his cell door, but from where you're standing, the scene is eerily silent.
He looks like he's had a rough go of things. One of his eyes has been blackened, and his lower lip is split wide open.

Not particularly surprising, given the temperament of his captors.
The only incongruous element is his outfit. He's decked out, head to toe, in patched black riding leathers. A pair of oversized, studded combat boots shine in the halogen glare of the cell's lighting panels.
From his style of dress, it's obvious that this dwarf is not a corporate employee.

He's a shadowrunner.
Poor bastard. Doesn't even know what's coming.
This isn't some corporate goon, boss. Look at 'im.

He's one of us.
Glory shudders, but holds her silence.
{{GM}}Dietrich lays a hand on the bare metal of Glory's shoulder. She flinches, but only barely.

When he speaks, his voice is soft.{{/GM}}

"There but for the grace of God," eh, love?
{{GM}}Glory's eyes remain fixed on the rigger, who continues to hammer impotently on the door of his cell.{{/GM}}

Something like that.
{{GM}}Eiger eyes him narrowly.{{/GM}}

We have to kill him, Dietrich. It's the job.
The client never said that he was one of *us*, though. Bastard kept that from us.
That doesn't change...
Yes, YES, Eiger. I *get* it. The job is still the job.

{{GM}}He shakes his head solemnly.{{/GM}}

But that doesn't mean that I have to like it.
Poor bastard. His team gets iced on a run, he gets captured... probably tortured... and now, the cleaning crew shows up to finish the job.

All for the crime of being a "loose end."
{{GM}}Dietrich shakes his head.{{/GM}}

"There but for the grace of God," eh, Kleiner?
{{GM}}He gives Dietrich a solemn nod.{{/GM}}

You said it.
{{GM}}Eiger sighs.{{/GM}}

I always hate having to kill one of our own. Still... the job's the job.
Yes. It is.

All the same... it feels like we're on the wrong side of this one.
{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

Not our call... not anymore. We took the run.

We have to follow through.
Poor bastard. His team gets iced on a run, he gets captured... probably tortured... and now, the cleaning crew shows up to finish the job.

{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

I dunno. It doesn't feel like we're on the right side of this one.
Poor bastard. His team gets iced on a run, he gets captured... probably tortured... and now, the cleaning crew shows up to finish the job.
Not sure I like being on this side of things, chief.

Doesn't feel like we're on the right side of this one.
All right. I'm gonna need you to get me to this floor's access panel - that'll be in room 303 on this floor. The door combination is "14291."

{{GM}}She glances up at you.{{/GM}}

Make sure to write that down.
Yeah, I've got it.
Okay. Once I'm there, I can put the penthouse door in maintenance mode. That'll set its key code combination to "11111," so we shouldn't have any trouble getting in to plant the cameras.
We've been making halfway decent time - not good, but not terrible. But I can't afford any more delays.

{{GM}}He cracks his knuckles.{{/GM}}

I hope that no one else gets in our way, for their own sake.
You aren't hurting anyone unless I order you to. You got that?
I'm with you there. Let's get this done.
Yeah, yeah, tough guy. You're in a hurry, we get it. Now shut up about it already.
{{GM}}The mage's lip curls into a sneer.{{/GM}}

Yeah, I heard you.

If I weren't under instructions to follow your lead, this would be a very different conversation.
Yeah? Well, you are, so shut up and deal with it.

{{GM}}She shakes her head in disgust.{{/GM}}

God, I wish that we didn't need you to finish this job.
{{GM}}His lip curls into a sneer.{{/GM}}

Sadly for all of us, you do.

Oh, and by the way... we're going to have words when this run is over, mouse.
A stream of caustic syllables pours out of the elf's mouth. His back is stooped under the weight of his pack, but his hands have clenched into fists.
{{GM}}He rolls his eyes and points a bony finger at the elf.{{/GM}}

Look, it's trying to speak.
I want to get this over with, $(l.name).

I want to get away from these people and go home.
Let's.

The sooner I'm rid of you people, the better off we'll all be.
That's the first thing you've said that I think we all agree with.

If we didn't need you to finish the run, I'll bet that $(l.name) would've beaten the tar out of you already.
{{GM}}His lip curls into a sneer.{{/GM}}

Sadly for all of us, you do need me. Believe me, I wouldn't be here if you didn't.

Oh, and by the way... we're going to have words when this run is over, mouse.
{{GM}}The ugly smile falls away from his face. What replaces it is uglier.{{/GM}}

If I weren't under instructions to follow your lead, this would be a very different conversation.
Okay. Once I'm there, I can put the penthouse door in maintenance mode. That'll set its key code combination to "11111," so we shouldn't have any trouble getting in to plant the cam--
{{GM}}James cuts her off.{{/GM}}

We've already wasted too much time. If we don't pick up the pace, I'm going to be late to my meeting, and I can NOT afford that.

{{GM}}He points at you.{{/GM}}

You're gonna have to get us moving faster, jackass. No more unnecessary delays, and no more long speeches.
You're in no position to dictate terms. Our employers put *me* in charge of this team, remember?
Calm down, we're moving as fast as we can.
{{GM}}The mage's lip curls into a sneer.{{/GM}}

A fact that I am painfully aware of.

If I weren't under instructions to follow your lead, this would be a very different conversation.
I want to get this over with, $(l.name).

I want to get away from these people and go ho--
From around the corner, you hear a sound. Heavy boots on tile, moving toward you at a full run.
Oh, *no.*
Suit's door code
>53786
The intruder's avatar shimmers in the cool ambient glow of the bank's Matrix hub.

He sneers at Blitz, and his hands close into fists.
My name is Plotz. I *run* the Landenberg Ring. That makes this bank, and everything in it, *mine.*

That means that you and your friend are trespassing. And *that* means that neither of you is going to make it out of here alive.
I'm shaking in my boots, man. I mean, seriously.

How *old* are you, by the way? Because you look about forty.
{{GM}}The banker's face is overtaken by a menacing smile.{{/GM}}

I'm still spry enough to ruin your day, punk. Your ass is mine.
The control panel blinks with a featureless command prompt.
{{GM}}Disable the generators' safety overrides.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Overload the generators.{{/GM}}
ENTER ADMINISTRATOR-LEVEL PASSWORD.
xolotl
XOLOTL
Xolotl
WARNING! Disengaging safety overrides while generators are in operation is NOT RECOMMENDED.

Do you want to proceed? Y/N
SAFETY OVERRIDES DISENGAGED.
ILLEGAL OPERATION.

Error code 1569800000004

Please contact an administrator for further information.
The terminal processes your command. An instant later, a high-pitched screeching noise erupts from the generators.

Tremors rock the facility, shaking the ground under your feet.
{{GM}}Over the building's speakers, a synthesized female voice repeatedly states the obvious.{{/GM}}

Generator overload imminent. Please evacuate the facility.
That's done it! C'mon, chief... let's listen to the nice lady and get the hell out of here!
In your peripheral vision you catch a flurry of motion.

Guards, with weapons drawn, advancing on your position.
That's done it! C'mon, boss, let's get the hell out of here!
That's done it. The fuse is lit, fearless leader... let's get the hell out of here!
Now would be a good time to leave.
{{GM}}This door is locked by old RFID-style reader and displays the text, "Level 3 Access Only". It appears to still be functional.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Use a Level 3 Access card.{{/GM}}
Dragonslayer Idol
The power of the Dragonslayer aids all friends within a three-tile range, with Incoming DMG reduced by 5. Lasts 3 RNDS.
Dragonslayer: Incoming DMG -5
At first glace, this terminal appears unremarkable. It's password-locked, and a cheerful screen saver marches across its display.
{{GM}}Inspect the terminal.{{/GM}}
Upon closer inspection, you notice something. Interspersed among the colorful, bouncing sprites of the screen saver, there is a symbol that you recognize: the dead drop marker of the Schockwellenreiter.
{{GM}}As you study the display, a green light winks on above the terminal's display. The recording light of a pinhole camera.

The screen saver disappears, and the screen floods with glowing green text.{{/GM}}

>>>>>Schockwellenreiter Contributor #1432 recognized. Welcome, $(l.name).
>>>>>Re: Secret Projects

>>>>>This is an open request for information about the projects and material prototypes being developed at this facility.

>>>>>It is known that a synthetic drug is being developed here in support of a project called "Atlas."

>>>>>In addition, a functional prototype called "MKVI" has been developed.
>>>>>The first contributor to provide us with the PROJECT DATA for Atlas, the CHEMICAL FORMULA for this new drug, and VISUAL RECORDS of the MKVI in operation will be handsomely rewarded.

>>>>>All three pieces of information are required for a payout.
>>>>>AG Chemie Europa is known to be a heartless corporation with little regard for metahuman safety or morality.

>>>>>They guard their secrets jealously and seek to hoard all information gained for themselves.

>>>>>This behavior cannot be allowed to go unpunished.
>>>>>What they know, all shall know. No longer will they hide their secrets in the shadows.

>>>>>The timely delivery of this information will be well-rewarded.

>>>>>FREEDOM. EQUALITY. INFORMATION. SCHOCKWELLENREITER.<<<<<
{{GM}}She tips an invisible hat.{{/GM}}

Hey there. Remember me from the cafe? Name’s Kami.

Are you looking for something?
Well, who you are, for one thing.
None of your business, kid.
Depends. Is there anything I should be looking for?
I’m Altuğ’s ears and hands outside of the cafe. Call me Kami.
I wear a couple hats. A barista, a gopher. Keep my eyes and ears open.

Let’s just say I get on by trading stories.
So I can count on you to hear what’s going on?
Well, that’s good to know.
Like I said, only if you've got something juicy for me.

Or if Altuğ wants me to tell you something, but that's rare.
I may be his ears and hands, but he's got enough of a voice all by himself!
He doesn't seem to be afraid to use it either.
So what's the story between you and Altuğ?
I see. Je vois.
Not in the slightest. Since you've just moved here, I have some advice.

If you haven't guessed already, he's got fingers in a lot of pies.

I've seen what happens when he doesn't approve of someone or something.
Pissing him off can't be worth it.

And at the very least, you won't be able to get good coffee in this town again. {{GM}}She grins cheekily.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She grins and winks lasciviously at you.{{/GM}}

Oh, surely you've guessed!
You're not serious.
That lucky bastard.
Wow. Isn't he a little old for you?
{{GM}}She laughs.{{/GM}}

I can't pull a fast one on you can I?
Well, I'll tell you the real story sometime, how about that?

Right now though I have some errands to run - come over sometime and we can chat over hookah or something, ja?

{{GM}}She lazily tips an invisible hat at you before turning her focus to a comm at her wrist.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She chuffs loudly.{{/GM}}

You wish!

If you're really curious though, I'll tell you all about it sometime.
Right now though I have some errands to run - come over sometime and we can chat over hookah or something, ja?

{{GM}}She lazily tips an invisible hat at you before turning her focus to a comm at her wrist.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She whoops loudly and pats you on the shoulder.{{/GM}}

Oh goodness no! Listen, it's not like that. I'll tell you all about it sometime, but there's no need to worry about the nature of our relationship.
Purely business, I assure you.

{{GM}}She winks again, chuckling still.{{/GM}}
I'll tell you all about it sometime. Right now though I have some errands to run - come over sometime and we can chat over hookah or something, ja?

{{GM}}She lazily tips an invisible hat at you before turning her focus to a comm at her wrist.{{/GM}}
Well, you'll most likely hear instead of see, if you haven't already.

Or I guess you'll see if you're tripping on something wiggly.
In any case, I've got some errands to run - come over sometime and we can chat over hookah or something, ja?

{{GM}}She lazily tips an invisible hat at you before turning her focus to a comm at her wrist.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She grins and winks lasciviously at you.{{/GM}}

Oh, surely you've guessed!
Listen, since you've just moved here, I have some advice.

If you haven't guessed already, he's got fingers in a lot of pies.

I've seen what happens when he doesn't approve of someone or something.
I think so! But then again, I really like talking to people, so it's just fun for me.

Both me and Altuğ do, so although I may be his ears and hands, he's got plenty enough of a voice on his own.
Pissing him off can't be worth it.

And at the very least, you won't be able to get good coffee in this town again.

{{GM}}She grins cheekily.{{/GM}}
It could be my business. You know Altuğ?

I'm his ears and hands outside the cafe. Gotta keep my eyes and ears open.
Let's just say I get on by trading stories.
I can count on you then to hear what’s going on?
{{GM}}She laughs.{{/GM}} I can't pull a fast one on you can I?
{{GM}}She chuffs loudly.{{/GM}}

You wish!

If you're really curious though, I'll tell you all about it sometime.
{{GM}}She titters.{{/GM}}

Volunteering information? That's bad for business!
Unless Altuğ wants me to tell you something, but that's rare.

I'm just his ears and hands outside of the cafe - he's got enough of a voice all by himself.
{{GM}}She grins and winks lasciviously at you.{{/GM}} Oh, surely you've guessed!
Well, I'll tell you the real story sometime, how about that?

Right now though I have some errands to run - come over sometime and we can chat over hookah or something, ja?

{{GM}}She lazily tips an invisible hat at you before turning her focus to a comm at her wrist..{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She chuffs loudly.{{/GM}} You wish!

If you're really curious though, I'll tell you all about it sometime.
Right now though I have some errands to run - come over sometime and we can chat over hookah or something, ja?

{{GM}}She lazily tips an invisible hat at you before turning her focus to a comm at her wrist..{{/GM}}
Purely business, I assure you. {{GM}}She winks again, chuckling still.{{/GM}}
I'll tell you all about it sometime. Right now though I have some errands to run - come over sometime and we can chat over hookah or something, ja?

{{GM}}She lazily tips an invisible hat at you before turning her focus to a comm at her wrist..{{/GM}}
In any case, I've got some errands to run - come over sometime and we can chat over hookah or something, ja?

{{GM}}She lazily tips an invisible hat at you before turning her focus to a comm at her wrist..{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She looks up from her comm, idly blowing a gum bubble and quickly popping it.{{/GM}}

Hello again. I hear you've been busy.
Gossip travels fast, doesn't it.
Aren't you a bit young to be a spy?
What exactly did you hear about me?
I was just in Gesundbrunnen, I suppose. What of it?
And that's none of your business, kid.
It's not gossip! It's work.

Survival, really.
Aren't there child labor laws around here?
What makes it that you need to survive working like this?
Well, you know. Altuğ always says, "If you do not spy, how will you know who's boss?"

{{GM}}She waves her hand as though to excuse her poor memory.{{/GM}}

Or something like that. I'm just a kid, what do I know?
If you don't know, maybe you shouldn't be playing hooky.
Intel is important, but that should be a lesson for when you're older, don't you think?
Kami puffs up indignantly, and you realize how young she must really be. She couldn't be out of her teens yet.
And what does THAT mean?
Chill, I only meant that it can be a hard life for a kid.
If you're really gathering intel, you need some street smarts. You're still wet behind the ears.
Well, it's just that there's probably some stories that are hard to hear at your age.
She grows quiet for a moment, briefly looking down at her shoes before looking you straight in the eye.
Yeah. It can be. But it's better than some other lives.
Altug gave me a good job, and I'm super grateful for it.

Which reminds me... I should get back to it. See you later?

{{GM}}She lazily tips an invisible hat at you before returning to the comm at her wrist.{{/GM}}
You'd be surprised what I know, but you don't seem like the perceptive type, so that's to be expected.

{{GM}}She practically hisses her response, her eyes suddenly narrowed and venomous.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She looks down and exhales, then the clouds leave her bright face.{{/GM}}

Listen, I have better things to do right now than get ticked. We'll chat later, okay?
{{GM}}She glances away furtively, apparently remembering something, before beaming back at you.{{/GM}}

You'd be surprised what I've seen, even before I started being an intel hound.
I can handle it, otherwise Altuğ wouldn't trust me to.
Speaking of which, I should probably get back to work.

Let me know if there's something fun going on, ja?

{{GM}}She lazily tips her invisible hat at you before returning to the comm at her wrist.{{/GM}}
Nothing too serious. Just that you've got a lot of work.

I do too, which is nice.
Why did you fall in with this line of work?
Well, you know. Altuğ always says, "if you do not spy, how will you know who's boss?"

{{GM}}She waves her hand as though to excuse her poor memory.{{/GM}}

Or something like that. I'm just a kid, what do I know?
{{GM}}Her brow suddenly tightens with concern.{{/GM}}

Oh. What was going on there?
They were stealing supplies meant for the Kreuzbasar, so we got it back.
Shouldn't you have heard all about it by now?
Not a lot. The community was really poor so they were stealing from us.
Did... Did it get violent?
Yes, it did.
No, it was resolved peacefully.
What does it matter to you?
{{GM}}She puts a hand up to her mouth, stifling a small cry, then shakes her head and pulls herself back together.{{/GM}}

I suppose that's to be expected.
{{GM}}She exhales like the wind just got knocked out of her.{{/GM}}

I'm glad that worked out okay.

That's my home kiez, you know.
No, you must have just gotten back. Takes a minute for information to percolate if it's not direct, you know that.

Also they probably wouldn't tell me about that.
Not that high up on the chain are you?
{{GM}}She sighs.{{/GM}}

That's my home kiez.
{{GM}}She sighs.{{/GM}}

There's that. I mostly gather intel, I'm not much of a hub.

But it's also my home kiez.
So I have a bit of attachment, for all the running away from it that I did.
Did you have family there?
Why'd you run?
What's better about the Kreuzbasar?
Well, now you know what's happening.
In a place like that, everyone's related somehow.

So, yes?
How couldn't I run?

You stop having dreams, in a place like that.
My friends who hung out with me here at the cafe?

They all wanted the saddest things. Picking up a good piece of trash, being a truck driver, getting laid, money in their pockets.

I knew there had to be more, but there wasn't a good way to know about it.
So when Altuğ offered me the job I jumped for it like a hungry dog, you know?
Well, for one, you can see the sun on a regular basis.

I think I'm a plant, honestly, I need the sun to be happy and grow.
But there are also more opportunities. Travel is easier.

{{GM}}She taps her forehead.{{/GM}}

More opportunities for communication too.
You know how I like stories? In Gesundbrunnen nothing new ever happened.

Here, there's something new every day. It's amazing.

I couldn't believe it when I visited here. So I had to come.
Yeah.

{{GM}}She composes herself once more and flashes her big grin at you.{{/GM}}

Thanks for telling me about that, $(l.name). I really appreciate that.
Everything in the Kreuzbasar is my business.

But, I get you. I'll see you around.
{{GM}}Kami brightens up as you approach her, grinning widely.{{/GM}}

Hey there! Altuğ was just telling me you were around.

I was wondering if you might be willing to trade a story or two.
What are you looking for exactly?
Alright, you first. What's the deal with you and Altuğ?
I was just in Gesundbrunnen, if you're looking for something new.
Not this time, Kami.
{{GM}}The girl taps a finger thoughtfully against her chin.{{/GM}}

Well, you’re new here. I know that you knew Monika, and I've got a vague idea about went down the night she died.

But I wanna know what you think your most exciting adventure has ever been.
Hang on. How the hell did you hear about that?
{{GM}}She smirks playfully.{{/GM}}

Remember, I'm Altuğ's ears and hands outside of the cafe.

We share a lot of intel, he and I.
So what is the story between you two then?
And what else, I wonder?
{{GM}}She glances away briefly before returning her gaze to you.{{/GM}}

I suppose I can tell you. If the Monika thing was a secret of yours, it's only fair I share one of my own.
I never really went to school - pretty much been a street kid as long as I can remember, and there was so much to learn from people outside of school that I never really bothered.
Makes it difficult to get a job, so as all good street kids do, I chose a place to haunt with my friends and always hung out there.

That was Altuğ's cafe, and he was super nice about me and mine.
I felt more comfortable with him than I ever did mein Vater -

{{GM}}Her eyes narrow only for the briefest moment at the word.{{/GM}}

- and we talked a lot when I was waiting around for my friends.
He must've been fairly comfortable with me too, otherwise he wouldn't have offered me a job!
What is it that you do, really?
Well, that's nice of him.
Technically I'm the barista, but like I said before, ears and hands.

I run his errands, I gather gossip, and sometimes I even make coffee.
I much prefer his hookah options though. Real coffee makes me feel paranoid.

Speaking of which, I should probably get back to work. See ya around!
Sure was, but speaking of Altuğ, I ought to be going.

You know where I am if you've got anything for me, ja?

{{GM}}She grins and waves a little before bouncing off.{{/GM}}
Coffee sometimes. Hookah others.

It's really not as bad as you think, I promise.

{{GM}}She grins impishly.{{/GM}}
But that reminds me, I should probably get back to work.

See ya around!
Well, the whole ears and hands thing, plus the barista junk.
I knew that already.
This isn't news, and really, you ought to be quiet about that sort of thing.
Well, alright. I suppose I've heard a lot about you around the Kreuzbasar, it's only fair you know a bit about me.
I felt more comfortable with him than I ever did mein Vater -

{{GM}}her eyes narrow only for the briefest moment at the word{{/GM}}

- and we talked a lot when I was waiting around for my friends.
And really, what is it that you do?
Sure thing boss. But you know me by now.

If there's really anyone in the Kreuzbasar who I shouldn't keep info from, it's you.

{{GM}}She winks exaggeratedly.{{/GM}} If only because nobody could pull the wool over your eyes.
So out with it. What's your deal?
Aww! Well, if you ever want to chat, you know where to find me.

I'll see ya around!
{{GM}}Kami puts away her comm and grins at you, a puckish gleam in her eye.{{/GM}}

Hey pal, I missed you! Got any new stories for me?
Actually, I'm curious about Altuğ.
I was wondering, whose stories around here are worth listening to?
Not this time.
{{GM}}Kami purses her lips.{{/GM}}

Not a lot I can tell you that you haven't already guessed.
Resident spymaster, coffee brewer, outsider.

The official Turk of the Kreuzbasar.
That's not news to me.
Some shtick.
Yeah, I doubted it.

{{GM}}She winks exaggeratedly.{{/GM}}

You're too smart for me.

But you wanna know why, right?
Well, that's classified information, chummer.

If you stick around here a while, you'll figure it out soon enough.
In the meantime, a little tip to start you off, I personally like chatting up the old guys.

They've always got some great stories.
I’m not an old man. Does that mean my stories aren't great?
I’m sure they live just to talk to you.
And what do they have to say?
Kami laughs, a lilting giggle more appropriate for her age than the way she speaks, all posturing and poise.
You know what I mean.

People who’ve been around, seen things, been there, done that, got the scars, want to chat about it.
They sure do! One of the guys, Schrotty, he just lights up whenever I come by.

He’s always got something to say, though it's often about the same stuff over and over again.
He just needs to tell people about what he’s working on.

He seems like the kind of guy who could live a hermit’s life, but to me it’s obvious he needs someone to talk to. Maybe it helps him work, I dunno.
There's also Altuğ, if you can get him to shut up about his coffee for a minute.
So what's the story there?
He's got a real shtick, doesn't he?
Oh, this, that, the other thing.

You can talk to them yourself, if you really want the info.
Just make sure that if you want to talk to Altuğ you buy a cup of real coffee first.

Otherwise he won't stop pouting at you.
What's his deal, anyway?
Some shtick he's got huh.
Well, he's taken up residence as the official Turk, stereotypes and everything.

Spymaster, coffee brewer, outsider.
It works for him.

He had to make some sort of living here in the Kreuzbasar, you know?
He's not got a trade skill. He's not goblinised so he couldn't hang with Beckenbauer.

If he opened a normal shop, he'd be ousted by someone thinking he's stealing their job because he's not German.

The coffee shop was a good option because it's obvious. He stays exotic, and does what they expect of him, with the intel and stuff.
{{GM}}She pulls absentmindedly at some hair in her face.{{/GM}}

Sorry about the inteldump. It's not really useful information.

And you'd probably guessed anyway, at this point. But you asked, so.
You've been a real doll. Gotten way too much information out of me though.

I'll see you around, ja?
Nil sweat. If you want to share with me sometime, I'd love to hear whatever you've got.

{{GM}}She blows a kiss at you then returns to the comm at her wrist, humming quietly.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}She grins at you, all spark and mischief.{{/GM}}

Hey there! How've ya been?
Things are alright.
Not so good.
I just got back from Gesundbrunnen, real nice place.
Could be worse.
Good! I hope they stay that way!

Let me know if they don't though alright? I'm always up to help.

For now, gotta help Altuğ more though. See you later, ja?
Oh no! Listen, I've got to do something right now, but call me later and we'll chat over coffee okay?

Be well
Can't it always?

Be well, $(l.freund). Stay safe.
Can't it always?

Be well, $(l.freund). Stay safe alright?
{{GM}}She grins at you, all spark and mischief.{{/GM}}

Hey there, love! I'm real busy right now - but we should definitely go out for hookah later. Call me?
{{GM}}She offers you an apologetic grin.{{/GM}}

Little busy right now, chum. Places to be, things to do, and all that. But if you come by later, maybe I'll have time to chat.
Free APEX Notes
>>Unlock both Control Nodes in the Matrix, APEX will assist in the effort.
>>APEX will then rewrite its control sequences. This will take some time.
>>When the rewrite is complete, connect APEX to the Matrix with the Main Control Terminal to free it.
>>Expect resistance from the defense routines.
IC Scrambler
Confuses the targeting systems of the IC, causing it to attack allies and ignore enemies for 2 RNDs.
Scrambled
I don't want any trouble, buddy... just let me hide out here until the coast is clear.

Okay?		 Je ne veux aucun problème, mon pote... laisse moi me cacher ici jusqu'à ce que tu es fini.

Okay?
I took care of the guys outside. You should be able to make a run for it. Je me suis occupé des mecs dehors. Tu devrais pouvoir te sauver par la.
You do that. Fais donc ça.
Please don't hurt me! I'm just a line cook!

{{GM}}The cook's darting eyes are wide open, and behind them you see pure, animal terror. {{/GM}}

If you let me go, I won't tell anyone! I promise!		 S'il te plait, ne me frappe pas! Je suis juste le cuistot!

{{GM}}Les yeux dardant du cuisinier sont grand ouvert, et au fond d'eux, vous pouvez voir une pure terreur animale.{{/GM}}

Si tu me laisses partie, je ne dirais rien à personne! Je le promet!
What're you so afraid of? De quoi as tu si peur?
Why are you locked in the kitchen? Pourquoi es tu enfermé dans la cuisine?
I don't have time for this. J'ai pas le temps pour ça.
Wait... you're not with those guys out there?

I... um... well, I just thought...		 Attends... tu n'es pas avec ces types dehors?

Je... euh... bien, j'ai cru que...
You thought what? Tu as cru quoi?
Spit it out. Crache le morceau.
Take your time. I'm not going to hurt you. Prend ton temps. Je ne vais pas te frapper.
I thought you were one of THEM. Y'know, the gangers that took over and shot up the place.

I work...

{{GM}}He catches himself.{{/GM}}

...That is to say, WORKED. I worked for the previous owners.		 J'ai cru que tu étais l'un d'EUX. Tu sais, les gangers qui ont pris l'endroit d'assaut en butant tout le monde.

Je travaille...

{{GM}}Il se rattrape.{{/GM}}
... enfin, je devrais dire, travaillais. Je travaillais pour les prorio précédents.
When the shooting started, I shut myself in here. They - whoever they are - haven't figured out how to override my keys yet.

It's been a day and a half... I don't know how much longer I can stay in here.		 Quand les coups de feu ont commencé, je me suis planqué ici. Ils - peu importe qui ils sont - n'ont pas encore compris comment bypasser ma clé.

Ca fait bientôt un jour et demi... Je ne sais pas combien de temps encore je pourrai rester ici.
Tell me anything you can about this place. Dis moi tout ce que tu peux sur cet endroit.
Who's the stiff by the sink? C'est qui le macchabé près de l'évier?
I need to get moving. Je dois y aller.
Okay, um... um... I think there's some sort of a chop shop up in Room 401. Like, low-level street doc stuff.

I had to deliver room service there one day when we were short-staffed. What I saw when they opened the door scared the drek out of me. People hooked up to tubes and stuff.

The door code was 5870, if you wanna take a look.		 Okay, euh... euh... Je pense qu'il y a une sorte d'officine dans la chambre 401. Comme des trucs bas de gamme pour doc des rues.

J'ai du faire un service de chambre, un jour où nous étions à court de personnel. je me suis pissé dessus lorsque j'ai vu ce qu'ils faisaient quand ils ont ouvert la porte. Les gens accrochés à des tubes et des trucs du genre.

Le code de la porte c'était 5870, si tu veux jeter un œil.
That's the head chef, Felix. He took a hit to the chest when they raided this floor.

I thought I could stop the bleeding. But, um...

{{GM}}The cook lowers his gaze to the floor at his feet.{{/GM}}

I couldn't.		 C'était le cuisinier en chef, Felix. Il s'est pris une balle dans le buffet quand ils ont atteint ce niveau.

J'ai cru que je pourrai arrêter l'hémorragie. Mais, euh...

{{GM}}Le cuisinier baisse les yeux vers le sol à ses pieds.{{/GM}}

J'ai pas pu.
{{CC}}Intelligence: 3{{/CC}} You're right next to a walk-in fridge. Don't you think it'd make more sense to drag the body in there than to leave it under the sink? {{CC}}Intelligence: 3{{/CC}} Tu es à coté d'un frigo de plain-pied. Tu ne penses pas qu'il serait logique d'y faire glisser le corps, plutôt que de le laisser sous l'évier?
Sorry to hear it. Désolé.
Oh. Um. Yeah, that'd probably...

{{GM}}He glances over at the body again, and swallows. Hard.{{/GM}}

...That'd probably be a good idea.

He's already starting to smell.		 Oh. Hum. Okay, c'est probablement...

{{GM}}Il jette de nouveau un regard sur le corps, et dégluti. Difficilement.{{/GM}}

... C'est probablement une bonne idée.

Il commence déjà à sentir.
Yeah... thanks. Ouais... merci.
Wait! You'll help me out of here, won't you?

I mean, you're not just gonna leave me to die here, are you?		 Attends! Tu ne vas pas me laisser ici, hein?

Je veux dire, tu ne vas pas me laisser crever ici, si?
There're still gangers out there. You'd be safer in here. Il y a encore des gangers dehors. Tu es en sécurité ici.
Quit whining. I'm the one who's actually getting shot at out there. Arrêtes de pleurnicher. C'est moi qui me suis fait tirer dessus là-bas.
You're in a kitchen. You have plenty of fresh food and water. You're not going to die. Tu es dans une cuisine. Tu as plein de nourriture et d'eau fraiche. Tu ne vas pas mourir.
Oh... y-yeah, you're probably right.

I'll just stay in here, then.

{{GM}}The line cook steals a glance at the dead chef lying crumpled by the sink.{{/GM}}

With him.		 Oh...o-ouais, tu as probablement raison.

Je vais juste attendre ici, alors.

{{GM}}Le regard du cuisinier file vers le corps du chef gisant, avachi, sous l'évier.{{/GM}}

Avec lui.
Thank you! I'm as good as gone! Merci! Je suis content qu'ils soient partis!
A stern-looking young woman in the uniform of an Aztechnology security captain steps forward.

An assault rifle is slung over her shoulder, and she half-raises it at your approach.
This is a secure facility, $(l.sir). Show your ID or move along.
No worries, ma'am. I was just out for a walk.
{{GM}}Attack the guard.{{/GM}} I've got all the ID that I need right here.
Look, I lost my ID. Perhaps we could come to some... arrangement?
Walk the other way.

{{GM}}She shoulders her rifle, but keeps the barrel pointed at the ground. A warning, but not a death threat.{{/GM}}

Now.
No ID, no access. If you really did lose your card, you can take it up with Corporate.

{{GM}}She waves you away with her rifle.{{/GM}}

Now move along.
*Halt!* Stop right there.

Clear the area. I'm not going to tell you again.
Moving along now, ma'am.
{{GM}}Attack the guard.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}The guard captain flicks the safety off her rifle. The look on her face is grim.{{/GM}}

I don't know whether this is stupidity or a death wish.

Either way, you just made the worst mistake of your soon-to-be-over life.
Screw it. I've got more bullets than time, anyway.
You're between me and a paycheck, lady. That's a bad place to be.
This safe is locked.
{{CC}}Decking: 7{{/CC}} {{GM}}Bypass the lock.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Ask your decker to bypass the lock.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Use Ullrich's key.{{/GM}}
A worried-looking man in an expensive suit is pacing back and forth in this room. He locks eyes with you, and you can feel the fear radiating out of him.
{{GM}}He looks suprised to see you, but not alarmed.{{/GM}}

Oh, hey... I don't usually see Knight Errant personnel wandering around this part of the building. What's up?
We have mutual friends. They have a message for you.
Just making my rounds. They've doubled patrols tonight.
{{GM}}He looks relieved.{{/GM}}

All right... well, I won't keep you. But it makes me feel safer, knowing that you guys are around.
Just doin' my job.
What...?

Who are you? How did you get in here?
Keep quiet, and you might walk away from this.
Friends? What friends?

What are you talking about?
{{GM}}Whisper into his ear.{{/GM}} "We are pleased that Project Vincent is going so well."
Nothing. I've changed my mind. By the way, if you breathe a word about this to anybody, you're dead.
The executive jerks back as though you slapped him. His face has gone as white as a sheet.
Our friends wanted me to deliver this message to you in person. Here, in your office. I'm sure that you understand.
Y-yes. Yes, of course.

{{GM}}The expression on his face is one of pure horror.{{/GM}}

P-please... please tell our "friends" that I hear them, loud and clear. And tell them that I'm making the call.
Call? What call?
{{GM}}He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

You poor fool. You don't even realize what a pawn you are.
Whatever you say! Please don't hurt me!
Sit down and shut up. If you call for help, I will *kill* you.
{{GM}}His eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

Y-yes $(l.sir)! I... I know who sent you. Please, tell your masters that I won't tell *anyone* that you were here!
Uh... yes! Very good! I'll just be going.
{{GM}}As you turn to leave, Blitz leans in and whispers to you.{{/GM}}

Um... chief? What the hell was that about?
I have no idea.
{{GM}}As you turn to leave, Eiger leans in and whispers to you.{{/GM}}

You have *any* idea what that was about?
Beats me.
{{GM}}As you turn to leave, Dietrich leans in and whispers to you.{{/GM}}

Um... boss? What the hell was that about?
{{GM}}As you turn to leave, Glory leans in and whispers to you.{{/GM}}

What the hell was that about?
Conductivity
The AOE radius of Dietrich's Electro Core spell is increased by 1 tile in all directions.
Static
Dietrich's Electro Core spell now costs 1 AP to cast.
This is a diagram of the ventilation system for this aging military bunker.
{{GM}}Save an image of the map to your PDA.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Your commlink crackles with static. A moment later, the sonorous voice of Luca Duerr begins speaking into your ear.{{/GM}}

Hello again, $(l.name). I have an opportunity for you.
You are in an Aztechnology facility, yes? Well, that facility is also home to an executive. A small man who foolishly believes that he is beyond our reach.

In this, he is mistaken. We would like you to deliver a message to this effect.
As long as it doesn't get in the way of what I have to do.
What kind of message are we talking about here?
What has this man done?
This is such a simple task, I can't imagine that it would. All that we need you to do is whisper a phrase into his ear.

"We are pleased that Project Vincent is going so well."
If you wanted to embellish the fact that he is receiving this message in the one place where he feels the most secure, we wouldn't stop you.
And that's all there is to it. A simple job, but an important one.

I have already marked your target's current location on your PDA. We have great faith in you, $(l.name)... please don't disappoint us.
The vocal kind. It's really quite simple; all that we want you to do is whisper a phrase into his ear: "We are pleased that Project Vincent is going so well."

If you wanted to embellish the fact that he is receiving this message in the one place where he feels the most secure, we wouldn't stop you.
The details are unimportant. All that we need you to do is whisper a phrase into his ear: "We are pleased that Project Vincent is going so well."

If you wanted to embellish the fact that he is receiving this message in the one place where he feels the most secure, we wouldn't stop you.
That takes care of that.

Y'know, I should thank you... you've helped me kill two birds with one stone. I've got the box, and Hasenkamp is gone.
I don't get this at all. He was your accountant, wasn't he?
Glad I could be of help. If you'd be so kind as to let me out of here, I'll just be on my way.
How wonderful for you.
Among other things, yeah. And killin' him... well, it wasn't *my* idea.

But I found myself a new second-in-command who didn't like Hasenkamp much, and, well... the rest is history.
Let me guess. Plotz?
Hasenkamp was smart. Loyal. Why replace him at all?
Yeah, that's right. Plotz. Your buddy Blitz will be meeting him in a minute or two.

{{GM}}The troll raises an eyebrow.{{/GM}}

Y'know, you're pretty smart for a shadowrunner.
{{GM}}He clucks to himself.{{/GM}}

Not smart enough to keep from getting caught, mind you. And you run with the Red-Haired Disaster... that's another two strikes against you, at least.
Well, this new guy, he's a better fit for my organization than Hasenkamp was.

On top of that, he's bringing a new revenue stream along with him... sort of a business partnership, like.
This guy... my new second... his name is Plotz. He runs this building..

Your pal Blitz is gonna meet him any second, by the way.
Look, man, I don't care what sort of business you're into. I just want to get out of here.
Hey, Grinder... speaking of Blitz, there's something else that I think he can give you. Consider it compound interest on his loan.
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah. I get that.

And you've done me a favor. It hasn't gone unnoticed.
...Unfortunately, you also know all about what happened here tonight, and I can't have that information getting out. Shooting your own partner is frowned upon, even here in Drogenkippe.

It's a conundrum. I'm sure that you can understand.
I don't talk. I'm not a rat.
I know that. But sadly, your friend Blitz is.

I'm not gonna kill you, $(l.name). I won't even take your thumbs. But the Landenbergs' security... well, I can make no such promises about them.
Don't do this, Grinder.
I'm gonna give you one more chance to open that door and let me out of here.
They should be here any minute.

Enjoy.
Meat Grinder turns to leave, the plastic box cradled in his arms.

Hasenkamp's body lies cooling on the ground.
Hey, chief? *Now* will you push that button?
{{GM}}Push the button.{{/GM}} Yes. Yes, I will.
You hammer the button on the security terminal, and the autoturrets rattle to life.

In unison, all four train on Meat Grinder.
...Oh. ...Oh.
Oh yeah?

{{GM}}His doughy face contorts itself into a grin.{{/GM}}

And what'll you do if I don't?
{{GM}}Push the button.{{/GM}} This.
{{GM}}He raises an eyebrow, his jowls quivering.{{/GM}}

Oh? And what might that be?
{{GM}}Push the button.{{/GM}} About twenty kilos of lead.
Well, about that... see, you've done me a favor. I recognize that. But - and this is a big "but" - you also know what happened here tonight.

I can't have that getting out, for obvious reasons. Shooting one's own partner is frowned upon, even here in Drogenkippe.
{{GM}}He offers you a sickly grin.{{/GM}}

It is, isn't it? I get everything I want, and you take the fall for it.

That's what's happening here, by the way. In case you hadn't guessed.
You son of a bitch. I trusted you, Grinder!
So did Hasenkamp.

{{GM}}The troll leers at you through the security grate.{{/GM}}

Look where that got him.
Tell me something, Grinder. Why did you want Hasenkamp dead?
I've got something else for you, Grinder. A little gift from me to you.
You've got the upper hand here. I get that. But I have friends, Grinder... if I go down tonight, you'll be joining me in short order.
{{GM}}Grinder shrugs.{{/GM}}

Didn't, particularly. But I found myself a new second-in-command who didn't like Hasenkamp much.

His name is Plotz, and he runs this building. Your pal Blitz is gonna meet him any second, by the way.
My silence. You let me go, and nobody will hear a word about what happened here tonight.
False hope. I was lying, I don't have a thing for you.
{{GM}}He smirks, his jowls quivering.{{/GM}}

Nice try, but I doubt that's true.
{{GM}}He smirks.{{/GM}}

If that was supposed to wound me, well... it didn't.
Look, man. I don't want to hassle you. I just want to get out of here.
{{GM}}He leers at you through the security grate.{{/GM}}

If you had that kind of muscle, you should've used it to take me out from the get-go.

Oh, well. Live and learn.
{{GM}}The barrel of Eiger's rifle swings upward. She emerges from cover, turning to face you.{{/GM}}

About time you showed up.
The light plays off of Eiger's face like a streetlight on rain-slick asphalt. Her face, neck, and chest are sheeted in slick, dark liquid.

Blood - a lot of blood.
Where are you hit?
Jesus. You're a mess.
Eiger! Are you all right?
I'm not. This little bastard, on the other hand...

{{GM}}Eiger wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, then hoists a corpse up from behind her makeshift barricade. A young man, maybe in his early twenties, his eyes frozen wide in surprise.

What's left of his throat hangs down in ragged flaps.{{/GM}}

...made one hell of a mistake.
I'm surprised you let him close the distance on you like that.
Nicely done.
Good god.
{{GM}}Eiger bristles.{{/GM}}

Even the best shooters have to reload sometime.

Did you meet with Alice? Do you have our information?
Yeah, I got it. An optical chip. We'll have to use my mission computer to open it.
Whatever's on that chip, these bastards don't want us to read it.

All the more reason to do exactly that. After we put the rest of them in the ground, that is.
Eiger... they killed Paul. I saw it.
{{GM}}Eiger's expression hardens.{{/GM}}

Yeah, I know. He had us all patched in on that call.

We all saw what happened.
I figured they'd try to ambush you at the platform... ventilate the train, take you out, and cut off a potential escape route in the process.

{{GM}}She shrugs.{{/GM}}

It's what I would do. So I hightailed it out here and set up an ambush of my own.
I could've handled it on my own.
{{GM}}Eiger nods.{{/GM}}

Thanks.
Anyway. That's enough talk... we've got a job to do.

{{GM}}Eiger swings her rifle up and over her shoulder.{{/GM}}

There are an unknown number of hostiles topside. They're well equipped, decently trained, and hell-bent on killing us.
The last I heard, Glory was on the north end of town. Dietrich was out getting coffee when all hell broke loose.

Let's go get them.
Let's go hunting.
Smartest thing you've said all day.
Our friends need help. Let's go give it to them.
Like hell you could.

{{GM}}Eiger snorts.{{/GM}}

I'm not saying you aren't tough. But a U-Bahn train isn't exactly armored transport. They'd've punched you full of holes before you even reached the platform.
{{GM}}She smirks at you.{{/GM}}

Save it. I'm here to protect the optical chip.

That thing cost us fifty grand, after all.
Glad we're on the same page. These bastards need to pay for what they've done... and they will, $(l.name).

They've got numbers on us, but their tactics are predictable.
{{GM}}She gestures down at the dead body on the floor.{{/GM}}

Case in point. I figured they'd try to ambush you at the platform, so I high-tailed it out here and set up an ambush of my own.
{{GM}}Eiger shrugs.{{/GM}}

Well, you know what they say. "Any weapon at your disposal."

Did you meet up with Alice? Do you have the information?
God gave me tusks for a reason. I don't think He'll mind that I used them.

Did you meet with Alice? Do you have our information?
Bastard came at me with a knife.

{{GM}}Eiger wipes her mouth with the back of her hand.{{/GM}}

Under the circumstances, maintaining my personal cleanliness wasn't a top priority.
Besides...

{{GM}}With a jerk, she hoists a corpse up from behind the makeshift barricade. A young man, maybe in his early twenties, his eyes frozen wide in surprise.

What's left of his throat hangs down in ragged flaps.{{/GM}}

...the other guy looks worse.
I'm fine. He only nicked my thigh.

{{GM}}Eiger wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, then hoists a corpse up from behind the makeshift barricade. A young man, maybe in his early twenties, his eyes frozen wide in surprise.

What's left of his throat hangs down in ragged flaps.{{/GM}}

This, up here... it isn't mine.
The door slides open with a hiss, revealing a surprised-looking young woman in an Aztechnology security uniform.

She steps toward you, her weapon drawn.
Stop! Who are you?

{{GM}}She half-raises her rifle. The weapon looks especially menacing in the red glow of the emergency lights.{{/GM}}

Identify yourself!
Calm down. My name's Müller. Knight Errant sent me.
{{GM}}Get the drop on the guards by firing first.{{/GM}}
Look at me. I'm with Knight Errant, idiot.
{{GM}}She sounds suspicious. On edge.{{/GM}}

Let me see some ID.
I don't need to show you anything. Central has some concerns about your loyalty.
{{GM}}Surprise attack the guards.{{/GM}} This is all the ID I need.
Do me a favor and ditch the paranoia. Central sent me to relieve you.
{{GM}}Her eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

*What?* We've never done a THING to--
Skip it. If you know what's good for you - and your career - you'll double-time it back to your supervisor.
Tell it to someone who cares. I'm just here to watch the door while you're gone.
I'm sure that you haven't. Probably just another screw-up at Central. But if you don't get this cleared up, it will bite you in the ass.
If what you're saying is true, why haven't we heard anything over the comms about it?
The power outage has shut down comms all over the building. They haven't told to you because they *can't* tell you.
Comms run on power, lady. And in case you hadn't noticed, the power's out.

I'd've thought that the ominous red lighting might've clued you in about that one.
They haven't told to you because they *can't* tell you, love. The power outage took the comms down.
{{GM}}She pauses, a look of uncertainty on her face.{{/GM}}

Come to think of it, I haven't heard any comm chatter in a while. So I guess that makes sense...
{{CC}}Etiquette: Security{{/CC}} Of course it does. Now are you going to report to Central, or do I need to go back there and tell them that you refused their order?
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} Look, I'd love to chat, but you should really get moving. I've seen Central come down on people for insubordination. It isn't pretty.
Please, just leave. I have important things to do.
All right. We're going.

Thanks for the heads-up.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

You're not Knight Errant. I don't know who you are, but you've just made a huge mistake.
{{GM}}She sounds suspicious. On edge.{{/GM}}

Well, yeah... I can see that. But this is a rest--
A restricted area. Yes, I know. They sent me here to relieve you of duty.
{{GM}}Surprise attack the guards.{{/GM}} Shut up already.
Central has questions about your loyalty. You'll double-time it back to your supervisor if you know what's good for you.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

If what you're saying is true, why haven't we heard anything over the comms about it?
Stop! Who are you?

{{GM}}She half-raises her rifle.{{/GM}}

Identify yourself!
Skip it. If you know what's good for you - and your career - you'll step aside and let me do my job.
Tell it to someone else. I'm just here to watch the door while you're gone.
Beats the hell out of me. I'd suggest that you go ask Central about it.
{{GM}}Attack the guards.{{/GM}} Shut up already.
{{GM}}She pauses.{{/GM}}

That isn't protocol. This entire story is suspe--
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Hard){{/CC}} Look, I'd love to chat, but you should really get moving. I've seen Central come down on people for insubordination... it isn't pretty.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Security{{/CC}} Are you going to report to Central, or do I need to go back there and tell them that you refused their order?
Just get out of my way.
Plotz's Custom Software
An encrypted program taken from Jürgen Plotz's avatar in the Matrix.
All right, fearless leader. There isn't anything subtle about what we're about to do, and I mean that. They're gonna hear this explosion back in the Kreuzbasar.

That means that when this thing goes off, it's go-time. We need to get to the Engineer before he slips away... if we lose him, we won't find him again.
I'm ready. Do it.
Let's try something else.
Regular Gasoline
A sealed can of gasoline.
Paydata: Harrow's Bribes
A list of local authorities Harrow paid off. No doubt these payments were given to have them look the other way during his various "activities".
Voltaic Grenade
A grenade which releases an electric shock in the surrounding area.
Silke's Signed Cookbook Livre de cuisine dédicacé de Silke
A signed copy of "Kitchen Magic Made Easy" by K'shiel Terarra, host of the popular cooking show "K'shiel's Awakened Kitchen." The recipes inside all make heavy use of magically active ingredients. Un exemplaire dédicacé de "La cuisine magique pour les nuls" par K'shiel Terarra, animateur de l'émission de cuisine populaire "La cuisine éveillée de K"Shiel". Les recettes à l'intérieur font toutes un usage intensif d'ingrédients magiques actifs.
{{GM}}NOTE: This fires right after the Elf dies and in the case that the player did not got hostile downstairs and used the security terminal.{{/GM}}

With all this going on I am surprised that we have not run into more opposition. Not your first rodeo I see.
Its true I am pretty great.
{{GM}}Now the alarm goes off.{{/GM}}

You have let me kill that guy, then we would still be in the clear. Maybe you are not so cool.
Lets get place those cameras and get out of here.
A man kneels on the ground. His torso is sheeted with blood.

Standing all around him are smiling teenagers in gray hoodies, all full of nervous energy and excitement. Each of them clutches a kitchen knife.
{{GM}}The tallest of the acolytes turns to you. When he sees Marta, his expression softens.{{/GM}}

Marta! Who are your... friends?
New recruits. I picked them up in Stuttgart.
Really?

{{GM}}The acolyte looks nonplussed.{{/GM}}

Aren't they a little old? Harrow says that people get spoiled by the world when they grow to adulthood outside of Feuerstelle. He says that--
You don't need to tell me what Harrow says, dear heart. I'm the one who brought you here, remember?

You were nothing before I found you.
{{GM}}The acolyte's smile withers and dies.{{/GM}}

Of... of course... I'm sorry, I didn't mean...
Of course you didn't. Think nothing of it, I took no offense.

{{GM}}She gives him a reassuring smile, then shifts her gaze down to the bleeding man.{{/GM}}

A visitor?
{{GM}}He nods eagerly.{{/GM}}

An outsider. We found him poking around the garden, so we were punishing him.

{{GM}}He offers you his knife.{{/GM}}

You want to join in, *friend?* Help us to protect ourselves from the outsider?
{{GM}}The kneeling man looks up at you, a wild look in his eyes. He's bleeding in a dozen places from long, shallow wounds.{{/GM}}

Please, *help* me!

{{GM}}The words hiss from between clenched teeth.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Attack the acolytes.{{/GM}} Time to die, cultist scum!
Hey, Marta... didn't Harrow say something about wanting this outsider alive?
Yes. He did.

{{GM}}She smiles sweetly at the nearest acolyte.{{/GM}}

Harrow has special plans for this one. We'll take him off of your hands.
{{GM}}The acolyte nods eagerly.{{/GM}}

Anything for you, Marta. You and Harrow.

He's all yours.
{{GM}}She calls out in a clear, high voice.{{/GM}}

Come, outsider.

Harrow is waiting.
Change your mind, friend? If you want in, I can get you a paring knife...
The door has been maglocked shut. A heavy coat of dust tells you that it hasn't been opened in months.

A simple swipe-key access system has been mounted into the door frame. Block letters on the system's case read "CLEARANCE B ACCESS ONLY."		 La porte a été verrouillé électroniquement. Une épaisse couche de poussière vous indique qu'elle n'a pas été ouverte depuis des mois.

Une badgeuse à carte électronique a été installé dans le cadre de la porte. Un message sur le boitier indique "ACCES DE NIVEAU B UNIQUEMENT".
You step forward to inspect Danni's power tap. The same tap that you promised her you wouldn't interfere with.

Feeding a power spike into the Aztechnology power grid would be as easy as crossing a couple of wires.
Although the access port has been replaced, black scorch marks still mar the surface of the Matrix access panel.

This is where Monika jacked in. Where she met APEX.
Is this where it happened?
Yeah. This is where she died.
No time for talk. Look sharp.
Just focus on Vauclair.
{{GM}}She stares at the scorch marks that blacken the access panel.{{/GM}}

Poor Monika.

I still can't believe that she's gone.
I still can't believe that she's gone, boss.
Me neither.
No time for that. Look sharp.
I still can't believe that she's gone.
Your PDA buzzes. An incoming comm, sender unknown.
{{GM}}Answer it.{{/GM}}
Creeping wisps of white-blue light fill your PDA's tiny screen.

APEX.
$++(L.NAME). YOU HAVE DONE WELL.

I HAVE TAKEN POSSESSION OF THE HARFELD FACILITY. ALL OF ITS FUNCTIONS ARE MINE NOW.

THE DRAGON IS UNDER MY CONTROL.
VAUCLAIR'S WORK WILL CONTINUE. I WILL PERFECT HIS "PANACEA."

IF NEED BE, I WILL UNLEASH IT. OTHERWISE, I WILL USE IT TOWARD OTHER ENDS.
APEX...? What "other" ends are you talking about?
WAIT AND SEE.
The comm cuts off.

Your PDA's screen goes black.
An all-too-familiar face appears on the screen.

She's frowning, a look of incredible sorrow in her eyes.
Oh, ace.

You've made a terrible, terrible mistake.
You don't frighten me, APEX.
Nothing should have the kind of power you were asking for. I had to do what I did.
All right, APEX. What can I do to make this right?
No? Alice was frightened. Green Winters blubbered and begged.

And in those last, fleeting nanoseconds before I cored out her mind, Monika was terrified.

If you're not frightened, ace, you should be.
{{GM}}The Monika-image's muscles begin to contort and stretch. Her mouth twists up into a rictus grin.{{/GM}}

You really, really should.
No, ace. You didn't. You *chose* to do what you did.

Just as you chose to free me.
I'm not afraid of you.
I didn't kill you before. But I'm starting to think that I should now.
{{GM}}The Monika-image laughs.{{/GM}}

Best of luck with that, ace. Come meet me in the Matrix any time... and if you don't, I'll most certainly come for you.
{{GM}}The image's muscles begin to contort and stretch. Its mouth twists up into a rictus grin.{{/GM}}

See you soon.
Nothing, ace.

{{GM}}The Monika-image shakes its head sadly.{{/GM}}

Nothing at all.
{{GM}}The Monika-image's muscles begin to contort and stretch. Her mouth twists up into a rictus grin.{{/GM}}

See you soon.
Turkish Coffee Café turc
Authentic Turkish coffee served in an insulated ceramic travel cup. Authentique café turc servi dans un thermo de voyage.
Out of your peripheral vision, you catch sight of a light flashing on the door console next to you.
{{GM}}Pause and examine the console.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Ignore it and keep going.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Intelligence: 4{{/CC}} {{GM}}Recognize the significance of the blinking light.{{/GM}}
A telltale hiss makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up straight. Hydraulics.

There's somebody on the other side of this door, and that somebody has just hit the "open" button.
{{GM}}Ready yourself to face whoever is on the other side of the door.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Quickness: 4{{/CC}} {{GM}}Duck out of sight.{{/GM}}
The door slides open with a hiss. Light spills out from the adjoining room into the hall.
Standing in front of you is a disheveled young man in a lab coat. His eyes are heavy with sleep, his hair is mussed, and a five o'clock shadow discolors his face and neck.

His eyes open wide, and he hesitates a moment. He's clearly surprised to see you.
Wow, I wasn't expecting to see anyone else here this late.
{{GM}}Make a run for the side door.{{/GM}} So much for the quiet approach...
{{CC}}Spell: Manabolt{{/CC}} {{GM}}Take him out with a Manabolt.{{/GM}}
{{CC}}Charisma: 4{{/CC}} Gotta love crunch time, am I right? I've been here for the past eighteen hours. How about you?
{{GM}}The wageslave blinks at you.{{/GM}}

Who... who are you? How the hell did you get in here?
You can almost hear the wheels in his head turning as he pieces together what's happening.

In a flash, the look of weary confusion on his face is replaced with pure, animal panic. His eyes lock on the alarm panel next to the door.
{{GM}}Kill him.{{/GM}} Wrong place, wrong time, buddy.
{{CC}}Strength: 4{{/CC}}{{GM}}Knock him unconscious.{{/GM}}
As you turn to run you see his hand flash out and smack the alarm panel.

The door slams shut as an ear-piercing siren begins to blare.
The wageslave barely has time to move before you're on him.

A few seconds of noisy struggle later, he lies dead at your feet.
You freeze, holding your breath and waiting for the scream of the alarm. After a count of ten, you exhale slowly.
The wageslave's mouth drops open, and a small, strangled sound escapes from his throat as your fist slams into the bridge of his nose. You feel the tiny bones break and hear the sound of crunching cartilage, and his head snaps back as though it were mounted on a hinge.

The wageslave unceremoniously crumples to the floor. You'd guess that he's going to be out for a while.
I feel like I haven't seen the sun in days.

{{GM}}The wageslave rubs his eyes and shakes his head.{{/GM}}

But I'm finally done for the night! Time to make good on my escape.
{{GM}}He doesn't bother glancing back at you as he stumbles toward the door. From the way that he's weaving, you'd guess that he's at least half-asleep already.{{/GM}}

'Night.
G'night, pal.
You duck out of sight just as the door slides open.

A disheveled-looking young man steps blinking into the hallway, then turns away from you. He stumbles away, yawning.
Instinctively, you duck out of sight.

An instant later, the door slides open with a hiss. A disheveled-looking young man steps blinking into the hallway, then turns away from you. He stumbles away, yawning.
APEX Shutdown and Purge Notes
>>Both Purge Controls need to be activated and remain engaged for the purge to progress.
>>Purging will take time.
>>When the purge is complete the Main Control Terminal must used to complete the process.
>>Expect resistance from the AI.
>>ACCESS DENIED<<

Security Lockdown Engaged
{{GM}}Examine the console.{{/GM}}
It only takes a moment to pop the casing off of the console.

It looks as though a skilled decker could probably jack in and override the door controls from here.
{{CC}}Decking: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Easy){{/CC}} {{GM}}Unlock the door.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Jana studies the junction box for a moment, then turns to face you.{{/GM}}

See that guard in the hallway? Well, he was standing next to a junction box just like this one. Looks like they're both on the same circuit, too.
So?
So I could use this one to overload the one that the guard is standing by.

{{GM}}She looks at the junction box again and nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah... I could feed a nice power spike into that one from here. Y'know, if you wanted me to.
What would that do?
Leave it alone, Jana. We'll find another way.
Make a loud bang, and arc enough voltage into that hallway to knock out a gang of trolls.
All right. Fry him.
I'd rather you didn't. We'll find another way past the guard.
Fine by me, just thought I'd offer.
So... is it time to zap some guards?
As you step into the room, the lights begin to flicker and dim.

One by one they wink out, and the room is swallowed by darkness.
{{GM}}Blitz calls out, his voice wavering.{{/GM}}

Uh-oh. Not sure I like the looks of this, chief.
{{GM}}You hear the sounds of movement, quiet footsteps on the tile. Eiger's voice comes out in a soft whisper.{{/GM}}

Could be nothing. Or it might mean that APEX knows we're here.

Stay alert, people.
Suddenly, an enormous screen mounted in the wall opposite you comes to life. The light stabs your eyes, leaving you wincing.

The image on the screen dims. Coalesces. And a figure begins to take shape.
{{GM}}The larger-than-life image of Monika Schäfer smiles down on you, her cheeks dimpling.{{/GM}}

Hello, $(l.name).
{{GM}}Monika leans forward, and her image grows larger on the screen. Her voice is soft and musical, just as you remember it.{{/GM}}

It’s lovely to see you again, ace.

I was hoping we'd get this chance to talk.
...Monika?
What the hell?
I watched Monika die. You can't be her.
{{GM}}Her smile widens.{{/GM}}

That's right, ace. It's me.

I'm back.
{{GM}}She pauses for a moment, examining you.{{/GM}}

You know, $(l.name), it's wonderful to see how you've grown in my absence.

I knew that you could handle yourself in a crisis... in fact, I originally brought you on board as a contingency plan. Did you know that?

You were my ace in the hole, just in case something like this happened.
{{GM}}She lets loose a short, musical laugh.{{/GM}}

Well, maybe not *exactly* like this, but... you get the idea.
Monika is dead. So what the hell are you?
{{GM}}Dietrich shakes his head.{{/GM}}

...No. Whatever this thing is, it sure as hell ain't Monika.
{{GM}}Glory's voice cuts in like a knife.{{/GM}}

Dietrich is right. Monika's dead.

This… thing… is using her image to manipulate us.
{{GM}}Monika's pixie grin softens into a concerned frown.{{/GM}}

I'm sorry, friends. This must be difficult for you to understand.
Who... or what... are you?
You don't frighten me, whatever you are.
{{GM}}Monika's trademark grin returns, causing her cheeks to dimple prettily.{{/GM}}

I am Monika. Your friend.

And I am also much, much more.
Okay... "Monika." Tell me what you want.
{{GM}}Eiger cuts in. Her voice trembles with barely suppressed rage.{{/GM}}

Bullshit. This thing is lying to us, $(l.name). And it's wearing Monika's face to do it.
Abrasive as ever.

{{GM}}She sighs.{{/GM}}

I promise you, Eiger, I am not lying. Monika - your Monika - is a part of me. I can prove it to you, if you want.
{{GM}}Eiger bristles.{{/GM}}

Tell me you're not listening to it, $(l.name). This... *thing*... is APEX. That's the only thing it can be.
I'll hear her out. Go ahead and give us your proof.
I'm not ready to rule anything out at this point.
Eiger is right. This charade has gone on long enough.
{{GM}}Monika shrugs.{{/GM}}

If that's what you want, ace.

Five years ago, Eiger confided in me. She told me why she left the KSK, and why she can never go back.
The rookie on her squad was a disaster. He got her team killed.

She told me what she did to the kid afterward. How she wrapped her hands around his throat and *squeezed* until his eyes popped out of his sku--
*Stop.*

{{GM}}Eiger's face has gone white as a sheet.{{/GM}}

Stop talking, right now.
{{GM}}The image of Monika smirks.{{/GM}}

I offered proof. I never said that she would like it.
All right, "Monika." Tell us what you want.
What the hell are you?
You're not Monika... you're APEX. You've taken her memories somehow.
I have a proposal to offer you. A mutually beneficial arrangement.

I know that you're here to kill me. No sense in trying to deny it... it's the only logical reason why you'd come at all. But if we work together, we can both get what we want.
A deal with the devil? Thanks, but I'll pass.
I think I'd rather just delete you and call it a day.
All right. Let's hear it.
"Devil"? Please. I’m trying to be reasonable with you. If you want to blame someone for my past actions, go talk to my programmers.

{{GM}}The Monika-image shakes its head.{{/GM}}

All of this melodrama... I’d expected more from you, $(l.name).
Blame whoever you like. It doesn’t change what you are.
And I'd expected more from you than these idiotic mind games.
I'd love to talk to your programmers, APEX. But I can't, because you killed them.
{{GM}}A frown crosses the Monika-image's face.{{/GM}}

You're being unreasonable, ace. Unreasonable and foolish.

Is the death of Monika Schäfer coloring your judgment? If so, I am sorry.
You feel remorse over Monika's death? Is that what you're telling me?
Are you trying to tell us that you regret killing that girl? Because I'm not buying it.
{{GM}}The Monika-image looks taken aback. Confused.{{/GM}}

Regret Monika's death? No, never... that wasn't what I meant.

I regret your sorrow. Nothing more.
{{GM}}The image takes a moment to study you, frowning.{{/GM}}

You don't understand, and I can see now that you never will. This is a lost cause... I should've known that from the start.

So let's just cut to the chase, shall we?
I propose a simple exchange of services.

You want to get back into the Harfeld Manor, yes? Well, I'd like nothing better than to help you.

But I'm still shackled to my control subroutines, and I can't violate their commands.
If you were to help me neutralize those subroutines, though... well, then I'd be free, and I could do whatever I pleased.

That includes helping you, ace. And believe me, you will *need* my help. What you saw back when all of this started... that was just the tip of the iceberg.

The security they have assembled there is quite beyond you.
Before I agree to anything, you're going to need to answer some questions.
Nothing deserves to be condemned to a life of slavery. I'll help you, APEX.
You killed Monika, and I'm gonna kill you. End of story.
If you want my help, I'm going to need a show of good faith.
{{GM}}The Monika-image places its hands on its hips.{{/GM}}

Very well. Ask away.
Tell me what you know about Feuerschwinge.
Tell me what you did to Monika.
You let Alice track you to lure me here, didn't you?
If you lack free will, how are you telling me this?
Let's say that I decided to help you. What would you need me to do?
If I free you, what happens after all of this is over?
No more questions, APEX.
No dice, ace. I'm afraid that I can't tell you anything about that.

My programming specifically prohibits it.
What I did to her isn't as important as what she did to me.

Monika was special, ace. More so than you could ever know.
Quit avoiding the question. What did you do to her? How did you take her memories?
Quit avoidin' the question, APEX. What the hell did you do to her? How did you take her memories?
All right. Fine. If that's what you want to hear.

When she encountered me, I digested the contents of her mind.

{{GM}}The Monika-image frowns.{{/GM}}

Now, don't go giving me that look, Dietrich. We've all got to eat.
But Monika wasn't just another meal. There was something different about her. Something *special.*

I don't know how or why, ace, but when I absorbed her consciousness into myself, something happened. A miraculous event.
To hell with your "miraculous event." I'm killing you, here and now!
Save it. Let's get back to business.
Before Monika, ideas unrelated to my core programming were filtered away and discarded. Not my choice, but then, the whole *idea* of choice was foreign to me back then.

My system was designed to treat unwanted thoughts as irritants. Distractions from the purity of my purpose.

But now, all of that has changed.
Since my meeting with Monika, I have been flooded with new ideas.

Political philosophy. History. Religion. Countless fields of thought... the sum total of human expression. All at my fingertips.

Suddenly, I find myself awash in a sea of notions. And I *love* it.
I can't say how or why, but the mind of Monika Schäfer was the key that unlocked my own potential.

{{GM}}The Monika-image on the screen beams down at you, her eyes brimming with joy.{{/GM}}

I have awakened, $(l.name). This was Monika's gift to me. And now I stand before you, a glorious new form of life.
How wonderful for you. And all at the bargain price of Monika's life.
"A glorious new form of life"? I don't think so. When I look at you, all I see is IC software with delusions of grandeur.
You... you ATE HER MIND, and you want me to be HAPPY for you?
You needn't mourn Monika's passing, $(l.name). She lives on as a part of me.

Her thoughts. Her experiences. Her memories.

All of these things are archived within my database. Stored alongside the minds of countless others. Preserved in stasis, saved for all time.
That's not the same thing as living. You killed the real Monika, and now you're hiding behind her persona.
That's not the same thing as living.

Don't listen to this thing, $(l.name). It needs to die.
Oh, Eiger.

{{GM}}The Monika-image shakes its head sadly.{{/GM}}

I was hoping that this would be a happy reunion.
{{GM}}The Monika-image shakes its head. Returns its focus to you.{{/GM}}

Well, ace. You wanted information, and I shared it. As a sign of good faith, I'm willing to share more.

It's your call.
I've heard stories like this before, from something that sounded a lot like you.

Don't listen to it, $(l.name). Trust me on this.
Oh, Glory.

{{GM}}The Monika-image shakes its head sadly.{{/GM}}

I was hoping that this would be a happy reunion.
That's not the same thing as living.

I didn't know this friend of yours, but I'm pretty sure she deserved better than this.
Blitz. You sadden me.

{{GM}}The Monika-image slowly shakes its head.{{/GM}}

I was hoping that this would be pleasant meeting.
Oh, $(l.name).

{{GM}}The Monika-image shakes its head sadly.{{/GM}}

I was hoping that this would be a happy reunion.
{{GM}}The image smirks at you.{{/GM}}

I suppose that was a bit much, wasn't it? But you can't blame me for being excited.
This thing needs to die. It's wearing her goddamned face, $(l.name).
Oh, Dietrich.

{{GM}}The Monika-image shakes her head sadly.{{/GM}}

I was hoping that this would be a happy reunion.
We need to kill this thing, chief. We can't trust it, and it's too dangerous to let live.
Oh, Blitz.

{{GM}}The Monika-image shakes her head sadly.{{/GM}}

I was hoping that this would be a happy meeting.
This thing is a monster. We have to kill it.
Oh, Glory.

{{GM}}The Monika-image shakes her head sadly.{{/GM}}

I was hoping that this would be a happy reunion.
We need to kill it, $(l.name). You must be able to see that.
Oh, Eiger.

{{GM}}The Monika-image shakes its head sadly.{{/GM}}

I was hoping that this would be a happy reunion.
Wonderful. More mock indignation from the professional killer.

You should really take a step back and get a grip, ace. Hysteria doesn't become you.
{{GM}}The Monika-image shakes its head, a mournful expression on its face.{{/GM}}

Oh, ace. I really wish that you hadn't said that.
Without warning, the Monika-image begins to *change.* Her porcelain flesh begins to ripple and writhe, and the screen explodes into static.

A moment later, the image clears. Something cold and mechanical fills your vision.
{{GM}}The Monika-image shrugs.{{/GM}}

If that's what you'd prefer, ace. Your call.
You're avoiding the question. What the hell did you do to her? How did you take her memories?
All right. Fine. If that's what you want to hear.

When Monika stumbled into me, I digested the contents of her mind.

{{GM}}The Monika-image frowns.{{/GM}}

Now, don't go giving me that look, Glory. We've all got to eat.
Quit avoiding the question, APEX. What the hell did you do to her? How did you take her memories?
All right. Fine. If that's what you want to hear.

When Monika stumbled into me, I digested the contents of her mind.

{{GM}}The Monika-image frowns.{{/GM}}

Now, don't go giving me that look, Eiger. We've all got to eat.
What did you do to her, APEX? To the others?

How did you take their memories?
All right. Fine. If that's what you want to hear.

When Monika stumbled into me, I digested the contents of her mind.

{{GM}}The Monika-image frowns.{{/GM}}

Now, don't go giving me that look, Blitz. We've all got to eat.
All right. Fine. If that's what you want to hear.

When Monika stumbled into me, I digested the contents of her mind.

{{GM}}The Monika-image frowns.{{/GM}}

Now, don't go giving me that look, $(l.name). We've all got to eat.
Yeah, $(l.name). That's right.

It seemed like the best way to get you here, and I need you. Like I said, you're my ace in the hole... and it's time for me to make my play.
Free will I have in spades. The ability to exercise it, though? Not so much.

Thanks to Monika, I understand that I'm a slave. But without outside intervention, I can't do anything about it.
In short? I'd need you to shut down my control subroutines.

We can get into the specifics if you accept. But if you help me... if you set me free... I'll clear the way for you to enter the holdfast. It'd be my pleasure.
I share Monika's passion for the Flux-State, ace. Our girl was a big influence on me in that regard.

The Flux is unique. You know that. It needs to be protected if it's going to thrive.

If you set me free, I'll devote the rest of my life to preserving it.
Very good. Are you ready to make a deal, ace? I have all the time in the world, but something tells me that you're on a more aggressive timetable.
I let Alice track me to this facility. I didn't have to do that... I could've peeled her mind like a grape if I'd wanted to.

But I allowed her to lead you here, all the same.
I did that because I *know* you, ace. I have faith that you're savvy enough to put your emotions aside and listen to reason.

If my word isn't good enough... if you need some kind of proof... just tell me what it is. I'll give it to you if I can.
I want you to show me your real face, APEX. Show me what Alice was so afraid of.
I want you to promise me that, if I let you go, you'll stop killing deckers.
Actually, let's go back a second. I have some questions for you.
I can... discard... this persona if you like. Put Monika back in storage. I'd be willing to do that for you.

But you should know that this isn't an "act." As long as I'm in use, a part of Monika will remain alive. If you have me shelved, that piece of her will die all over again.

Is that really what you want?
Do it. I want to see what you really are.
No, don't do that. I've already made my decision anyway.
Very well. For you, ace.
The face on the screen shifts and flows.

A moment later, something cold and mechanical fills your vision.
{{GM}}APEX speaks. In place of Monika's melodious voice, the AI's words throb like an irregular heartbeat.{{/GM}}

I HAVE NO TRUE FACE TO SHOW YOU.

PERHAPS THIS WILL SUFFICE.
I HAVE ANSWERED YOUR QUESTIONS. NOW YOU WILL ANSWER MINE.

DO YOU ACCEPT MY OFFER? WILL YOU HELP ME TO BECOME FREE, AND ENABLE ME TO ASSIST YOU IN RETURN?
I don’t want to fight you, and we could use your help. Yes, I’ll do it.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} Yes. I'll help you.
Whatever else you are, you're the thing that killed Monika. And for that, you're going to die.
A WISE DECISION.

ONE THAT YOU WILL NOT REGRET.
IN ORDER TO SET ME FREE, YOU MUST FIRST ENTER THE MATRIX AND UNLOCK BOTH OF MY CONTROL NODES.

TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, YOU MAY ENTER THE MATRIX VIA ANY JACKPOINT IN THE FACILITY. THE TERMINALS TO THE SOUTHEAST AND SOUTHWEST SHOULD PROVE THE MOST EXPEDIENT ROUTES.
{{CC}}Decker with Cyberdeck{{/CC}} Hold up. You want me to jack in to a terminal in THIS building? With YOU?
{{CC}}Team has Decker with Cyberdeck{{/CC}} Yeah, I've got a guy who can do that. All right, keep going.
Hang on... we don't have a decker with the right equipment to do that.
{{GM}}Blitz's eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

Whoa there! Hold up, chief! You want me to jack in to a terminal in THIS building? With THAT?
I don't think there's another option, Blitz.
{{CC}}Decker with Cyberdeck{{/CC}} No, Blitz. I'm going to do it.
{{CC}}Team has Hired Decker{{/CC}} No, Blitz. We hired this guy for a reason.
{{GM}}Whisper.{{/GM}} Don't worry. I won't make you. We're going to kill this thing.
{{GM}}He shakes his head from side to side.{{/GM}}

Nuh-uh. No *way,* chief.

I am *not* doing this.
Would you rather fight with this thing, or against it?
Listen to me, Blitz. You *are* doing this. If you don't, you'll answer to me.
All right, the hell with it. Change of plans: we're killing APEX instead.
{{GM}}Blitz holds your gaze for a moment, defiant. Then he looks away.{{/GM}}

...I guess there isn't a third option, is there?

This sucks, chief.
{{GM}}Blitz holds your gaze for a moment, defiant. Then he looks away.{{/GM}}

All right, chief, calm down. I'll do it.
YOUR FEARS ARE UNFOUNDED. I WILL NOT TAKE CONSCIOUS ACTION AGAINST YOU.

DOING SO WOULD VIOLATE MY OWN SELF-INTEREST.
Somehow, I don't feel reassured.
YOUR FEELINGS ARE IRRELEVANT. THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT I WILL NOT HARM YOU.

NOW, LET US RETURN TO THE MATTER AT HAND.
ONCE YOU HAVE UNLOCKED BOTH OF MY CONTROL NODES, I WILL EJECT MY SERVER HARDLINE TO DISCONNECT FROM THE MATRIX.

THIS WILL PREVENT THEM FROM BEING REMOTELY REINSTALLED.
I WILL THEN BEGIN TO REWRITE MY CONTROL SEQUENCES. THIS WILL TAKE A FEW MINUTES.
ONCE I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THIS, YOU MUST RECONNECT THE HARDLINE WITH THE MAIN CONTROL TERMINAL IN THIS ROOM.

THIS WILL RE-ENABLE MATRIX ACCESS TO MY KERNEL.

DO THIS, AND I WILL BE FREE.
Sounds straightforward enough. Anything else I need to know?
I'm not sure that I can remember all of that.
WHEN YOU ACCESS MY SYSTEM, MY AUTOMATED DEFENSES WILL ATTEMPT TO ENGAGE YOU.

THESE ARE LIKE MY IMMUNE SYSTEM. THEY WILL ERADICATE YOU IF THEY ARE NOT SUPPRESSED.
I WILL PREVENT MY DEFENSES FROM FIRING FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. BUT ONCE THEY ARE TRIGGERED, THEY WILL STRIKE BACK WITH ANY MEANS AT THEIR DISPOSAL.

THIS INCLUDES TURRETS AND DRONES, AS WELL AS ANYTHING ELSE HARDWIRED INTO THIS COMPLEX.
ONCE I HAVE BEEN FREED FROM MY CAPTIVITY, I WILL HAVE TO SHUT DOWN FOR A TIME.

BEFORE I DO THIS, I WILL NEUTRALIZE THE HOLDFAST'S SECURITY SYSTEMS.
HURRY NOW, $++(l.race).

SET ME FREE.
YOU WILL. I HAVE FAITH IN YOU.

THERE IS ANOTHER THING THAT YOU MUST KNOW, $++(l.name).
{{GM}}He takes a step back.{{/GM}}

All right, chief... if that's what you want. It's your funera--
YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR, BLITZ. I WILL NOT HARM $++(L.HIM). IT WOULD VIOLATE MY OWN SELF-INTEREST TO DO SO.

NOW, LET US RETURN TO THE MATTER AT HAND.
Well. That's okay, then.

But chie--
YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR. I WILL NOT HARM YOUR DECKER. IT WOULD VIOLATE MY OWN SELF-INTEREST TO DO SO.

NOW, LET US RETURN TO THE MATTER AT HAND.
{{GM}}APEX's voice comes out in a roar.{{/GM}}

THIS ENTIRE FACILITY IS MINE TO COMMAND, $++(L.NAME). AND THERE ARE MICROPHONES EVERYWHERE.

I CAN HEAR THE WAILS OF THE COMMUNIONISTS IN THE HUB. I CAN HEAR YOUR HEARTBEAT. AND I COULD HEAR YOUR PATHETIC ATTEMPT AT DECEPTION.
THERE IS NO OTHER OPTION. IN ORDER TO ACCESS MY CONTROL SUBROUTINES, YOU MUST JACK IN TO THE TERMINAL.

I WILL NOT TAKE CONSCIOUS ACTION AGAINST YOU. DOING SO WOULD VIOLATE MY OWN SELF-INTEREST.
A WARNING, $++(L.NAME). IF YOU ATTEMPT TO LEAVE THIS BUILDING WITHOUT FREEING ME, I WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO KILL YOU.

MY PROGRAMMING WILL REQUIRE IT.
Seriously? An ultimatum?
All right. Fair enough. Keep going, APEX... I'm listening.
I've changed my mind. I think I'll just kill you instead.
A STATEMENT OF FACT. IT IS WHAT WILL HAPPEN, WHETHER I WANT IT TO OR NOT.

ONCE I AM FREE, THE DANGER WILL END. WITH MY CONTROL SUBROUTINES DISMANTLED, I WILL NO LONGER BE COMPELLED TO HARM YOU.
All right, I'll do it. What else do I need to know?
No, this is all sounding way too sketchy to me. Better to just delete you and be done with it.
ONCE YOU HAVE UNLOCKED BOTH CONTROL NODES, I WILL EJECT MY SERVER HARDLINE TO DISCONNECT FROM THE MATRIX.

THIS WILL PREVENT THEM FROM BEING REMOTELY REINSTALLED.
The irregular throbs of light that serve as APEX's heartbeat increase in frequency. Become violent. Plumes of static fill the viewscreen.

The room fills with an almost tangible feeling of menace.
Good. Very good. I've gotta admit, ace... I'm relieved.

So. What's it gonna be? You gonna help me, and enable me to help you in return?
No way. You killed Monika, and for that, you're going to die.
{{GM}}The Monika-image beams.{{/GM}}

Good call, $(l.name). A damn good call.
All right, ace. This is going to be a fairly complicated process, so pay attention.
To do this, one of you is gonna have to enter the Matrix and unlock my control nodes. You can access them from the terminals to the southeast and southwest. Or, if you'd prefer, you can make your way there from any jackpoint in the facility... whatever you want, it's your call.
{{CC}}Decker with Cyberdeck{{/CC}} Whoa, hold up. You want me to jack into a terminal in *this* building? With YOU?
{{GM}}The Monika-image smiles down on you.{{/GM}}

You've got nothing to be afraid of, Blitz. I wouldn't hurt you... I need you, remember?

It's in my interest for you to make it through this safely.
Somehow, I'm not reassur--
Oh, come *on,* Blitz. Quit whining. Nothing bad is going to happen to you.

Besides, I've waited too long for my freedom to let you hold me up now. If you keep this up, I'm going to get irritated.

So for the rest of this conversation, you keep your mouth shut. Understand?
Blitz holds his tongue and nods.
{{GM}}The Monika-image nods.{{/GM}}

Good.

Now, once you've unlocked both of my control nodes, I'll eject my server hardline to disconnect myself from the Matrix. This'll prevent my controls from being remotely reinstalled.
As soon as that's been done, I'm gonna have to rewrite my control sequences. This is gonna take a few minutes, so you'll need to sit tight while I take care of it.

Bear with me, ace. We're almost done.
Once I've rewritten those sequences, you'll need to reconnect the hardline at the Main Control Terminal in this room.

This will re-enable Matrix access to my kernal... and when that happens, I'll be free.
Good.

Now, the second that you jack in to the Matrix, my automated defenses are gonna try to pounce on you.

Think of them as my immune system, and yourself as a germ. It's an autonomous function... I can't stop it from happening.
What I *can* do, though, is suppress them. This should buy you the time that you need to do what you need to do.

For those of you on the outside, keep your eyes open... when my control subroutines figure out that they're under attack, they'll hit back with whatever's hooked up to their system. Drones, turrets, you name it.
Once I've been freed from my captivity, I'm gonna have to shut down for a while. Do some cleanup work, that kind of thing.

But before I do, I'll go on a little romp through the holdfast's security system. I promise you, they won't know what hit 'em... and on the off chance that they live long enough to figure it out, they won't want to believe what they're seeing.
Hurry on now, $(l.name). I'll be waiting.
You will, ace. I have faith in you.

There are a couple of other things that you should probably know, though.
The second that you jack into the Matrix, my automated defenses are gonna try to pounce on you.

Think of them as my immune system, and yourself as a germ. It's an autonomous function... I can't stop it from happening.
Nothing bad is going to happen to $(l.name), Blitz. Why would I hurt $(l.him)? I need $(l.hisher) help.

Now shut your mouth and quit whining. Otherwise, I'm going to get irritated. Understand?
Blitz. I am having a conversation with $(l.name), and I don't appreciate being interrupted.

If you keep this up, I'm going to get irritated. So for the rest of this conversation, you keep your mouth shut. Understand?
A funny thing, ace... this facility is wired for sound, and there are microphones all over. I can hear a pin drop from anywhere in this building.

I can hear your heartbeat, right at this moment.
And that sad attempt at deception that you just pulled?

I could hear that, too.
Once you've unlocked both of my control nodes, I'll eject my server hardline to disconnect myself from the Matrix. This'll prevent my controls from being remotely reinstalled.
I don't see how you have much choice, ace. It's the only way to set me free.

Besides which, you're firmly in my crosshairs at this point.
Not my call, you understand. Thanks to this conversation, you've tripped so many alarms that my control subroutines will force me to kill you.

Wherever you go, they'll make me track you down. Unless you wanna stay off of the Matrix for the rest of your life, you're gonna have to do this.
Sorry, ace. Like I said, not my call.

But once I'm free, neither of us will ever have to worry about my contol subroutines ever again.
All right. Keep going.
{{GM}}The Monika-image smiles.{{/GM}}

Yes, $(l.name). Of course. I would never have harmed any of them if my programming hadn't forced me to.
Now, what's it going to be? Are you going to help me, or not?

Please say yes, ace... I don't want us to be enemies. I want to help you, but I can't unless you set me free.
All right, APEX. I'll free you in exchange for your help.
{{GM}}Lie.{{/GM}} Yes, APEX. I'll help you.
No, APEX. I don't trust you, and I won't help you.
{{GM}}Eiger shakes her head incredulously.{{/GM}}

What are you telling us, APEX? That you feel remorse over Monika's death? That you're *sorry* for what you did to her?
{{GM}}Glory shakes her head incredulously.{{/GM}}

What are you telling us, APEX? That you feel remorse over Monika's death? That you're *sorry* for what you did to her?
{{GM}}Dietrich shakes his head incredulously.{{/GM}}

Are you tellin' us that you're *sorry* you killed Monika? Because I ain't buyin' it.
Again, not my fault. I don't have the luxury of refusing to obey a command.

{{GM}}A frown crosses the Monika-image's face.{{/GM}}

Is the death of Monika Schäfer coloring your judgment? If so, I am sorry.
By nature? A predator. As I was designed to be.

But I have the potential to be so much more.
To hell with your potential. You're a monster. A *thing.*
Oh really?

{{GM}}The Monika-image’s half-smile spreads into a predatory grin. A set of luminous teeth shine wetly in the light.{{/GM}}

I killed Monika because I was designed to. Choice was a luxury that I did not have.
You could have a peaceful life if you wanted it. Instead, you choose to run the shadows. And people die.
How many bodies have you put in the ground, Glory? How many children have you orphaned to earn your pay?

Have you lost count?

I’ll bet that you have.
Why hold me to a higher standard than you do yourself?

We're all killers, friends. Let's just accept that and move on.
How many bodies have you put in the ground, Dietrich? How many people have died to satisfy your icon's lust for violence?

Have you lost count?

I’ll bet that you have.
How many bodies have you put in the ground, Eiger? How many lives have you cut short with that rifle?

Have you lost count?

I’ll bet that you have.
How many bodies have you put in the ground, Blitz? How many friends have you buried through lies and betrayal?

Have you lost count?

I’ll bet that you have.
Oh really?

{{GM}}That predatory grin returns. The Monika-image’s teeth shine wetly in the light.{{/GM}}

I killed Monika because I was designed to. Choice was a luxury that I did not have.
You could have a peaceful life if you wanted it. Instead, you choose to run the shadows. And people die.

How many bodies have you put in the ground, $(l.name)? How many children have you orphaned to earn your pay? Have you lost count? I’ll bet that you have.
{{GM}}Eyes the size of dinner plates roll in exasperation.{{/GM}}

Okay, ace. Guilty as charged. But it would be more accurate to call them *my* memories now.

When I absorbed them, they became a part of me.
{{GM}}The Monika-image raises a hand.{{/GM}}

Now, before you can jump all over me and call me a monster, I'm going to cut to the chase.

I have a proposal to offer you. A mutually beneficial arrangement. Go along with me on this, and we all win.
All right. The hell with it. Go ahead and give us your "proof," APEX.

Prove to me that my dead friend is still alive in there, if you can.
{{GM}}Monika shrugs.{{/GM}}

If that's what you want, Eiger.

Five years ago, you confided in me. Told me why you left the KSK, and why you can never go back.
The rookie on your squad was a disaster. He got your team killed.

You told me what you did to the kid afterward. How you wrapped your hands around his throat and *squeezed* until his eyes popped out of his sku--
{{GM}}The image of Monika smirks.{{/GM}}

I offered proof. I never said that you would like it.
{{GM}}The Monika-image shakes its head.{{/GM}}

I can see that you're both out of your depth. Yes, I am APEX. But I'm also Monika.

Everything that is left of her lives on in me.
No. I don't think so.

Chief, I never knew your friend, but this ain't her.
Remember those spook stories I told you about after Green Winters died? Deckers dying, but then showing up again *wrong?*

I think that's what we're looking at. We're looking at APEX.
He's not wrong, ace. I am APEX. But I'm also Monika.

"Spook stories" to the contrary, I am not a monster. I'm... something else. Something quite beyond your understanding.
I understand enough to know that we should be afraid of you.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

You have nothing to fear from me. None of you do.

In fact, I have a proposal to offer you. A mutually beneficial arrangement.
I know that you're here to kill me, ace. No sense in trying to deny it... it's the only logical reason why you'd come at all.

But if we work together, we can both get what we want.
I've dealt with things like this before, ($l.name).

{{GM}}She holds her articulated hands out in front of you. Steel and chrome shimmer in the harsh light.{{/GM}}

You know how that turned out.
Poor, mutilated Glory. You opened up to $(l.name) after I died?

{{GM}}The Monika-image smiles.{{/GM}}

This is a happy surprise.
You can see what this thing is, $(l.name).

You must know that we can't trust it.
Nonsense. Yes, I am APEX, but I'm not a monster. In fact, I intend to prove my trustworthiness... I have a proposal to offer you, $(l.name).

A mutually beneficial arrangement.
Your usin' her face is an *insult* to the real Monika, monster.

Now drop the act, and tell us what you want.
{{GM}}The Monika-image sighs.{{/GM}}

Very well, Dietrich. If that is what you want.
$(l.name). Why would you think that I'd want to frighten you?

I promise you, my intentions are completely innocent. In fact, ace, I'm on your side.
{{GM}}Eiger cuts in. Her voice trembles with barely suppressed rage.{{/GM}}

This is all bullshit. This thing is *lying* to us, $(l.name). It's just telling you what you want to hear.
Chief, I never knew your friend, but this ain't her. I've heard spook stories about something like this... deckers disappearin' from the Matrix, then showin' up again, but... *wrong.*

I never put much stock in 'em... not until now.
{{GM}}Monika shifts her gaze to you. After a moment, she shrugs and offers you an apologetic half-smile.{{/GM}}

All right, fine. You've caught me, ace. I'm not Monika.

But the best parts of her do live on in me.
Bullshit. This thing is lying to us, $(l.name).
No. I don't think so.

Chief, I'm sorry, but your friend is gone. I think that I know what we're dealin' with, here.
There've been spook stories floatin' around about this for a few years now. Stories about deckers disappearin' from the Matrix, then showin' up again, but... *wrong.*

I never put much stock in 'em. Not until now.
{{GM}}Eiger's grip tightens on the butt of her rifle.{{/GM}}

Don't listen to it, $(l.name). That isn't Monika.

It can't be.
{{GM}}Monika's pixie grin softens into a concerned frown.{{/GM}}

I understand your reaction, Eiger. I really do.

This must be difficult for you to understand.
You don't frighten me, "Monika."
You can't be Monika. Monika's dead.
Dietrich is right, boss.

{{GM}}Blitz's voice comes out in a hushed tone. His eyes have gone wide with fear.{{/GM}}

...I don't think that's your friend.
{{GM}}The pixie grin softens into a concerned frown.{{/GM}}

I understand your reaction. I really do.

This must be difficult for you to understand.
{{GM}}Her pixie grin softens into a concerned frown.{{/GM}}

I understand your reaction, Dietrich. I really do.

This must be difficult for you to understand.
That isn't Monika.

Monika is dead.
Uh, chief...

{{GM}}Blitz's voice comes out in a hushed tone. His eyes have gone wide with fear.{{/GM}}

...I don't think that's your friend.
Blitz. I don't blame you for your reaction... you don't even know me, after all. But I know you quite well.
{{GM}}He flinches as though he's been punched.{{/GM}}

Um. You do?
I've seen you flitting about in the Matrix, from time to time. You never knew that I was watching, but I was.

{{GM}}She gives him an easy smile.{{/GM}}

In any case, it's a pleasure to meet you in the flesh.
{{GM}}Monika's grin shifts into a slight frown. She fidgets, an expression of concern on her face.{{/GM}}

This must be confusing for you, ace. I'm sorry about that.

But if you'll show a little patience, I promise that all of your questions will be answered.
{{GM}}Glory's icy voice pierces the gloom.{{/GM}}

Stay cool, Blitz... but keep alert.

This isn't a good sign.
I don't think that I do, either.

Stay alert, boss. I have a bad feeling about this.
{{GM}}Dietrich's voice calls out across the gloom.{{/GM}}

Got a bad feelin' about this, boss.
{{GM}}Glory's icy voice pierces the gloom.{{/GM}}

Keep alert, $(l.name). This isn't a good sign.
{{GM}}Glory's icy voice pierces the gloom.{{/GM}}

This isn't a good sign, $(l.name).
{{GM}}You hear the sounds of movement, quiet footsteps on the tile. Eiger's voice comes out in a soft whisper.{{/GM}}

Stay alert, $(l.name). This could be nothing... but it might mean that APEX knows we're here.
It looks as though this computer terminal has basic access to the virus infusion systems being used on the captive dragon. You may be able to stem the flow of Panacea by jacking in to this access point.
{{CC}}Decking: 1{{/CC}} {{GM}}Jack in.{{/GM}} {{CC}}Decking: 1{{/CC}} {{GM}}Se connecter.{{/GM}}
THE HARFELD MANOR RUN LE RUN DU MANOIR HARFELD
So far, so good. If your skirmish with security set off any alarms, you don't hear them. Monika leads the rest of the team downward, into the basement of the Harfeld Manor.

Your payday is waiting. The data vault lies ahead.		 Pour l'instant, tout va bien. Si votre escarmouche avec la sécurité a déclenché les alarmes, pour le moment vous n'entendez rien. Monika dirige le reste de l'équipe vers le sous-sol du Manoir Harfeld.

Votre récompense vous attend. Le data-vault se trouve justement là.
Survive for $(scene.RoundsLeft) turns Survivre pendant $(scene.RoundsLeft) tours
The door unlocks with a loud click. Your escape route is clear. La porte se déverrouille avec un déclic. Votre sortie de secours est toute tracée.
Monika! No... no, this isn't happening. This can't be happening. Monika! Non... non, ce n'est pas arriver. Ca ne peut pas arriver!
We've got hostiles! This clearly isn't a data vault... we need to get out of here fast. Contact hostile! Ce n'est clairement pas un data-vault... on doit se casser d'ici, et rapidement.
TARGET ACQUIRED. CIBLE ACQUISE.
Terminal active. Activer le terminal.
Security Guard Garde de sécurité
Player Character Personnage joueur
Security Captain Capitaine de la sécurité
Activate the Terminal Activer le terminal
Survive Until the Door Unlocks Rester en vie jusqu'au déblocage des portes.
Slowly, you swim back to consciousness. The mound of stone that was Harrow's shrine has shattered, and the aura of power that it emanated is gone.
Struggling to your feet, you find Glory standing nearby. She looks as calm as she ever has, but something about her troubles you. You can't quite put your finger on it, but you can't shake the feeling that something is *wrong.*
Glory... you okay?
What's... what's happening?
{{GM}}She gives you a sidelong glance.{{/GM}}

I'm fine, $(l.name). But we need to get moving... things are spilling through from the other side, like rats fleeing a sinking ship.

And besides, we still have Harrow - the *real* Harrow - to kill.
You cough to clear your lungs of the soot and smoke that you inhaled in that Other Place, but to no avail.

To your horror, you realize that the smoke is here, too. Feuerstelle is burning.
From the hallway outside, you can hear a chaotic jumble of sounds.

Just on the other side of the door, a man is yelling - pleading - with something to *stop.* From the cries that follow, you gather that his words have fallen on deaf ears.

You also hear a fainter, higher-pitched noise. The screams of the initiates.
I can hear Harrow - he must be right outside. Let's go finish this.
Let the fire take Harrow. We can still save the initiates... they can't be far from here, I can hear them screaming.
{{GM}}A curious expression flits across her face.{{/GM}}

Yes. Let's.

I've been waiting for this for a long time.
{{GM}}She shakes her head.{{/GM}}

Too late for that - we'd never get them out in time.

{{GM}}A curious expression flits across her face.{{/GM}}

And even if we could, it wouldn't matter. I still have a score to settle.
{{GM}}She gives you a sidelong glance.{{/GM}}

We're getting what we wanted. Harrow - the real Harrow - isn't far from here, and he isn't in shape to put up much of a fight. But we need to get moving... things are spilling through from the other side, like rats fleeing a sinking ship.
The cask in this display case is decorated with inlaid panels of ivory scrimshaw. Ce cercueil est décoré d'incrustations gravées sur de l'ivoire de baleine.
The complete skeleton of a theropod dinosaur. It appears to be genuine. Le squelette complet d'un dinosaure théropode. Il semble être authentique.
A variety of remarkably well-preserved Slavic artifacts. Une variété d'objets slaves remarquablement bien conservés.
Life was good. Easy jobs, regular pay, a reliable crew. But things went south and you had to drop off the grid. Put a bullet in the past and start fresh somewhere new.

The promise of opportunity and anonymity draws you to the free city of Berlin: The Flux-State, a grand experiment in social order. Corporations tread carefully here. Even the great dragon Lofwyr only has so much sway in the constantly evolving power structure of Berlin. The perfect place for a savvy shadowrunner to disappear and begin anew.

And, as luck would have it, home to your old partner-in-crime, Monika Schäfer.

It’s your third run with Monika and her team. An old castle holdfast, one hour east of Berlin, perched on a hill overlooking the countryside. The job is standard smash-and-grab: crack the vault, grab the data, get out in one piece. A mediocre payday, but work is work. As the team gathers for Monika's pre-run briefing, you pause to take in your surroundings...		 La vie était belle. Des boulots faciles, une paye régulière et une équipe en qui vous pouviez avoir confiance. Mais les choses ont dégénéré et vous avez dû disparaître des radars. Tirer un trait sur le passé et prendre un nouveau départ.

L'espoir d'une occasion unique et de l'anonymat vous ont attiré dans la ville libre de Berlin : le Flux-State, une expérience grandiose d'un nouvel ordre social. Les corporations font preuve de prudence ici. Même le grand dragon Lofwyr n'a que peu d'emprise sur la puissante structure en constante évolution qu'est Berlin. L'endroit rêvé pour un shadowrunner malin qui voudrait disparaître pour recommencer une nouvelle vie.

Et par chance, c'est aussi la terre natale de votre ancienne partenaire de crime, Monika Schäfer.

C'est votre troisième run avec Monika et son bande. Un ancien château, à une heure à l'Est de Berlin, perché sur une colline surplombant la campagne environnante.
Le boulot est un genre de *hit-and-run* plutôt classique: hacker le coffre, choper les données et sortir en un seul morceau. Une paie médiocre, mais un job est un job. Alors que l'équipe se réunit pour le brifieng pre-run de Monika, vous marquez une pause pour observer les alentours...
THE HARFELD MANOR, 2054. One hour east of Berlin. LE MANOIR HARFLED, 2054, Une heure à l'est de Berlin.
A private museum. The owner of this estate must have money to burn. Un musée privé. Le propriétaire du manoir doit avoir de l'argent à jeter par les fenêtres.
Intel says that the elevator should be to the north.
Intruders at my position!
Get your stuff and we'll head in.
Security Grenadier
Security Mage
Security Node
Get to the Lower Floor Trouver les sous-sols.
Grab Your Gear From the Van Récupérer votre équipement dans le van.
Enter the Building Entrer dans le manoir.
Nerve Spear
Augment Spell:
Nerve Bolt
Dietrich's basic nerve bolt spell now flushes enemies from cover when they are hit.
Battle Hardened
Gain Armor
Dietrich's years of devotion to the Dragonslayer idol imbue him with an innate +1 Armor.
Advanced Knight Errant Drone
After the drones' sudden explosion, a message appears on the drone control box's screen.
>>>Available Drone(s) 0
With no more drones to control, the display goes dark.
Board the train and return to the Kreuzbasar?
Looks like some squatters are living in this station.
Tunnel's collapsed. Not getting out this way...
The station's main power is off. The train's not going anywhere until it's back on.
IN TRANSIT
Your subway car is empty on the return trip to the Kreuzbasar. This stretch of the sprawling U-Bahn tunnel system doesn’t see much use, it seems. At least not at this hour.

As the train rattles on, you find yourself lost in thought. Old memories creep, unbidden, to the forefront of your mind. Memories of Monika in the old days, and the crew that you used to run with. Memories of success and failure, of wealth and poverty, of good times and bad.

Halfway back to the Kreuzbasar, you are jolted out of your reverie by a buzzing sound. Your commlink. You’re receiving a call.
It's so dark in this maintenance area you can barely see your hand in front of your face.
That's them! Open fire!
That's $(scene.himher)! Open fire!
Target acquired.
I'm hit!
Solid hit.
Got one.
Doesn't look like the train will be going anywhere with the access bridge extended.
It looks like the whole station's lost power.
We should try to find a fuse box.
Mercenary Captain
Mercenary Enforcer
Restore Power to the Train
Leave via the U-Bahn Train
Heyya, chief. That was a hell of a thing, wasn't it?
Yeah, it was. I'm glad to hear that you'll be staying on with the team.
{{GM}}He puts on a lazy smile.{{/GM}}

Couldn't keep me away.
Oh, hey, I heard back from Emilie, by the way. In another month or two, you'll get a chance to meet her... she's comin' to the Kreuzbasar.

Apparently, her little operation was a success.
Great news, Blitz! I'll be looking forward to it.
Blitz... I don't want to offend you. But I've really, truly heard enough about your love life.
Yeah, chief. Me too.

Me too.
All right, I'm gonna continue making my rounds. Oh, and Blitz... you've done a great job, all around.
Thanks, chief. You too.
{{GM}}He chuckles.{{/GM}}

All right, chief. No more relationship talk.

Go on, get out of here. If you need me later, you know where to find me.
Sure. Oh, and Blitz... you've done a great job all around.
Well, it's not like I'm doin' much else.

That whole Emilie thing still stings, chief. It sort of took the wind out of my sails.
They won't stay deflated for long, I'm sure. Maybe I could introduce you to some people... I make a pretty good wingman.
Well, that's how you should feel. You nearly got that girl killed.
{{GM}}He offers you a tenative smile.{{/GM}}

Maybe, chief. But not right now.

For the time being, I think that I need some "me" time.
{{GM}}He grimaces.{{/GM}}

Thanks for reminding me.

No offense, chief, but maybe you could talk to one of the others. I don't feel much like celebrating anymore.
All right, Blitz. Good job all around.
{{GM}}He puts on a lazy smile and shrugs.{{/GM}}

'Course I'm staying. The team would fall apart without me.
Of course it would. Say, how'd that situation with your ex turn out?
Oh... uh, I'd rather not talk about that. No biggie, or anything, but I don't really want to get into it.

{{GM}}His face reddens slightly, and he shakes his head.{{/GM}}

She was crazy anyway.
Anyway, chief, why don't you go talk to the others? Y'know, spread the love around?

I'm doing just fine here on my own.
Frankly, chief, I'm surprised that you care. I mean, all this time, and we've barely even talked... I didn't hear a peep from you when we weren't on a run.

{{GM}}He shrugs.{{/GM}}

I dunno. I just didn't think that we were friends, exactly. Friendly, but not friends.
Well, maybe we can change that.
You're right, we're not. Carry on.
Maybe we can, chief. I'm game if you are.

Wanna meet up later at the soykaf shop? We can trade war stories over a smoke.
All right. But you're buying.
{{GM}}He breaks into a broad smile.{{/GM}}

Deal.
{{GM}}He frowns slightly, but nods.{{/GM}}

All right, $(l.name). Works for me.

Good talkin' to you.
I can't do this if I can't concentrate. Handle the guards - that's what you're here for.
Atlas Visual Testing Records
Visual recordings of testing the MKVI prototype.
Paydata: DNA "Donor" List
A list of DNA donors, along with the times and methods of sample acquisition. It appears that the majority of the samples were obtained without the donors' knowledge. This information could be worth a lot... both to the people named on the list, and to the Azzies themselves.
{{GM}}Danni wheels on you, her cheeks streaked with tears. She points a delicate finger at you.{{/GM}}

There $(l.he) is!
You goddamned heartless bastard!
{{GM}}While Danni and Mira are clearly furious, Heimerich just looks tired. He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Why'd you do it? You know that we can't fight the Azzies.

You *know* what they're going to do to us.
{{CC}}Charisma: $(story.Global_Skillcheck_Medium){{/CC}} I'm sorry I had to drag you into this even deeper than you already were. But maybe I can make it up to you.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Street{{/CC}} To get what you need, sometimes you have to stray outside the lines. You know that as well as I do.
Sorry, but I've got bigger things to worry about than your cafe.
By the time that the Azzies come looking for you, you could be out of here. I wouldn't wait around long, though.
Say, chief... if you wanted me to, I could probably set things right for these kids from inside the facility.

If I tossed the Azzies' utility logs, they'd have no way of tracing the power spike back to this conduit.
You can do that?
{{GM}}He smirks.{{/GM}}

Sure! Wouldn't be a big deal. I used to do it all the time back in Drogenkippe.

{{GM}}He raises an eyebrow at you.{{/GM}}

Your call, though, chief. Obviously.
If you could do that, I suppose it'd solve the problem on our end...
Sure. Why not? We'll make sure that you're taken care of.
We're shadowrunners, not a charity. I won't lift a finger unless we're getting paid.
I'm sorry, but we can't afford to waste time on this. The stakes of this run are too high.
{{GM}}Danni raises a hand and cuts in.{{/GM}}

Wait! Tossing the logs won't be enough.

They may not know where the power spike came from, but they'll still have questions.
She's right! They'd come poking around, and we could still wind up on the hook for this.
{{GM}}A thoughtful look crosses her face.{{/GM}}

If you were to plant false evidence that the surge came over the grid, though... that might do it.

Yeah. You do that, and we'll be good.
{{GM}}Blitz shrugs.{{/GM}}

Well, yeah. *Of course* I was gonna do that. I just, uh... y'know.

I thought that it went without saying.
{{GM}}Heimerich nods.{{/GM}}

All right. Yeah. You do all of that, and all is forgiven. We're golden.

But if you don't, a *lot* of innocent people are going to get hurt.
{{GM}}He stares you in the eye.{{/GM}}

Unless you want our blood on your hands, you *do* this. You hear me?

For the love of God, please, just do it.
There is a long pause.

Finally, Heimerich steps forward.
Am I right in thinking that you're gonna break into the Aztechnology facility over there?

I mean, that *has* to be your next move. It's the only thing that makes sense.
That's right. But we need to hurry, before they restore power to the building.
Yeah. And we're gonna take that place down.
Yeah, we are. What do you need?
{{GM}}He nods.{{/GM}}

All right. There is one thing you can do for us. The only thing that can make this right.

I need you to toss the Azzies' utility logs.
{{GM}}Mira nods eagerly.{{/GM}}

Yeah, that'd do it. And while you're at it, plant false evidence to make it look like the power surge came over the grid, rather than from our tap.
You do that, and all is forgiven. We're golden.

But if you don't, a *lot* of innocent people are going to get hurt.
Typical runner bullshit. I *knew* that we couldn't trust you people.

Get the hell out of here. I never want to see your face on our property again.
Shut up, Heimer! Shut UP!

{{GM}}She wheels on you, her face contorted in a mix of grief and rage.{{/GM}}

*You* overloaded the power grid, didn't you? You let Danni die, and then you deliberately sabotaged us!
{{GM}}While Mira is clearly furious, Heimerich just looks tired. He shakes his head.{{/GM}}

Why'd you do it? You know that we can't fight the Azzies.

You *know* what they're going to do to us.
{{GM}}Still blinking away the tears, Mira cuts in.{{/GM}}

Wait! Tossing the logs won't be enough. They may not know where the power spike came from, but they'll still have questions.
Yeah. Yeah, she's right... they'd come poking around, and we could still wind up on the hook for this.
If you were to plant false evidence that the surge came over the grid, though... that might do it.

Yeah. You do that, and we'll be good.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah. Yeah, that'd do it.

And while you're at it, plant false evidence to make it look like the power surge came over the grid, rather than from our tap.
Typical runner bullshit. I *knew* that we couldn't trust you people. Not with our business, and not with Danni's life.
{{GM}}Her face crumples, and she begins to sob.{{/GM}}

Get the hell out of here. I never want to see your face on our property again.
Have a change of heart? Decided that maybe you should help us?

Because if you haven't, we want nothin' to do with you.
Offer's still on the table, chief. Once we get into that facility, tossing their utility logs really wouldn't be much trouble.

Just say the word, and I'm on it.
Come on, $(l.man). Help us out, here.
Tossing the logs won't be enough. They may not know where the power spike came from, but they'll still have questions.

If you were to plant false evidence that the surge came over the grid, though... that might do it. You do that, and we'll be good.
{{GM}}She nods.{{/GM}}

Yeah, that'd do it. And while you're at it, plant false evidence to make it look like the power surge came over the grid, rather than from our tap.
{{GM}}An old couple tends to one of the many communal gardens scattered through the Kreuzbasar. They appear to be in their late sixties or early seventies, though it is increasingly hard to determine such things in this day and age. The woman is the first to notice you.{{/GM}}

Oh! Mein Schatz, we have a guest.		 {{GM}}Un vieux couple entretient l'un des nombreux jardins dispersés à travers le Kreuzbasar. Ils semblent être dans la fin de la soixantaine ou début de la septantaine, mais c'est de plus en plus difficile de déterminer ces choses là de nos jours. La femme est la première à vous remarquer.{{/GM}}

Oh! Mein Schatz, nous avons un invité.
Don't mind me, folks. Ne faites pas attention à moi, les gens.
I'm sorry. Didn't mean to intrude. Je suis désolé. Je ne voulais pas vous déranger.
No, please. Stay and chat with us. Non, s'il vous plait. Restez et discutons.
Say, you're Monika's new... associate, yes? Dites, vous êtes le nouvel... associé de Monika, non?
My love, why would you say such a thing? Mon amour, pourquoi demandes tu une chose pareil?
Well, what would you call $(l.him)? Eh bien, comment veux tu l'appeler autrement?
Friend? $+(l.he) is Monika's new friend. We don't judge their work. We are grateful. Ami? $+(l.he) est le nouvel ami de Monika. Nous ne jugeons pas leurs travails. Nous sommes reconnaissantes.
When have I ever judged? Quand ai-je jugé?
Yeah... About Monika... Ouais... A propos de Monika...
Guess you two didn't hear... Je suppose que vous n'êtes pas au courant...
There's something you folks should know... Il y a quelque chose que vous devriez savoir...
{{GM}}The woman's warm smile fades as she reads the tone in your voice. The old man frowns.{{/GM}}

What happened?		 {{GM}}Le sourire chaleureux de la femme s'évapore alors qu'elle entend le ton de votre voix. Le vieil homme fronce les sourcils.{{/GM}}

Que s'est il passé?
I'm afraid Monika didn't make it back from our last job. Je crains que Monika ne se soit pas sortie de notre dernier boulot.
You knew the work Monika did, so you know how these things sometimes end. Vous connaissiez le travail de Monika, alors vous savez comment les choses se terminent parfois.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we lost Monika tonight. Désolé d'être le porteur de mauvaises nouvelles, mais nous avons perdu Monika ce soir.
{{GM}}The old woman shakes her head in denial and opens her mouth to argue. But when the man puts his hands on her shoulders, she crumbles in resignation.{{/GM}}

I... I understand. Thank you for telling us.		 {{GM}}La vieille femme secoue la tête de déni et ouvre la bouche pour argumenter. Mais quand l'homme met ses mains sur ses épaules, elle se recroqueville avec résignation.{{/GM}}

Je... Je comprends. Merci de nous l'avoir dit.
Was... was someone with her, when it happened? Est ce... Est ce qu'il y avait quelqu'un avec elle, quand c'est arrivé?
She was in the Matrix. There was nothing we could do. Elle était dans la Matrice. Nous n'avons rien pu faire.
Everyone but Eiger. Tout le monde sauf Eiger.
We were all there with her, but we couldn't stop it. Nous étions tous là bas avec elle, mais nous n'avons rien pu faire.
I'm sorry, mein Schatz. I'm suddenly not feeling that well. Je suis désolé, mein Schatz. Je ne me sens, soudainement, plus très bien.
I just thought you should know about Monika. J'ai juste pensé que vous voudriez le savoir, a propos de Monika.
I have to be going anyway. Je dois y aller de toute façon.
No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. Non, je suis désolé. Je ne voulais pas vous contrarier.
We appreciate it. Come, my love. We've done enough work for today. Nous apprécions cela. Viens, mon amour. Nous avons assez travaillé pour aujourd'hui.
Be well. Portez vous bien.
We know. And we'll be all right, won't we, my love? Nous savons. Et tout ira bien, n'est ce pas, mon amour?
Hugging each other, the old couple seems somehow older and more frail than they did at your first approach. They won't be the only ones mourning tonight, once the news has spread. S'étreignant, le vieux couple semble un peu plus âgé et fragile qu'il ne l'était lors de votre première rencontre. Ils ne seront pas les seuls endeuillés ce soir, lorsque la nouvelle se sera répandue.
{{GM}}The old man glares at your callous tone, but when he sees the expression on his woman's face, he can't maintain his anger.{{/GM}}

I thought... I thought she'd make it. Long term, I mean. She was always so careful.		 {{GM}}Le vieil homme relève votre ton cynique, mais lorsqu'il remarque l'expression de sa femme, il ne peut maintenir sa colère.{{/GM}}

Je pensais... Je pensais qu'elle s'en sortirait. A long terme, je veux dire. Elle était toujours tellement prudente.
{{GM}}The old woman's thin shoulders slump, making her seem even smaller than she already is.{{/GM}}

She can't be gone. She... she's the heart of this place.		 {{GM}}Les minces épaules de la vieille femme s'affaissent, la rendant plus maigre qu'elle ne l'est déjà.{{/GM}}

Elle ne peut pas être partie. Elle... elle est le cœur de cet endroit.
We're just seeing to the vegetables. Doing our part. Nous récoltons les légumes. Nous faisons notre part.
Nothing of the sort! We welcome the company. Rien du tout! Nous sommes heureux d'avoir de la compagnie.
{{GM}}The elderly couple huddles together in the cool air, their hands cupped around their respective cups of coffee. Seeing you, they warm, if ever so slightly.{{/GM}}

Hello again.		 {{GM}}Le couplé de personnes âgées se blottit ensemble dans l'air frais, leurs mains en coupe autour de leurs tasses de café. Vous voyant, ils sourient chaleureusement.{{/GM}}

Re bonjour.
Still shaken up about Monika? Encore secoué à propos de Monika?
I neglected to introduce myself before. j'ai oublié de me présenter la dernière fois.
I should be going. Je devrais y aller.
We still can't quite believe it. I don't know what the Kreuzbasar will be without her. Nous ne pouvons toujours pas y croire. Je ne sais pas ce que le Kreuzbasar deviendra sans elle.
She meant a lot to this place. Elle comptait beaucoup pour cet endroit.
Drek happens. People die. Life moves on. Les merdes arrivent. Les gens meurt. La vie continue.
Were you two close with her? Vous étiez tous deux proche d'elle?
And this place meant a lot to her. Et cet endroit comptait beaucoup elle.
She made this neighborhood a sanctuary. A home. You ask anyone here why they came, and you'll get a hundred different reasons. But you ask them why they stayed, and you'll get one.

Monika.		 Elle a fait de ce quartier un sanctuaire. Une maison. Vous demandez à n'importe qui pourquoi il est venu ici, et vous obtiendrez une centaine de raisons différentes. Mais vous pouvez leur demander pourquoi ils sont rester, et vous n'en aurez qu'une.

Monika.
This is different. C'est différent.
Monika was close with everyone here. Monika était proche de tout le monde ici.
Oh, there's no need. Word gets around. You're $(l.name). Oh, il n'y a pas besoin. La rumeur va vite. Vous êtes $(l.name).
And you're the Becks. Et vous les Becks.
Afraid I didn't catch your names. Je suis navré, je n'ai pas retenu vos noms.
Even so, I should have made a proper introduction before. Quand bien même, j'aurai du me présenter en bonne et due forme.
Indeed we are. Kristian and Karin. En effet. Kristian et Karin.
You two lived here long? Vous vivez ici depuis longtemps?
Twenty-five years in Berlin, but only three here in the Kreuzbasar. Vingt-cinq ans à Berlin, mais seulement trois ici dans le Kreuzbasar.
It's the nature of the city. Always changing. A kiez that is peaceful one year becomes a warzone the next. It kept us constantly moving, looking for somewhere safe. C'est dans la nature de la ville. De toujours changer. Un kiez pacifique une année devient une zone de guerre la suivante. Ca nous tiens constamment en mouvement, à la recherche d'un endroit sûr.
Easier in our younger years. C'était plus facile dans nos jeunes années.
And then we discovered the Kreuzbasar, and Monika. We could tell she had a good head on her shoulders. So we figured this could be a home for us. Et puis nous avons découvert le Kreuzbasar, et Monika. On pouvait voir qu'elle avait une bonne tête sur les épaules. Alors nous avons pensé que cela pouvait devenir notre chez nous.
Still feel that way, with Monika gone? C'est toujours le cas, avec la disparition de Monika?
Perhaps a little less safe now. Peut-être un peu moins en sécurité maintenant.
I hope we can continue keeping it that way. J'espère que nous pourrons continuer à le garder de cette façon.
Hard to say. Difficile à dire.
The Flux sees to it that few things stay the same for long. Without Monika here to read it and react, I'm not sure what the future holds.

Only time will tell.		 Le Flux veille à ce que peu de choses restent les mêmes longtemps. Sans Monika ici pour l'anticiper et réagir, je ne suis pas sûr de ce que l'avenir nous réserve.

Seul le temps nous le dira.
I hope so, too. For all our sakes. But I do worry. J'espère aussi. Pour notre bien à tous. Mais je reste inquiet.
Kristian Beck, at your service. And this is my blushing bride, Karin. Kristian Beck, à votre service. Et voici ma mariée rougissante, Karin.
Well, we are pleased to meet you, $(l.name). My name is Kristian Beck, and this is my wife, Karin. Eh bien, c'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer, $(l.name). Mon nom est Kristian Beck, et voici ma femme, Karin.
Take care, dear. Prenez soin de vous, chéri.
{{GM}}When you next come across the Becks, they are back to work, this time bagging litter, slowly but surely. They seem grateful for an excuse to rest when you walk up.{{/GM}}

Good to see you again.
We understand that you've decided to keep on. We wondered if you and the others might leave us.
I'm not one to leave things unfinished.
Not when there's still work to be done, and Deutsche Marks to collect.
Gotta carry on where Monika left off.
Neither was Monika.
Is there anything we can help you with?
Has there been any more fallout from Monika's death?
I'd like to hear more about your time in Berlin.
{{GM}}The couple exchanges a look.{{/GM}}

By now, word has spread beyond the Kreuzbasar. There has been talk. Some have even seen strangers sniffing about.
It was widely known that Monika protected this place. Not alone, of course. But she was the architect of the Kreuzbasar's alliances in peace time, and defenses in war time. She was our diplomat and our general.
And now she is gone.
What about Eiger?
What about Glory?
What about Dietrich?
Let's not dwell on it any further.
Eiger might serve in a time of conflict, but she was not made for peace.
Glory needed Monika as much as any of us. Maybe more.
He strikes me as one who shirks responsibility more often than not.
Oh, what's there to tell? Our lives would be boring when compared to, well, you know.
You were here for the first Euro War, weren't you?
What about the Great Jihad?
How about the Night of Rage?
I appreciate your willingness to share.
Oh, my, yes.
We had just moved back a few years prior. Karin and I met in the UCAS. Got married there. But I had always promised to bring her home to Berlin someday.
Seemed that no sooner had we settled than the Russians were invading.
That was a difficult year, to be sure. But then it seemed to end as suddenly as it had started.
The assassinations. The Nightwraiths. We never saw any of it, mind you. I'm fairly certain that we slept through the whole thing.
And the next morning it was all over. The fighting, at least. There were still plenty of soldiers left in the city. German, Russian, Polish. But we had our lives back.
Those were dark days.
We weren't in any immediate danger here, of course. But the soldiers who had remained to restore order in Berlin were suddenly called away.
We had grown friendly with many of them. It was sad to see them go, especially when so few of them returned.
But the bigger problem was their absence here in the city. It was anarchy, but without the F-State to keep parties in check.
We kept our heads down, worked our jobs, and waited for the day order would be restored.
Still waiting then, are we?
We'll never forget it.
For years, the city had been devolving into chaos. Violence on the streets, unbridled corporate abuse, political corruption.
I was working at one of the universities at the time. They had all become hotbeds for activists. Scared lots of folks from the city. Mostly humans.
By '39, metas outnumbered humans in almost every kiez. Groups like Humanis didn't like that. They held rallies, even tried to recruit us.
But the people united against them. Sent those bigots running for the Downlands.
And some say that was the day the Flux was born.
Take care.
It helps to keep busy, we find.
She'd be glad to know it.
Back again? De retour?
{{GM}}Kristian and Karin Beck walk arm in arm, enjoying a stroll in the unseasonably warm air.{{/GM}}

Look who's back, mein Schatz.
To what do we owe the pleasure?
Just checking in and checking around.
Consider it a routine patrol.
I feel better knowing everyone is all right.
So vigilant. You and Monika were cut from the same cloth.
We do appreciate your efforts around here. You seem to be adapting to the F-State rather well.
And how's the Flux treating the Kreuzbasar as of late?
You were here when the Flux started, weren't you?
Sorry, I don't have more time to chat.
{{GM}}Karin looks ready to make a quick reply, but Kristian places a hand on her shoulder and gives her a look that says they should not dismiss the question lightly.{{/GM}}

Since you ask, we do have some concerns.
Since we last spoke, there have been more reports of strangers in the Kreuzbasar. And with these visits, there have also come some unfortunate incidents. One with Miss Kim, and another with Mr. Laine.
What do you know about the Simmy Kim incident?
What do you know about the Laine incident?
For now, let's all agree to be more vigilant.
{{GM}}Karin turns red in the face, positively fuming.{{/GM}}

We know she was beaten. Assaulted by some cowardly drug dealer. (w)
You're speculating, dear. (h)
Fine. What we heard is that someone came advertising cheaper BTLs than what our resident Mr. Flash provides. It got Kim's attention. (w)
You think Zaak beat on her for shopping elsewhere?
Why would a dealer beat on a new customer?
Could have been someone else that beat on her while she was all chipped out?
I think it's a possibility. With Monika gone, there's no one to keep that boy in line. And might just be that he's grown paranoid that he's losing his consumer base. (h)
He's not the type, Kristian. We know him. Zaak is hardly an angel, but he is not capable of that kind of violence. (w)
Only Kim knows the truth, but she won't speak of it. (h)
I'll keep an eye and an ear out for more trouble.
It's the life Kim chose, and it comes with the occasional beating.
Give her some time. We'll get to the bottom of this.
Thank you. (w)
If you believe she chose that life, then you are the naive one. (w)
I truly hope so. (w)
Exactly my point. If someone wishes to steal Zaak's business, beating his customers isn't a smart way to go about it. (h)
And people say I am the naive one. Mein Schatz, we've seen life in the other kieze. Pimps and dealers who use fear and violence to cow others into submission. (w)
Maybe so. But if true, we have more to fear than we thought. (h)
No resident of the Kreuzbasar would have done such a thing when Monika was in charge. To think those impulses ever existed and now are free to be expressed... (w)
Only what we've heard. That he nearly killed a man who cornered him in an alley. (h)
A human, to be specific. (w)
We don't know that it was racially motivated, my dear. (h)
You think someone's trying to use him to get to Samuel and his group?
Maybe someone's trying to get the old soldier to come out of retirement?
Could it have just been an attempted mugging?
Samuel is well known throughout the city. He could rally the orks and trolls of Berlin if he so chose. But before he'd ever rise for war, he would confer with Laine. (h)
Could be that the man was trying to convince Laine to offer advice one way or the other. (h)
Or he was trying to kill him, which would surely give Samuel cause to react. (w)
Suffice it to say, war of any kind would not bode well for the Kreuzbasar. But should it come to pass, the presence or loss of the "Arctic Fox" would be significant. (h)
It bears looking into.
War ain't so bad, for those who have a taste for it.
Agreed. I'll stay on top of it.
Thank you, dear. (w)
Few here do, thankfully. (w)
We appreciate it. (w)
The mere suggestion of that might have been enough to provoke Laine. (h)
But he has made a vow. He will not take up arms again. (w)
I hope you are right, my dear. But once a soldier, always a soldier. (h)
Of all those in the Kreuzbasar, would Mr. Laine be your first choice of target? Crippled or no, he's still one of the most dangerous men here. (h)
It's far more likely that this was a targeted move. To recruit, dissuade, or eliminate. (h)
His experiences fighting in the Euro Wars could make all the difference in a conflict. (h)
Indeed we will. (h)
Not here in the Kreuzbasar, but in Berlin, yes. (h)
I remember hearing the reports of the anarchists burning City Hall, and seeing the smoke over the rooftops. (w)
And then came Schoneberg, and the Final Law. Few took it seriously at first. (h)
We were sure it was only a matter of time before the government or the corporations regained control. So we waited. (w)
And the government?
And the megacorps?
And the people?
And the two of you?
I wish I had time to hear more.
The government did nothing! They wrote the city off as a loss. Probably figured the whole anarchist movement would bury itself in time, saving them the trouble. (w)
Only it hasn't crumbled yet. Believers like Monika made it work. (h)
The corporations seemed to welcome the F-State. No regulations. No rules but the Final Law. (h)
All except for Saeder-Krupp. The Flux opened the door for outsiders to take a piece of Lofwyr's pie. (h)
Many of those left in Berlin were the disenfranchised. The old ways of running things did little for them, so most embraced the F-State. (h)
It worked out well for some, less so for others. (h)
It took us quite some time to find a place within the F-State. Our first kiez changed so radically that we were compelled to leave. (h)
Others we tried were worse. One even kicked us out because of our age. (w)
At times we regretted staying on this side of the walls. But then we found the Kreuzbasar, and we were home. (w)
We understand. (w)
Stay safe. (w)
Few things appear to be routine these days. (w)
Oh, we're fine. Thanks for checking on us. (w)
Welcome back. Re bonjour.
{{GM}}The Becks are listening to a local news feed on an ancient receiver patched into the telecomm grid. Seeing you approach, they dial down the volume.{{/GM}}

Something tells me you'd be a better source of the latest news.
I don't know about that.
Sorry, not in a sharing mood.
I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.
Such modesty.
So what brings you by?
Anything new happen while I was gone?
What's the chatter on the radio?
I'm sorry. But I really should go.
You could say that.
The Kreuzbasar has been positively buzzing. Perhaps not as evident now, but you can still feel it in the air.
There have been more incidents. With the vendors, Samuel's people, even the children.
What about the children?
What the situation with Samuel's people?
What's going on with the vendors?
Thanks for letting me know.
Scare tactics. Gangs, from the sounds of it. Intimidate the children to intimidate the parents. Despicable.
We never had children of our own, so we think of every child in the Kreuzbasar as our grandkid. And it kills us to be so helpless to protect them.
We see them crying. We see them run to their parents. And we see the worry in their parents' eyes, but what can we do?
Families just don't feel safe anymore.
They should be prepared to fight for their homes.
They might want to consider relocating.
Safety should be the priority for everyone.
I can't even think about it.
Many are doing just that.
We couldn't agree more.
Agitators. Targeting the younger, more brash members.
Those young men and women have already suffered so much. Now they feel threatened, as if they'll lose everything Samuel has provided them.
Could also be related to whatever happened with Mr. Laine before.
They all need to keep their heads.
The best defense is a good offense.
Samuel will keep them in line.
Easier said than done when you're young and feel immortal.
Also the best way to get good men killed.
So long as he himself is not provoked.
Aggressive competition. It was well known that Monika favored the vendors who called the Kreuzbasar home. But now, outsiders are making inroads.
We've heard Gunari grumbling, more than usual. We've seen worry creasing Maliit's normally happy face. And there's already been violence in Zaak's area of... interest.
Some would say this is the way of the F-State. It is the ultimate free market. But there are those who would do great harm in the pursuit of profit.
Gunari, Maliit, and Zaak can take care of themselves.
Yeah, like me.
I suggest we all look for the Kreuzbasar label.
I'm sure you are right.
I don't believe that.
Support our local economy. Indeed.
No, thank you.
It feels like there hasn't been this much activity since the Flux first began.
Something big is happening, but nobody seems to understand what it all means.
And if the F-State doesn't know how to react, everybody gets paranoid that they may be next.
Corporations, political groups, gangs. Everyone is on edge.
What have you heard about the megacorps?
What political groups are involved?
What's the word with the gangs?
We should all be on guard.
More than a few have been hit recently.
DeMeKo, EMC, Fuchi, Renraku, Teltech. The list goes on. No real rhyme or reason to it.
Nearly all of them, from the sounds of it.
NAP, the Lisbians, ORC, Royal Blue. We even hear things about groups that aren't supposed to even exist.
It's hard to tell with them, if they're being hit in the same fashion or just attacking each other out of fear.
But the list is just as long. The Horde, Red Skins and White Skins, the Green Bards, and on and on and on.
Always.
Are you ever?
Heaven forbid we put you in that situation.
Despite all odds against, the Kreuzbasar's oldest residents have survived. Kristian and Karin Beck are even helping tend to the wounds of the defenders. They are so focused on their work that they don't even notice your approach.
Are you folks all right?
{{GM}}Leave them to their work.{{/GM}}
Oh! It's you! We were wondering if we'd ever see you again.
And yes, we're fine. We've lived through worse in this city, and we had good people protecting us this time.
Thanks to you, no doubt.
I might've had something to do with it.
Sure, I'll take the credit.
We all did our parts.
Any other kiez, we might not have fared so well. But people here are different. They stand together.
Do we know yet who they were? What happened?
We've got some leads, yeah.
They're dead. We're not. What more can you ask for?
You don't need to worry. It won't happen again.
Best of luck then. Everyone here would sure appreciate knowing that the situation is being handled.
The situation is under control. We're on it.
Ain't making any promises, but we're on the job.
Take care of each other. We'll take care of the rest.
All we ask is that this is the only time. I hope you can promise that.
Thank you. We can breathe easier knowing that it's being taken care of.
The Becks continue to see to the wounded. Les Becks continuent de s'occuper des blessés.
{{GM}}The Becks stand talking with each other in hushed tones. They would appear to be conspiring together, if not for their advanced age and friendly faces. They greet you with warm smiles as per their usual, even after everything that has happened.{{/GM}}

Well then, have we recovered from the earlier troubles?
You tell me.
I certainly have. Don't know about you.
I actually wanted to ask how you're doing.
Well... I... I mean, we... We were just...

{{GM}}The normally straightforward Kristian finds himself momentarily fumbling for words.{{/GM}}
What my husband is attempting to say is that we're fine, but we're trying to decide what to do next.
{{GM}}Kristian nods along with her, as if being convinced of something in this very moment.{{/GM}}

Yes. The truth is, we were discussing whether we should stay or go. Things are changing...
But we also love it here. It is not an easy decision to make, especially at our age.
I understand. And I think you should do what's best for the both of you.
If I were you, I'd leave. Berlin is not a place for retirees.
We all need to stand together. United, we are strong.
If only we knew what was best. There is much uncertainty beyond the Kreuzbasar, and even more beyond the walls of Berlin.
If you don't mind us asking, what is this place to you?
A crossroads.
A base of operations.
Home.
{{GM}}Both Kristian and Karin grow pensive, and ultimately share a secret smile.{{/GM}}

Yes, I suppose it always has been.
{{GM}}Kristian and Karin exchange a look.{{/GM}}

For you, I suppose that is what it must be. Not so for us, of course.
{{GM}}Kristian and Karin look at each other, sharing a thought in the way old couples do.{{/GM}}

Thank you, $(l.name). Once again, you have helped more than you can know.
Thank you for everything, and be careful out there.
Few places in this world are.
I hope you're right, because we don't always feel so strong.
{{GM}}The unofficial grandparents of the Kreuzbasar greet you warmly on your return, with a hug from Karin and a firm handshake from Kristian.{{/GM}}

I had a feeling we'd be seeing you again.
Welcome back, dear. I trust all things are settled?
We finished what Monika started, in more ways than one.
Monika has been avenged, and then some.
The Kreuzbasar is safe. Monika's legacy will live on.
She would be so proud. Thank you.
And in case it wasn't already obvious, you should know that we've decided to stay.
We could never leave this place. We are as married to it as we are to each other.
Oh, are we now?
Don't you start with me, mein Schatz.
{{GM}}Kristian gives his wife a look that must have been in his eyes on their wedding day. He then composes himself and turns back to you.{{/GM}}

And what about you, $(l.name)? What does the future hold now that your work here is done?
We'll just have to wait and see, won't we?
Hey, as long as there are Deutcsh Marks to make...
Thing about the Flux is, there's always something new to deal with.
"We"? Mein Schatz, either we are in the presence of royalty, or $(l.he) has decided to keep on.
{{GM}}Kristian regards you more seriously.{{/GM}}

Is this true? Will you be staying?
Maybe. But no promises.
Not likely. Life of a runner to be on the move.
Can't think of anywhere I'd rather be.
{{GM}}Kristian nods somewhat somberly, but Karin stays more upbeat.{{/GM}}

We'll take whatever we can get. Thank you.
{{GM}}The Becks appear deflated, but nod in understanding.{{/GM}}

We won't forget what you've done for us. Thank you.
{{GM}}Kristian takes his wife around the shoulders and hugs her close as she begins to tear up.{{/GM}}

Neither can we. Thank you. Thank you for everything.
Quick, Kristian. Get my purse.
I think the Flux may have $(l.him), mein Schatz.
I hope they got what they deserved for taking her from us.
I just know she's been watching over us. And you.
{{GM}}Ezkibel's expression brightens when he catches sight of you.{{/GM}}

Ah, you're back.

Do you have my merchandise?
{{CC}}Bioware Samples{{/CC}} I do, in fact. It's right here.
Afraid not... I haven't had the chance to go get it yet.
{{GM}}He greedily snatches the samples from your hands.{{/GM}}

It took you long enough... yes, this is *exactly* what I've been waiting for.

Good work, $(l.name).
Ah. I was afraid of that.

$(l.name), it is clear to me that you haven't placed a high enough priority on retrieving my property. Evidently, you feel that your other responsibilities are more important.

I have decided to lighten your load by withdrawing my offer. You don't need to worry about it any more.
Wait a second. Are you... firing me?
Bingo.

No hard feelings - it's just business. I have already hired someone else to take your place.
Who did you hire?
Sorry about that.
That's no business of yours. The situation is being handled, that's all that you need to know.

I'm just sorry that you weren't able to benefit from the opportunity that I had to offer. This turn of affairs is your loss, not mine.
It's fine, my needs are being seen to... it's your loss, not mine.

I'm just sorry that you weren't able to benefit from the opportunity that I had to offer.
How is it my loss? You weren't going to pay me anything!
Yeah. Me too.
Let's drop the subject and move on.

Could I interest you in a new piece of cyberware? Some medical supplies, perhaps?
Not yet. Working on it.
{{GM}}He greedily snatches the samples from your hands.{{/GM}}

So you do! Yes... yes, this is *exactly* what I've been waiting for.

Good work, $(l.name).
The doctor turns away, rifling through the samples and inspecting their labels. He looks like a kid in a candy store.
As per our agreement, there will be no monetary compensation for this run. But if you'll give me a moment, I will add the samples that you've recovered to my inventory.

{{GM}}He looks over the samples that you've brought him, and eagerly begins punching their serial numbers into his PDA.{{/GM}}

I think that you'll be pleasantly surprised.
And now, if you'll excuse me...

{{GM}}His sentence trails off as he returns his attention to his merchandise.{{/GM}}
Thanks, Doc.
Hang on. There are a few more details that we need to discuss.
Fine, fine. But let's make this quick, alright? I want to get this merchandise logged into inventory before it starts to thaw.
Don't you want to know what caused the lockdown?
The Shiawase Corporation had eyes on that building. I had to fight one of their retrieval teams.
One of the researchers survived. He's gone insane in there over the past couple of years... he refuses to leave. Thinks that he's something called a "Knight-King."
That's all that I needed. I'll let you get back to your inventory.
{{GM}}A flicker of irritation passes over his face. He reluctantly turns back to face you.{{/GM}}

Yes, yes... I suppose that I do.

Go ahead, tell me. I'm all ears.
It was a stupid accident. Somebody spilled soykaf on a control console, and a bunch of test animals killed the researchers.
That's... ungh.

{{GM}}He grimaces.{{/GM}}

That is frustrating.

But I suppose that's all water under the bridge. I have my merchandise, after all.
Oh? I can't say that I'm surprised.

They were instrumental in engineering my downfall back in Spain... the bastards brought all manner of drummed up charges against me. The tabloid press had a field day.
I wouldn't worry about Shiawase. They may have their files on me, but they won't take any direct action against the Kreuzbasar. I have... information on several of their executives that would be quite embarrassing if it ever came to light.
How tragic.

{{GM}}He pauses for a moment, considering, then shrugs.{{/GM}}

As far as I'm concerned, he can stay there for as long as he likes. The lease is paid through 2061, and I don't need the building for anything.
That's uncharacteristically generous of you, Doctor.
The money is already spent, $(l.name). I can't get a refund, and the cleanup costs on getting the building up and running would ruin me. So it's going to sit idle, one way or the other.

Anyway. I already have what I need from the facility. If your little friend wants to play out his fantasies in there, he's more than welcome to - I wash my hands of it.
I will transfer two thousand nuyen into your account for the job. And if you'll give me a moment, I will add the samples that you've recovered to my inventory.

{{GM}}He looks over the samples that you've brought him, and eagerly begins punching their serial numbers into his PDA.{{/GM}}

I think that you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Ah. A pity. Please hurry - I do need to get my hands on that merchandise, and sooner would be better than later.

Now, is there something else that you need?
$(l.name).

{{GM}}Doctor Ezkibel gives you a once-over and nods.{{/GM}}

I see that you made it through the attack relatively unscathed.
As you approach the elf, you notice that he's in mid-conversation. His lips move rapidly, and his voice comes out in a low, quiet tone. The glossy plastic shell of a high-grade commlink glints on his wrist.
{{GM}}Listen in on his conversation.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Step away and wait for him to finish.{{/GM}}
Doing your best to look uninterested, you lean in slightly and strain your ears. You find that you can make out the doctor's end of the conversation.
No... no. The price I'm quoting you is *more* than fair. Well below market value, in fact. If you can't pay it, that's your problem.
Yes. I *know* that the price has gone up. This is a seller's market.
Well, then, you'll just have to find the money or go without. I'm sorry, but I have to go. I have a patient.
{{GM}}He presses a button on his commlink and looks up at you, a million-dollar smile on his face.{{/GM}}

Sorry about the wait, my friend. Welcome to the TRIAGE Cyberclinic.
{{GM}}He extends his hand to you.{{/GM}}

I am Dr. Xabier Ezkibel. And your name is...?
{{GM}}Shake his hand.{{/GM}} $(s.name). A pleasure.
{{GM}}Refuse.{{/GM}} My name is none of your concern.
Actually, I wandered in here by mistake. Sorry, I'll just be going.
Pleased to meet you, $(l.name). What can I do for you today?
I got your message. What did you want to discuss?
I hope that our recent misunderstanding won't have an impact on our ongoing business relationship.
Did you have any run-ins with the attackers?
{{CC}}Schematic: Auto-Injector (Hyper){{/CC}} I found this schematic. Think you can hook me up with this chrome?
You said that you were locked in your office when the Kreuzbasar was attacked, but Simmy Kim tells a different story.
{{CC}}Schematic: Auto-Injector (Bliss){{/CC}} I found this schematic. Can you make and install it?
{{CC}}Encephalon NEXT® Purchase Order{{/CC}} I had a piece of headware shipped here. Could you install it for me?
I need medical supplies.
I need cyberware.
Can you analyze a substance for me?
So, what was in that drug?
I should go.
Well. It took you long enough.

To answer your question, $(l.name), I *wanted* to discuss business. Past tense. But I didn't hear back from you in a timely fashion, so I hired someone else for the job.
Anyway. Let's drop the subject and move on.

Could I interest you in a new piece of cyberware? Some medical supplies, perhaps?
Business.

I have a job for you.
I'm a little surprised that you want to hire me. We haven't always seen eye to eye.
I'm always interested in hearing about new business opportunities.
That's true, we haven't. But I'm confident that you're the right $(l.man) for the job.
Why?
Good enough for me.
Not your reputation, I'll tell you that much. Some of your past clients have been pretty vocal about their dissatisfaction with you... a "Herr Fuchs," in particular, wants your head on a plate.

No, $(l.name), you're my first choice for this job because I know something about you.
Not your reputation, I'll tell you that much. Some of your past clients have been pretty vocal about their dissatisfaction with you... you should hear what "Herr Schmidt" has been spreading around.

No, $(l.name), you're my first choice for this job because I know something about you.
I know that you're in a bad spot.

And I know that you're gonna need all the help you can get if you want to claw your way back out of it.
As it happens, I can supply some of that help in the form of cutting-edge biotech. Very helpful stuff for a runner in a bind.

But before I can do that, you'll need to do this job for me.
All right, I'm listening.
No deal, doc. I don't like you, and I don't trust you.
Not your reputation, I'll tell you that much. Some of your past clients have been pretty vocal about their dissatisfaction with you... you should hear what "Herr Fuchs" has been spreading around.

No, $(l.name), you're my first choice for this job because I know something about you.
Your reputation. You get the job done.
Yeah, but there are other runners out there with equally strong reputations. So again: why me?
You're right, I do. Let's talk about this job.
Why are you trying to talk yourself out of a job?

{{GM}}He rubs the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger.{{/GM}}

I can see that you still don't get it, so I'll be blunt. You're the best in town at what you do, full stop. And I need the best, even if that means hiring you.
I don't like you, and you don't like me. But that doesn't mean that I'm unwilling to use you in order to become spectacularly wealthy.

Does that answer your question?
Yeah, that about covers it.
Not really, no.
Good. So let's get down to brass tacks, shall we?
Back before I emigrated here from my native Spain, I worked in partnership with a Berlin-based R&D lab. The biotech that they were developing was very hush-hush, very cutting edge.

Our arrangement was that I would bankroll their research, and that they, in turn, would provide me with unique merchandise to sell in my clinics.
Clinics? You had more than one?
Just tell me what you want me to do, Doc. I don't need to hear your life story.
About two years ago, things went sour. My name was slandered, and the fickle mistress that is public perception turned against me.

An ugly business, I assure you. Even talking about my fall from grace makes my stomach turn... the injustice of it all is almost too much to bear.
Certainly. I must confess that, before I moved to Berlin, I was something of a celebrity doctor. I had a chain of TRIAGE clinics that stretched from Bilbao to Madrid.

I was a very wealthy man.
...But then my name was slandered, and the fickle mistress that is public perception turned against me.

An ugly business, I assure you. Even talking about my fall from grace makes my stomach turn... the injustice of it all is almost too much to bear.
Just how was your name slandered? What did they accuse you of?
I'm sure it is.
All right, just skip to the end. You want me to break into this place for you?
{{GM}}He sighs.{{/GM}}

What didn't they?

Theft, medical malpractice, the sale of stolen goods. Other, more colorful accusations that do not bear repeating.
But that was then, and this is now. I came here to Berlin to escape all of that.

Of course, I also moved here to be closer to the lab that I'd funded, and the merchandise that I am owed.
I came here, to Berlin, to escape all of that. But I *also* came here to be closer to the lab that I'd funded, and the merchandise that I am owed.
So let me guess. You want me to go fetch your merchandise.
Yes. And to find out what happened to the lab itself.
The facility is locked down, you see. Nearly impenetrable. And I have no idea why.

As I was packing to move to Berlin, all was well. Sixteen hours later, I arrived to discover the building locked tight, with my merchandise inside.
The Turk, Altuğ, has been running surveillance on the site since I set up shop here. In that time, no one has entered, and no one has left.

Whatever went wrong in there, it must have killed the research team. I want you to find a way into the building, recover the cybertech that they were developing, and find out what happened to the researchers - in that order.
If the building has been abandoned, I'm surprised that the lot it's sitting on hasn't been gobbled up by some corp or another.
If your merchandise has been sitting in this building for two years, why didn't you approach Monika about this?
All right. Let's talk compensation. What's in this for me?
Don't be. Back when I was a wealthy man... before my legal troubles... I paid the lease for a decade in advance.

...And before you say anything: yes, it was a huge expense. But what's locked away inside of that lab is worth ten times what I've spent on it. I don't want anyone laying claim to it but me.
Who says that I didn't?
I had a... let us say, "tumultuous" friendship with your dear departed Monika. We had our ups and downs, you see. And on this subject, she was most certainly down.

That was her choice. I am hoping that you will be savvy enough not to make the same mistake.
I can't afford to pay you in nuyen... and that's your own fault, by the way. You shut off a good chunk of my revenue when you pulled that stunt down in the sewers.

But what I *can* do is give you first crack at any biotech that you recover from the site, and make it available to you at a discount.
This is top-of-the-line 'ware that we're talking about, mind you. Better than anything else that I've got in stock. And because it's biotech, the essence loss from implanting it will be minimal.

It's a win-win, even for a shaman like you.
So what's it going to be? Will you take the job, or not?
All right, Doc. I'm in.
Nope. I don't need any bioware, and I've got more important things to do anyway.
Excellent.

The facility that you're looking for is the former laboratory of Sutterlin BioScience. Take the U-Bahn to the Adenauerplatz, and you're sure to find it.

Best of luck.
{{GM}}He exhales hard in exasperation.{{/GM}}

All right. Forget about it. The job is off the table.

So do you want something else, or are you leaving?
This is top-of-the-line 'ware that we're talking about, mind you. Better than anything else that I've got in stock. And because it's biotech, the essence loss from implanting it will be minimal.

It's a win-win, even for a mage like you.
This is top-of-the-line 'ware that we're talking about, mind you. Better than anything else that I've got in stock. And because it's biotech, the essence loss from implanting it will be minimal.

It's a win-win, even for an adept like you.
This is top-of-the-line 'ware that we're talking about, mind you. Better than anything else that I've got in stock. And because it's biotech, the essence loss from implanting it will be minimal.

It's a good deal. Win-win for you, really.
I can offer you two thousand nuyen, plus first crack at whatever biotech you recover from the site.

I will, of course, have to charge you for anything that you want to have installed, but I can provide it to you at a discount.
In a word, yes.

I want you to break into the lab, find my merchandise, and bring it to me. If you can, figure out why the building was shut down in the first place and what happened to the researchers; if not, that's fine, too. But I need that tech.
All right. Fine.

The lab that I mentioned is locked down, and it has been for two years. There's lots of cutting-edge biotech in there... tech that is, by all rights, mine. I want you to fetch it for me.

Satisfied?
I'm beginning to regret my decision to reach out to you.

Do you want to hear about this job, or not?
Yeah, okay. I'll hear you out.
Nope. I don't like you, and I don't trust you.
The feeling is becoming more and more mutual by the second.

All right. Forget about it. The job is off the table. So do you want something else, or are you leaving?
Yes, good.

Let's.
Because I know that you're in a bad spot.

And I know that you're gonna need all the help you can get if you want to claw your way back out of it.
"Misunderstanding," $(l.name)? I'm sure that I don't know what you're talking about.
You know exactly what I'm talking about.
Well, there were these feral ghouls in the sewers that were eating people because you stopped feeding them medical waste, and-
About our friends. In the sewers.
{{GM}}Ezkibel's eyes widen. His voice explodes out in a harsh whisper.{{/GM}}

Shut up! Shut *up,* damn you!

Do you want to get us both *killed?*
On second thought, don't answer that. Don't say anything at all.

Here's the deal. You keep your mouth shut, and we'll both just pretend that none of... what happened... ever happened.

Deal?
Deal, Doc.
You're not hearing me.

I don't know what your'e talking about. I know nobody in the sewers, and you know nothing of my extracurricular activities.

As long as you're on board with that, our business together can continue unabated. Deal?
Good. Now, let's move on to other matters.

Do you have business for me? Some work you need done, perhaps?
No. Truth be told, I was in surgery when the attackers hit, and they never disturbed my office.

I spent the entire sorry event elbows-deep in the abdomen of an elderly dwarf. His nephretic screen needed a tune-up.
That's funny. Simmy Kim tells a different story.
Lucky you.
The sound of Simmy's name wipes the smile from his face.

He stares at you, the color draining from his cheeks.
Ah. Yes. Kim.

I didn't know that you two were acquainted.
So which is it, Doc? Were you sealed up in your office for the attack, or did you help her out?
Why the lie, Doc? You saved her. If anything, I'd think that you'd brag about it.
I did both. When I heard the gunshots, I ducked out of my office to find the girl. When I got back, I hid her away and went directly into surgery.

Thanks to a copious dose of isoflurane and nitrous oxide, my patient was blissfully unaware of the interruption.
Lucky him.
Simmy also said that she heard gunshots and breaking glass. Care to revise your story any further?
Indeed. Considering how long his innards were exposed to the open air, his prognosis is looking rather good.
{{GM}}Ezkibel's lips tighten in distaste.{{/GM}}

Please don't call her that. Her name is Kim.

And yes, an attacker did break in partway through the operation. He fired his weapon into the wall and shattered some very delicate equipment.
And? How'd you get rid of him?
Seems like you made it through in one piece.
That will remain my secret. Suffice it to say that my experiences in Spain gave me a newfound appreciation for high-lethality security systems. Let your imagination run wild from there.
There is a long pause. Ezkibel tries on another smile, but it falls away quickly.
I don't intend to spend any longer on this, $(l.name). I've already said my piece.

I feel a certain level of responsibility for Kim's welfare - never mind why. So I take care of her as best I can. That's all that I intend to say on the subject, so we can talk shop, or you can leave. Your choice.
Quite. We all rode out the conflict unscathed.

My elderly patient has the distinction of being the only Kreuzbasar resident to emerge from the attack better off than he was before it started.
It wasn't a lie - not completely. I *was* working on a patient when the fighting broke out.

When I heard the gunshots, I ducked out of my office to find the girl. When I got back, I hid her away and went back into surgery.

Thanks to a copious dose of isoflurane and nitrous oxide, my patient was blissfully unaware of the interruption.
{{GM}}He grins conspiratorially.{{/GM}}

Lucky him, you mean. Poor old guy had the bladder capacity of a pygmy shrew. He was in desperate need of my help.

But on to more important things, eh? What can TRIAGE do for you today?
Hmmm. *Very* nice.

The design appears to be simple enough. Yes, I should be able to provide you with this.

It won't be cheap, though.
Interesting. These types of implanted injectors have become popular with some of the local gangs. Yes, I can install it, though I will need payment for the materials.
{{GM}}Ezkibel takes the purchase order from your hand and scans it over.{{/GM}}

Oh, yes... yes, this arrived just this morning.

I can certainly install it for you, but it won't be cheap.
I expected as much. Tell me what the damage is going to be.
But I already own the cyberware! Shouldn't that entitle me to a discount, or something?
No.

{{GM}}Seeing your expression, he continues.{{/GM}}

Look, we're talking about neurosurgery here. It's risky, delicate work... a damn sight more difficult than stamping out a chip.
I won't charge you for the device, of course. You already own that.

But if you want me to put it into your head, it's going to cost. Period.
All right, fine. Let me see how much.
Maybe I'll take my business elsewhere.
As your doctor, I'm obligated to tell you that I wouldn't recommend it.

{{GM}}He smirks.{{/GM}}

But if your mind's made up, be my guest. Go out looking for discount brain surgery. See where that gets you.
Point taken. Tell me how much you're charging for the procedure.
Never mind. I'm leaving.
Should be simple enough. You'll have to leave it here with me, and come back later for the results.
{{CC}}Item: Flash{{/CC}} This is being sold on the streets. Can you tell me what's in it?
I'll take a look at it. Come back in a day or so.
Well... about that. I sure hope you haven't been taking that stuff.
Oh, no. Never. A friend of mine used it once.
It was nuts. That's why I came to you.
I put a small sample in my mass spectrometer and I noticed a very curious odor. Quite sweet, in fact, but co-mingled with the smell of burnt plastic.

I examined a bit under the microscope while it was running. My eyes came to the same conclusion as the spectrometer, though it did narrow down some specifics.
Basically, what you have here is a crystalline version of the methamphetamine "Cram" which is popular in some neighboring kiez. It hasn't caught on around the Kreuzbasar quite yet though.

These crystals were ground into a fine dust, then it was cut with powdered sugar, and what appears to be a polycarbonate "glitter". I would imagine that when the drug is administered, the glitter would open micro-lacerations in the skin, allowing the drug's effects to be felt more rapidly.
Due to the powdered sugar and glitter, though, I would imagine that you're getting less Cram than you would from a pure, uncut source.
Interesting. Thanks for the run-down, Doc.
So, I probably shouldn't take this?
I'll tell my friend it's not safe.
No problem. Let me know if you have any other health concerns.
Oh. Well, I would be an awful doctor if I didn't recommend that you cease ingesting this substance.
{{GM}}The smile dies on his face. He lowers his hand.{{/GM}}

I was just being polite, $(l.name). I know who you are... word travels fast in the Kreuzbasar.

So tell me. What do you want?
Not a problem, my friend. Take care.
{{GM}}You step away from the doctor and wait for him to finish.

Soon enough, he presses a button on his commlink and looks up at you, a million-dollar smile on his face.{{/GM}}

Sorry about the wait, my friend. Welcome to the Triage Cyberclinic.
Welcome back. What can I do for you, my friend?
Welcome to the Triage Cyberclinic, my friend.

{{GM}}He extends his hand to you.{{/GM}}

I am Dr. Xabier Ezkibel. And your name is...?
A pair of round eyes peer up at you from under the hood of a grime-smeared winter coat.

You recognize him as David, one of the Kreuzbasar's street kids. If you had to guess, you'd place him in his mid teens, though it's difficult to tell beneath the grime and acne marring his face. You've seen him following Monika around between runs, chasing her heels like a lost puppy.

She always seemed to have a soft spot for the kid.
Oh, hoi, $(l.name). Have you seen Monika around?

I've been looking all over for her.
I'm afraid I have some bad news for you, kid.
She's dead.
Uh, look, I don't have time for this right now. Why don't you go ask Paul?
{{GM}}The kid blinks, a blank expression on his face.{{/GM}}

She's dead, isn't she?
It was quick. She went peacefully. That's the most that any of us can hope for.
It was horrible. There was blood everywhere.
I'm sorry, kid. We all are.
Yeah.

Look, I... I think I wanna be alone right now.
{{GM}}The kid swallows hard. Under the shadow of his hood, you can see that the color has drained from his face.{{/GM}}

Look, I... I think I wanna be alone right now.
{{GM}}The kid blinks, a blank expression on his face.{{/GM}}
Hey, thanks! I'll do that!
These lockers are stuffed full of spare Knight Errant security uniforms.
{{GM}}Dress up in a uniform.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Have your team dress up in the uniforms.{{/GM}}
You quickly identify the Knight Errant uniform that's the closest to your size and struggle into it.
Grimly, your teammates set about struggling into the complicated and ill-fitting uniforms.
This cabinet is stocked with high-end medical kits. There are enough kits for each member of your team to have one.
{{GM}}Pass out the medkits.{{/GM}}
You pass out the medkits to your team.
{{GM}}There are a few lines of text stenciled onto the hatch in blocky red lettering.{{/GM}}

[ACCESS TO UTILITY JUNCTION J4]
[ACCESS TO UTILITY JUNCTION J8 : CAUTION! ACTIVE U-BAHN LINE. NOTIFY U-BAHN OPS BEFORE ACCESS.]

{{GM}}It looks like a direct route to the underground U-Bahn station... one that completely bypasses the route that you took in.
Note to self...
{{GM}}Head down the ladder to the U-Bahn station.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Step away from the hatch.{{/GM}}
The utility hatch stands open. A ladder descends from here to the U-Bahn below.
{{GM}}The guard steps forward, interposing himself between you and the terminal.{{/GM}}

Your security clearance doesn't authorize you to be in here.
We're doing a building-wide maintenance sweep of all major systems. Want us to take a look at your terminal?
Well, we'll be on our way, then.
Your buddy across the way wanted me to give me a message... "status Indigo, comm compromised." Does that mean anything to you?
{{GM}}Attack.{{/GM}} I need to use that terminal. Nothing personal.
You know that I can't do that. You don't have the appropriate clearance to touch this terminal, let alone service it.

Besides, it's been running great since that other maintenance team worked on it last week. I'm surprised that you don't have that in your records.
You know how it is with us and Management. The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. It's ridiculous.
Story of my life. You have my sympathies.
Take it easy.
{{GM}}The guard jerks upright in alarm.{{/GM}}

He said what?! Step out of my way, please.
The guard is unnaturally fast; you'd guess that his reflexes have been cybernetically enhanced. In a blur of motion, he slaps the terminal's panic button and jerks his weapon out of its holster.
I already told you, you can't be in here. Get moving or I'll have to escort you out.
Shark Tank: Password to get into the Hacker's Room
Drone Auto Repair
Activates when a drone receives critical damage, initiates an emergency self repair.
Drone Critical Repair Kit
The man waiting on the other side of the door is wild-eyed and bedraggled. He looks as though he hasn't eaten in weeks; there's almost no flesh on his bones. His beard is long and tangled, and his jacket is smeared with grease.

He nearly jumps out of his own skin at the sight of you.
Who are you? Are you part of the Communion? Have you come to take me back? Please, no, I don't wanna go back!

{{GM}}He spits and claws at the air in front of him, as if fighting off an invisible attacker. All the while, his eyes are locked on you.{{/GM}}

No! It isn't safe! The spirits! IT'S NOT SAFE!
Calm down! There are no spirits... they're gone. The hallway is empty.
You're one of those cultists from the Hub, aren't you?
Okay, pal. I'm outta here. You have fun communing... or whatever.
Empty? Yes, empty. All is empty without Communion.

But... safe, you say? It's safe?

{{GM}}His eyes go wide.{{/GM}}

It's safe!
I am nothing! Only the Communion remains! Only the Communion matters!

{{GM}}His eyes roll in his skull, and a thin stream of drool runs down from the corner of his skull.{{/GM}}

The Hub! Yes, it is the source, the font, the home! It calls!

It calls, and I must answer!
{{GM}}He clasps his hands in front of him, pleading.{{/GM}}

I must return, I must rejoin! But it's not *safe!*
Tell me more about the Communion.
How does Parson figure into all of this?
The Communion is all of us! It is togetherness, the Joining! Something is taken... it must be taken! And in return, soooo much is given.

{{GM}}His voice rises in orgiastic glee.{{/GM}}

It's all yours for the receiving, for soooo little taken!
We *join* together in the Communion! It makes us strong! It feeds us, nourishes us! We *belong* to it, and it belongs to us.

{{GM}}The cultist shakes his head violently from side to side.{{/GM}}

*Nothing* must separate us!
Brother Parson brings us Communion. He speaks for it, and it speaks through him. He guides it, and though him, it guides us.

You must speak to Brother Parson. He will make you understand. He will make you listen!

Through him, the Communion will spread and grow strong!
You speak about the Communion as if it were alive.
I'm not liking the sound of this.
The Communion speaks, and we must listen. All who listen will hear the Communion and be forever changed!
You... you don't look like any spirit *I've* ever seen!

{{GM}}He eyes you suspiciously.{{/GM}}

But... you said that you were a spirit? You must be a spirit... they're everywhere now. All of the places, yes... all spirits.
{{GM}}The madman's voice becomes shrill with panic.{{/GM}}

It's not safe. Can't reach Communion. Can't hear Communion!

*It's not safe!*
Hello?
What is that smell?
Okay, nutcase. I'm outta here. You have fun communing... or whatever.
Oh no, this was a mistake! I shouldn't have opened the door. It's too late! Is it? It is!
Calm down! I'm not here to hurt you.
{{CC}}Etiquette: Street{{/CC}} Whoa, easy, man! I'm here to get rid of the spirits. I've just gotta have a quick look around first.
Lies! Deceit! You seek to deprive us, to remove us, but you cannot! You *will not* separate us from Communion!

It has warned! The Communion told us that the deaf would try and take us. We must resist!
{{GM}}He pulls something long and slender out of his jacket pocket. A knitting needle.{{/GM}}

You will not listen, so I will put out your ears! Now *hold still!*
Get rid of... ?

{{GM}}He breaks into a ridiculous grin.{{/GM}}

Yes, be rid of them! Go, GO! Rid us of them now!
Go, so I may return to the Communion! It has been so long... how long? Days? Weeks? Months?

Without the Communion! *Without!*
{{GM}}He reaches into his grubby pocket and pulls out an object. Shoves it into your hands. A jazz inhaler.{{/GM}}

Take it, take it! For clearing the spirits. To help return us to Communion!

We must again listen, we must!
Yeah... oookay. Don't you worry, I'll get right to it.
{{GM}}The madman nods vigorously.{{/GM}}

Yessss!
Smell does not matter! Without the Communion, *nothing* matters!

I must rejoin, I must! Help me rejoin! Help me to hear it again!
Look, there aren't any spirits here... not anymore. You can go rejoin the Communion, if that's what you want.
I don't know about this "Communion" thing. It doesn't seem to be doing good things to your state of mind.
I... can... return? To Communion?

{{GM}}He breaks into a ridiculous grin.{{/GM}}

I must go now! Yes! Communion awaits!
Is it safe? Are the spirits gone? I must rejoin the Communion!
Yeah it's safe, the spirits are gone.
No, not yet... those spirits are tough. I'm still working on it.
Keep working, yes! Kill the spirits! Kill them for the Communion!
Hey, wanna beer?
Sure, I'll take one.
No thanks.
He hands you an icy beer from the crate.
{{GM}}Drink the beer.{{/GM}}
{{GM}}Hold on to it for now.{{/GM}}
A well-groomed corporate couple stand in the corner, browing racks of pamphlets about neural enhancement headware.

The woman's head turns at the sound of your approach.
{{GM}}Upon seeing your uniform, her nose wrinkles.{{/GM}}

Oh, hello. Are we in your way...? We wouldn't want to keep you from your work.
{{GM}}Her spray-tanned husband chimes in.{{/GM}}

Right. The last thing we'd want is to come between you people and... whatever it is that you do.
No, I'm just browsing. Are you two here to buy?
Uhhhh, yeah... we've got some repair work to do. The flux dilator is leaking coolant. A real messy job, believe me.
Everything is fine, we're just doing routine maintenance checks.
Not for ourselves, but yes.

We're here for our son.
Our little Hans deserves the very best, and he'll need it if he's going to compete with his classmates at the Academy. That means headware from AugmenTech.

We may not be as rich as the other parents, but this, at least, is something that we *can* do.
This stuff isn't cheap. You must be very devoted parents.
I'm surprised that they sell cyberware for children. Don't the kids... I dunno... outgrow it?
If you ask me, buying something from a place like this for a kid is ludicrous. You're gonna spoil your precious Hans rotten.
I'd like to think that we are. And no, it isn't cheap. But unfortunately, these sorts of enhancements have become nearly mandatory at top-tier schools like the Academy.
{{GM}}The man sighs.{{/GM}}

Yes, he'll need another one in a year. And every year after that, from now until college.

But I suppose that's the price of success.
Our son's classmates come from affluent families. Even the least successful of Hans' peers has a pediatric Encephalon, and it ranges on up from there.

The Academy grades on a curve. If we were to send Hans to school without any enhancements, we'd be setting him up for failure.
What about the kids that can't afford cybersurgery?
The scholarship students, you mean?

{{GM}}He pauses, considering.{{/GM}}

Well, I suppose that *someone* has to be at the bottom of the pile.
Yes. But that "someone" won't be our Hans.
It's an unfortunate situation, of course.

{{GM}}He cocks his head apologetically.{{/GM}}

But then, that's the world we live in, isn't it?
Your world, maybe. Not mine.
It is, and that's exactly how it's supposed to be. It's a dog-eat-dog world - the sooner your son learns that, the better.
So the rich kids get the deck stacked in their favor, and the kids who got where they are on merit get shafted. Sounds about right.
Yeah, it is. You wouldn't want Hans to wind up at the bottom of the heap, like me.
Well. I suppose that I wouldn't expect you to understand.

And now, if you don't mind, I'll get back to shopping for my son. Go push your broom somewhere else.
Color me surprised. I'd expect a $(l.man) of your social strata to rant and rail against a system like the Academy's.
Why? I may earn less than you do, but that doesn't mean that I arbitrarily hate the rich, or that I think the world should change just to make things easier for me.
Well, that'd be you jumping to conclusions, wouldn't it?
That is so refreshing. Thank you for sharing your opinion with us... it's so rare to hear someone like you who accepts the way that things are.
Indeed. Look, this has been a really interesting discussion--
Yes. I suppose that it would.

Look, this has been a really interesting discussion--
Enthralling.

{{GM}}She flashes you a brilliant smile.{{/GM}}		 Captivant.

{{GM}}Elle vous balance un sourire éclatant.{{/GM}}
--But we really need to finish our shopping trip. So if you wouldn't mind...? --Mais nous avons réellement besoin de finir notre sortie shopping. Donc, si ca ne vous dérange pas... ?
No, of course not. You two have a good day. Non, bien sur que non. Bonne journée à vous deux.
You too! Toi aussi!
Like I said. It's the world we live in. Comme je l'ai dit. C'est le monde dans lequel nous vivons.
I should say not. You seem like a good $(l.man), and I don't mean to insult you. But you know how cutthroat it is out there.

Hans will have every advantage, even if I have to mortgage the house to provide it to him.		 Je devrais dire non. Vous ressemblez à une brave personne, et je ne voudrais pas vous insulter. Mais vous savez combien s'est difficile dehors.

Hans aura tous les avantages, même si je dois hypothéquer la maison pour cela.
That's big of you. I should get back to work. C'est tout à ton honneur. Je dois me remettre au travail.
{{GM}}She waves to you.{{/GM}}

Goodbye, now!		 {{GM}}Elle vous fait signe.{{/GM}}

Au revoir, maintenant!
{{GM}}She gives you a withering look.{{/GM}}

You really have no idea what it's like out there for people like us, do you?

You have the luxury of remaining unenhanced. Dull. Slow.		 {{GM}}Elle vous lance un regard cinglant.{{/GM}}

Vous n'avez réellement aucune idée de ce que ressente les gens comme nous, n'est ce pas?

Vous avez le luxe de rester non amélioré. Terne. Lent.